Chronic Prostatitis Without Infection

Prostatitis is a condition that occurs when the prostate becomes inflamed or swollen. It is considered a chronic condition when the symptoms last for several weeks. Although once thought to be the result of a bacterial infection, chronic prostatitis can occur for a variety of reasons. There are three types of chronic prostatitis: bacterial, non-bacterial and prostadynia (symptoms but no inflammation). Chronic prostatitis without a bacterial infection is also called inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Causes

• The causes of chronic prostatitis that develops without an infection are difficult to understand. The lack of bacteria in a urine sample indicates it's not a bacterial infection, but the presence of white blood cells can still indicate that an infection is present (this is not very common). According to ChronicProstatitis.org, one possible cause of inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome is leaky prostate syndrome, which occurs when the barrier of the prostate that prevents potentially harmful materials in urine from breaking through becomes damaged or broken down. Another possible cause is problems with the nervous system.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome are similar to those associated with chronic bacterial prostatitis. There will be pain while urinating, the result of the swollen prostate placing pressure on the urethra, which is often accompanied by a burning sensation during and after urination. Other possible symptoms includes difficulty urinating; pain in the area of the pelvis such as above the penis, in the back, below the genitals and in the area of the rectum; a consistent "full" feeling in the bladder; frequent urination; and pain during and after orgasm.

Treatment

• Although not commonly used, antibiotics may be use for non-bacterial chronic prostatitis, though this rarely serves as a cure-all. Other possible medications include alpha-blockers, which relax the prostate muscles and can potentially relieve symptoms such as the frequent need to urinate--examples include tamsulosin and terazosin. Frequent ejaculation, though painful, can reduce the amount of blockage and relieve pain in the long run. Unfortunately, the type of treatment that is most effective is different for everyone--the causes of non-bacterial chronic prostatitis can be difficult to ascertain. You should speak with your physician about the best possible methods of treatment.

Surgery

• In some cases, surgery may be performed. A transurethral resection of the prostate, which involves partial or complete removal of the prostate gland, is an option if conventional treatments fail to provide relief. It is typically relegated to older men with the condition, as it can lead to retrograde ejaculation, which occurs when the semen enters the bladder during ejaculation. This can lead to impotence, sterility and incontinence. If the swelling is too great to allow for proper emptying of the bladder, a suprapubic catheter may be used. This involves a tube placed in the bladder through the abdomen to drain the urine (Resources).

Complications and Prognosis

• Although not very common, a severely enlarged prostate possesses the potential to prevent urine from flowing properly through the urethra. This could lead to retention of urine, which can cause damage to the kidneys. If you suspect this is occurring, consult your physician immediately. Even if caused by a bacterial infection, chronic prostatitis is difficult to cure. The condition typically recurs, and finding the proper treatment that works for you may seem an insurmountable task.