Chronic Prostatitis Cures

Chronic prostatitis is a frustrating medical disorder because its symptoms can get in the way of daily functioning. According to the National Institutes of Health, chronic prostatitis affects 35 percent of men over age 50. Fortunately, its causes are known and there are several effective treatments that can cure it. The best cure for any particular patient is determined by his doctor, based on his personal situation.

Definition

• Chronic prostatitis is defined by the National Institutes of Health as inflammation and swelling of a man's prostate gland. The condition develops slowly, and the symptoms continue for several months. This time frame is what differentiates it from an acute prostate disorder.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of chronic prostatitis are not pleasant, and they often drive sufferers of this disorder to seek a cure. According to the National Institutes of Health, they include a frequent need to urinate, difficulty starting the urine stream, a weak urine stream, incontinence, blood in the urine and painful urination. Chronic prostatitis may also cause an ongoing low-grade fever and back pain. Curing the condition typically relieves these symptoms.

Causes

• There are several causes for chronic prostatitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment will depend on the cause for a particular case. The National Institutes of Health identifies bacterial infections as a common trigger for chronic prostatitis. However, it can also be caused by anal intercourse without a condom, an injury to the perineum area or drinking alcohol excessively.

Cures

• When chronic prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, the National Institutes of Health says it can sometimes be cured with a 6- to 12-week course of antibiotics. If the condition is particularly stubborn, medication may need to be taken for a longer period. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin are the two most commonly used drugs.

  If the condition keeps recurring, surgery may be needed for a permanent cure. The procedure, transurethral resection of the prostate, is not usually done to younger men because it can lead to incontinence and impotence.

Warning

• Men who suspect they may have chronic prostatitis should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If it progresses to a point where the urinary flow is severely restricted, urine may be retained and kidney damage can result. The National Institutes of Health warns that chronic prostatitis can be difficult to treat successfully because antibiotics don't always get into the prostate tissue well enough for a complete cure.