Prostatitis
Discover our animated video!
Symptoms, risk and screening
Are you over 50 years old, or have you been having urinary problems for some time now? This video is for you! Several diseases can affect your prostate, and it’s important to detect them early. Let’s take a closer look.
Overview
Prostatitis is a painful inflammation of your prostate. During their lifetime, 50% of men will have a form of prostatitis. It is a condition that can affect men of all ages. Prostatitis is caused by the inflammation or infection of the prostate. It can be caused by different bacteria – from a urinary tract infection, a sexually transmitted infection or catheterization as examples – and lead to acute or chronic prostatitis. It can also be of chronic type, without the presence of bacteria.
Acute prostatitis is accompanied by high fever, chills and general malaise; it is urgent to consult to avoid long-term complications.
Prostatitis is not a form of prostate cancer nor does it increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
There are four types of prostatitis
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
This is the most common type of prostatitis. This condition primarily causes pelvic pain, but other symptoms may also occur. Although the causes for chronic pelvic pain syndrome are not well understood, it is not caused by a bacterial infection. This type of prostatitis may persist intermittently for some time and occurs mostly in younger men. Some studies show a link between higher stress levels and the onset or amplification of chronic pelvic pain syndrome symptoms.
Acute bacterial prostatitis
This is a bacterial infection of the prostate. Bacteria can also spread to your prostate from your bladder, intestines, or blood stream. Symptoms can develop quickly and this condition can be very serious and may require hospitalization with intravenous antibiotic therapy. Symptoms associated with acute bacterial prostatitis include fever and pain in the thighs, lower back, and pelvic region. There may also be a complete inability to urinate (acute urinary retention). This condition can be caused by a urinary infection, a biopsy, or the use of a catheter.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis
This is an infection caused by bacteria that can last for more than three months. Symptoms vary with time and are not as serious as acute bacterial prostatitis. Chronic bacterial prostatitis can develop from a bacterial infection when bacteria remain in the prostatic region. Men having previously suffered from a urinary infection or inflammation of the urethra are more at risk of developing this type of prostatitis.
Non-bacterial prostatitis or asymptomatic prostatitis
This type of prostatitis causes an inflammation of the prostate. This type of prostatitis does not cause any symptoms and is generally detected by chancewith a prostate biopsy. Causes are unknown.
Risk factors associated with prostatitis
- Unprotected sex
- An enlarged prostate
- A trauma, prostate biopsy, or prostate surgery
- Bladder outflow obstruction
- Passage of a catheter or cytoscope into the urethra
Symptoms
Prostatitis can cause a wide range of symptoms that can differ from man to man.
The most common signs and symptoms
- More frequent urination (urinary frequency), especially at night
- A strong or sudden urge to urinate (urinary urgency)
- Difficulty starting or stopping the urine stream (called straining)
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Interrupted urine flow
- Being unable to empty the bladder completely
- Difficulty controlling the bladder (leaks)
- Pain or a burning sensation during urination
- Difficult or painful ejaculation
- Blood in the urine or semen (rare)
- Pain in the pelvis area (genitals, groin, lower abdomen or lower back)
- Fever and chills if prostatitis is acute
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
Diagnosis
If you notice any unusual symptoms or if the doctor suspects you of having this condition, the doctor may suggest you undergo certain tests. These tests vary depending on the type of prostatitis, but may include the following:
- A rectal examination to ascertain sensitivity and size of the prostate
- An abdominal examination
- A urine test and culture of bacteria found in the urine
- A blood test and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
- Imaging using ultrasound or X-ray
Treatments
Treatments are dependent on the prostatitis diagnosis and may vary from one man to another.
Treatments for prostatitis
- Antibiotics: to treat bacterial infections
- Intravenous antibiotics: to treat acute bacterial infections
- Pain medication
- Muscle relaxants: to reduce bladder contraction. They can decrease urine leakage and the urgent need to urinate.
- Alpha-adrenergic blockers: to relax muscles around the prostate, to relieve pressure on the urethra, and reduce symptoms affecting urine flow. They are fast-acting (24-72 hours) on urinary symptoms.
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: to reduce the size of the prostate if urinary disorders stem from prostatitis linked to BPH (enlarged prostate).
