Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. It can be very painful and distressing, associated with swelling, occasional fever and malaise, and disturbance of normal urine flow, but will often get better eventually. The prostate is a small gland that lies between the penis and bladder. It produces fluid that is mixed with sperm and other components to create semen. There are 2 main types of prostatitis, acute and chronic; bacterial and non-bacterial.
CHRONIC PROSTATITIS
This is the most common type and has symptoms that wax and wane over several months. Signs of infection in the prostate gland cannot usually be found. In these cases, the cause of symptoms is not clear. You’re more likely to get chronic prostatitis if you are older, have had prostatitis before, have other painful abdominal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or have had other genital tract infection.
ACUTE PROSTATITIS
This type is rare but threatens life and requires immediate treatment. It comes suddenly with severe symptoms such as pain, fever, prostration, painful urination, and retention of urine. Acute prostatitis is usually caused when bacteria in the urinary tract or rectum enter the prostate gland. The urinary tract includes the bladder, kidneys, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder (ureters), and the urethra. You’re more likely to get acute prostatitis if you have had a recent urinary tract infection (UTI) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), a urinary catheter, prostate biopsy, HIV or AIDS, anal sex or injured your pelvis.
Symptoms of prostatitis can vary, depending on the type of disorder. They may include:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
- Pain in and around your penis, testicles, anus, lower abdomen or lower back
- Difficulty urinating, such as dribbling or hesitant urination
- Frequent urination, particularly at night (nocturia)
- Urgent need to urinate
- Inability to urinate, which leads to a build-up of urine in the bladder
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in the urine
- Pain in the abdomen, groin or lower back
- Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum (perineum)
- Pain or discomfort in the penis or testicles
- Painful ejaculation, erectile dysfunction
- Fever, chills, muscle aches and other flu-like symptoms (with acute bacterial prostatitis)
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Several conditions can contribute to the signs and symptoms associated with prostatitis. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you need get immediate care by booking an appointment with the Urologist by clicking the link below: https://www.kelinahospital.com/request-appointment/
Src: NHCUk
