Prostatitis Relief

Prostatitis is the common name for a group of disorders that affect the prostate gland, the small, walnut-shaped gland that surrounds the urethra and sits below the bladder. The National Institutes of Health divides prostatitis into four categories based on their symptoms, cause and course of the disease. Treatment and successful relief is based on which category of prostatitis has been diagnosed and can include prescribed medication and natural remedies.

Types of Prostatitis and Their Symptoms

• All four types of prostatitis share common symptoms, such as pain while urinating; pain in the lower back, groin, abdomen, and perineum (the area between the penis and rectum); frequent urination and the urgent need to urinate; and painful ejaculations. Proper diagnosis is based on the type-specific symptoms that are present and through a number of tests, such as a urine and semen test, digital rectal exam and cystoscopy.

  Of the four types of prostatitis, acute bacterial prostatitis is caused by an infection. Symptoms mimic those found in a cold or the flu, such as fever, chills, nausea and vomiting.

  Chronic bacterial prostatitis is similar to acute bacterial prostatitis. The primary symptom is frequent urinary tract infections, while common symptoms may present as mild, severe or not at all.

  Chronic prostatitis is considered chronic if the symptoms last more than three months.

  Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis presents with no symptoms and is typically discovered only by chance during a routine physical examination.

Treatment for Acute and Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

• Given that the cause of acute and bacterial prostatitis is a bacterial infection, treatment is the administering of antibiotics such as Bactrim, Cotrim and Levaquin. These can be taken either orally or, in the case of more severe symptoms, through injections, and the course of treatment typically last two to four weeks.

  For chronic bacterial prostatitis, antibiotics are still used. However, the course of treatment will most likely be longer, and another course may be necessary upon completion if the infection returns.

Treatment for Chronic Prostatitis

• Given the lack of a specific cause, chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain is more difficult to treat than bacterial prostatitis. As such, there are a variety of methods with which to treat the symptoms and ultimately provide relief.

  While standard medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (aspirin or ibuprofen) are recommended to help provide minor relief of pain and discomfort, their use should be used under the guidance of a physician because of the possibility of side effects such as abdominal pain, intestinal bleeding and ulcers.

  Alpha blockers such as Uroxatral and Cardura are often used, as they work by relaxing the bladder neck and the muscle fibers found where the bladder joins the prostate. This may provide relief of some of the symptoms associated with urination, though some common side effects include headaches and a decrease in blood pressure.

  One other method of treatment, and perhaps one less inclined to be used by most males, is the prostate massage. Though safe, MayoClinic.com states that experts are in disagreement over the effectiveness of this form of treatment.

Home and Alternative Treatment

• Not intended to be a cure, there are a number of home-based and alternative treatments that can be used to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with prostatitis. These include soaking in a warm bath, avoiding spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine, and sitting on a soft cushion or pillow.

  Two forms of alternative treatment include biofeedback and acupuncture. Biofeedback is where a doctor hooks a machine to the patient used to measure body function. Through this the doctor and patient can see what specific actions might exacerbate the pain and take proper action.

  Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of tiny needles into the skin to control pain. According to Acufinder.com, a number of studies have been conducted on the efficacy of acupuncture in treating prostatitis symptoms, all of which have shown it to be an effective and suitable complementary treatment.

  UrologyChannel.com lists a wide variety of supplements that can be taken to help alleviate inflammation or serve as support to other medications. These include bromelain (anti-inflammatory properties), Vitamins C & E, selenium (an antioxidant), and flaxseed meal. One highly recommended supplement is zinc, which not only helps to prevent infection but is also concentrated and released by the prostate.