What is Prostatitis?
Prostatitis is inflammation (swelling) of the prostate gland. It can be a very painful and distressing condition. Prostatitis is most common between men in their 30’s to 50’s. The prostates is a small gland that sits between the penis and the bladder it produces the fluid that mixes with sperm to create semen.
There are several different types of prostatitis Acute Bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic prostatitis/ chronic pelvic pain syndrome and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.
Acute prostatitis is rarer, pain comes on suddenly and severely. It is rare but it can be potentially life threatening.
Symptoms include:
Pain in the penis, testicles, anus, lower back and lower abdomen, pooing can also be painful.
Pain when peeing
Needing to pee frequently or stop start peeing especially at night.
Blood in urine
Cloudy urine
Unable to pee (urinary retention)
Generally feeling unwell high temperature, aches and pains
Pain on ejaculation
Chronic Prostatitis classed as having symptoms for more than 3 months.
Symptoms include:
Pain in and around penis, testicles, anus and lower back
Pain when peeing frequent and urgent especially at night
Enlarged prostate on rectal exam
Erectile dysfunction
Pain when ejaculating
Pelvic pain during sex
It is important to see a GP if you have any of these symptoms, Doctors will do a rectal exam, check your abdomen and a urine test. They may refer you for more in depth tests if needed.
Treatment
Acute prostatitis is mainly treated with antibiotics and pain killers. If you have urinary retention or are very unwell you may have to go to hospital.
Chronic is mainly treated with painkillers and a medication called alpha- blockers which help to relax the prostate gland, antibiotics may be used in infection it found.
Risk Factors
Recent UTI
Urinary catheterisation
Prostate biopsy
STI
HIV/AIDs
Issues with urinary tract
Had anal sex
Injury to pelvis
Aged between 50-59
Had it before
If you experience any symptoms of prostatitis, it is important to seek advice from your GP as early as possible.
Men’s Health Clinic
Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic we have years of experience in helping men through a range of different health issues.