Prostate Infection Treatment

The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system. This chestnut-shaped organ is located beneath the urinary bladder and encircles the urethra, as it starts from the bladder. Prostate secretions form a small part of the semen. This milky white fluid is discharged into the urethra, at the time of ejaculation. Such prostate secretion helps in adding up the volume of the semen. Being alkaline in nature, this secretion balances the acidic environment of the vagina, thereby, increasing the motility as well as the lifespan of sperms. Prostate gland comprises several glands (30-50) and lots of smooth muscles. The action of these muscles during ejaculation helps to eject semen, at the same time prevents urination (by closing the prostatic urethra). Even though it is a small organ with certain functions, the prostate gland is prone to some health problems. Prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate is one such problem. This can be caused by prostate infection or without any apparent reason.

Prostatitis and Prostate Infection

As mentioned above, prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate is one of the common health issues in males. Even though it is commonly seen in elderly men, it can affect men of all ages. This condition is characterized by the inflammation of the prostate tissues. Prostatitis may cause symptoms like pain when urinating, frequent urination (particularly at night), urge to urinate urgently, pain in the abdominal area, back and groin, pain during ejaculation, etc. Even though prostatitis is a single condition that is characterized by inflammation of the gland, it may or may not be accompanied with infection. This results in the classification of this condition into different types, like, acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, non bacterial prostatitis, prostatodynia and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. So, the first two types are caused by bacterial infection of the prostate.

Even though prostatitis is a common complaint, those caused by bacterial infections are uncommon. According to health experts, only 5% to 10% of the total prostatitis cases are caused by bacterial infection. Even viral and parasitic infection of the prostate is not ruled out. In most of the other cases, prostatitis is said to be caused without any apparent reason.

Prostate Infection Causes and Symptoms

Even though, there are chances of prostatitis being developed due to viral as well as parasitic infections, those caused by bacteria are commonly found. Bacterial infection of the prostate is said to be caused in two ways. One is by the entry of bacteria to the prostate from an earlier urethral infection through the prostatic ducts. Another possible way for the bacteria to enter the prostate is by the movement of infected urine through the prostatic or ejaculatory ducts.

There are two types of prostate infection - acute and chronic. While both are caused by bacteria, acute bacterial prostatitis is said to occur suddenly with severe symptoms. But chronic prostate infection produces less severe symptoms and is said to exist in the affected person, for a very long time before exhibiting symptoms. As compared to chronic bacterial prostatitis, the acute version is very uncommon. The acute form is usually associated with infection of the urinary tract, but the chronic version is often seen in people with recurrent urinary infections. In case of acute bacterial prostatitis, the affected person may experience fatigue, high fever along with chills, painful urination, urgency to urinate, pain in the groin, pain during ejaculation, frequent urination and inability to maintain a normal urinary flow. In case of chronic form, prostate infection symptoms could be less severe and include frequent urination with pain, groin pain, low-grade fever, pain in the penis and lower back and joint pain.

Treatment for Prostate Infection

Infectious prostatitis is diagnosed with different tests like blood and urine culture, CT scan, MRI, Meares-Stamey 3-glass test (urine sample test), pre-massage and post-massage urine sample test (PPMT), intravenous urography, etc. Once the patient is detected with bacterial prostate infection, he will be treated with antibiotics. While acute bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotics for two to four weeks, the duration will be longer in case of chronic prostate infection treatment. If the symptoms are severe, intravenous drugs may be administered. Even pain killers may be prescribed as a part of the treatment. It is said that hot baths may be helpful for relief from this condition. Even frequent ejaculation, increase in fluid intake, avoidance of acidic and spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, etc., are recommended for the affected people. It is also said that stress-relief techniques, biofeedback, use of muscle relaxants and frequent prostate massage may be useful in treating this condition.

In short, prostate infection treatment is mainly done with antibiotics, as per the severity of the condition. If you experience any of the above said symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. The above mentioned is only a brief overview about treatment for prostate infection. As far as this treatment is concerned, your doctor is the best person to advise you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.