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Prostatitis Vs. BPH

The prostate gland is a walnut-size organ that surrounds the urethra and the neck of the bladder. It is responsible for the production of seminal fluid. Prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are two distinct disorders of this gland.

  1. The Facts

    • Prostatitis is an inflammation related to bacterial infection. BPH is an enlargement of the prostate caused by an increase in the number of prostate cells.

    Types

    • There are four types of prostatitis: chronic, acute bacterial, chronic bacterial and asymptomatic inflammatory. There are two types of BPH-related enlargement: growth around the urethra and growth into the urethra and bladder neck.

    Identification

    • Prostatitis and BPH can both cause urinary tract infection and difficulty in emptying the bladder, but prostatitis can also cause chills, fever and pain in the genitals and lower back. Proper identification of the disorders typically requires a thorough medical examination.

    Treatments

    • Prostatitis is treated with antimicrobial medications, surgery and medications called alpha blockers, which relax prostate muscle tissue. BPH is also treated with alpha blockers as well as other medications, surgery and nonsurgical techniques to shrink prostate tissue.

    Warning

    • Acute bacterial prostatitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.

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