Ultrasound & Prostatitis

One out of two men between the ages of 51 and 60 will suffer from some form of prostate problem, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement of the prostate. One out of 12 men between the ages of 31 and 40, and more than eight out of 10 after the age of 80, will also suffer from BPH. BPH can lead to prostatitis or inflammation of the male prostate gland due to infection. This small, yet vital, reproductive gland is located between the bladder and the rectum, and wraps around the urethra. Prostatitis is typically found in young and middle-aged men, though older men may also be affected. According to WebMD, only five to 10 percent of men will develop prostatitis in his lifetime.

Symptoms of Prostatitis

• Inflammation of the prostate usually results in pain.

  According to the Prostate Foundation, prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland which can result in four significant symptoms: pain, urination difficulties, sexual dysfunction and general health problems, such as feeling tired and depressed. If left untreated, prostatitis can lead to other, more severe health conditions. Prostatitis can be categorized as either bacterial (chronic), non-bacterial or acute. Symptoms of chronic or bacterial prostatitis typically include frequent bladder infections, frequent urination and persistent pain in the lower frontal or rear quadrant of the body (abdomen, back). The prostate gland, which is the size of a walnut, produces components of semen, the fluid that helps support and transport sperm, according to the Mayo Clinic. Frequent and chronic prostatitis left untreated can interfere with sexual function and/or reproduction.

Diagnosis of Prostatitis

• For a standard diagnosis of prostatitis, a urologist will perform a urinalysis and inspect the prostate gland.

  For a standard diagnosis of prostatitis, a urologist will perform a urinalysis and inspect the prostate gland. In order to do so, a digital rectal exam is needed for easier access to the prostate gland. The physician searches for any abnormalities located near or on the gland. He or she may also collect samples of the prostate fluid, or even perform a biopsy for suspected carcinomas. For chronic and reoccurring prostatitis, more aggressive forms of diagnoses may be recommended, such as a transrectal ultrasound. In this regard, a narrow wand with a scope affixed to the end is inserted into the rectum for a scopic view of the prostate directly. An ultrasound of the prostate can reveal possible tumors and cysts developing on or within the prostate.

Treatment and Benefits of TRUS

• Transrectal ultrasound is a useful clinical tool for specific conditions involving the prostate.

  Treatment of prostatitis can include the prescription of antibiotics, biofeedback and modification of diet. The most common form of prostatitis is non-bacterial, which is typically caused by stress and sexual activity. For non-bacterial prostatitis, anti-inflammatories may be prescribed without antibiotics. Only chronic and/or reoccurring prostatitis usually require a possible CT-scan or ultrasound. This depends on the treating physician and the type of prostatitis being treated. An ultrasound of the prostate is an effective tool for ruling out prostate cancer. "Transrectal ultrasound is a useful clinical tool for specific conditions involving the prostate, rectum and surrounding tissues. TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) is less expensive than CT or MRI; the equipment is more mobile, and the procedure can be performed more quickly. Finally, TRUS is well tolerated by patients, and involves no radiation exposure," according to AETNA.

Literary Resources

• There are several literary resources available on the topic of prostatitis.

  There are several literary resources available on the topic of prostatitis. "Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain," "A Headache in the Pelvis" and "The Prostatitis Syndrome" are a few books on the market as of July 2010 addressing the issue of prostatitis.

Home and Alternative Remedies

• Acupuncture is another alternative form of medicine used.

  According to the Mayo Clinic, the following can aid in treatment of or lessening the symptoms of prostatitis: soaking in a warm bath (sitz bath); limiting or avoiding alcohol, caffeine and spicy or acidic foods; sitting on a pillow or inflatable cushion; and avoiding bicycling or using a "split" bicycle seat.

  Biofeedback is also used in alternative medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, biofeedback teaches methodologies for controlling one's thoughts in order to control one's body. A biofeedback specialist uses signals from monitoring devices to teach of certain body functions and responses, including muscle relaxation. Some small studies have suggested the benefit of this process to manage pain associated with prostatitis.

  Acupuncture, the insertion of extremely thin needles through the skin to "various depths at strategic points on your body," is another alternative form of medicine used for prostatitis. Some small studies have shown this treatment may reduce pain associated with prostatitis.