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Transurethral resection of the prostate to drain an abscess
Helpful lifestyle changes
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol, soft drinks, and drinks containing caffeine, such as tea and coffee, that can irritate your bladder and make symptoms worse
- Eat a healthy diet
- Sit comfortably if you need to sit for a long period of time
- Be active, it can reduce pain
- Avoid cycling or any other activities that put pressure on the perineum as it can make symptoms worse
- Do pelvic floor muscle exercises: these muscles help control urination. Doing these exercises strengthens your muscles and helps to reduce urinary symptoms.
Supportive treatments to help relieve symptoms
There is no scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of these methods in relieving symptoms, but many men did notice an improvement in their conditions.
- Prostate stimulation by a doctor
- Antidepressants
- Medication for sexual problems (medication for erection troubles)
Complementary therapies and relaxation techniques
These therapies can have a positive effect on your well-being
- Acupuncture
- Massotherapy
- Reflexology
- Aromatherapy
- Hypnotherapy
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques may help you relax and feel more comfortable
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Deep breathing
- Warm baths
We are here for you
You have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate. Contact us at 1-855-899-2873 to discuss with one of our nurses specialized in uro-oncology. They are there to listen, support and answer your questions, and those of your family or your loved ones. It’s simple and free, like all of our other services.
Also take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease, our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you, our events and ways to get involved to advance the cause.
Staying Informed
Pages that might interest you
Want to know more? Just click on one of the links below.
The latest PROCURE news that might interest you
Every week we publish a blog article. Here are some for you.
The medical content and editorial team at PROCURE
Our team is composed of urologists, and nurses certified in uro-oncology with a deep knowledge of prostate cancer and other diseases related to the genitourinary system. Meet our staff by clicking here.
Sources and references
- Prostate Cancer – Understand the disease and its treatments; Fred Saad, MD, FRCSC and Michael McCormack, MD, FRCSC, 4th et 5th editions
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Prostate Cancer Foundation-PCF.org
- National Cancer Institute-USA
- American Cancer Society
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Prostate Cancer UK
Last medical and editorial review: September 2023
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved
Prostatitis
Prostatitis
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a painful inflammation of your prostate. During their lifetime, 50% of men will experience some form of prostatitis. Prostatitis causes inflammation or infection of the prostate.
Prostatitis can be caused by various bacteria – from a urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted infection, or catheter insertion, for example – and can result in acute or chronic prostatitis. It can also be chronic, without the presence of bacteria.
Acute prostatitis is accompanied by fever, chills, and a general feeling of illness; it is urgent to seek medical attention to avoid long-term complications.
Prostatitis is not a form of prostate cancer and does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
There are four types of prostatitis
Chronic pelvic pain syndromeThis is the most common type of prostatitis. This condition primarily causes pelvic pain, but other symptoms may also occur. Although the causes for chronic pelvic pain syndrome are not well understood, it is not caused by a bacterial infection. This type of prostatitis may persist intermittently for some time and occurs mostly in younger men. Some studies show a link between higher stress levels and the onset or amplification of chronic pelvic pain syndrome symptoms.
Acute bacterial prostatitisThis is a bacterial infection of the prostate. Bacteria can also spread to your prostate from your bladder, intestines, or blood stream. Symptoms can develop quickly and this condition can be very serious and may require hospitalization with intravenous antibiotic therapy. Symptoms associated with acute bacterial prostatitis include fever and pain in the thighs, lower back, and pelvic region. There may also be a complete inability to urinate (acute urinary retention). This condition can be caused by a urinary infection, a biopsy, or the use of a catheter.
Chronic bacterial prostatitisThis is an infection caused by bacteria that can last for more than three months. Symptoms vary with time and are not as serious as acute bacterial prostatitis. Chronic bacterial prostatitis can develop from a bacterial infection when bacteria remain in the prostatic region. Men having previously suffered from a urinary infection or inflammation of the urethra are more at risk of developing this type of prostatitis.
Non-bacterial prostatitis or asymptomatic prostatitis
This type of prostatitis causes an inflammation of the prostate. This type of prostatitis does not cause any symptoms and is generally detected by chancewith a prostate biopsy. Causes are unknown.
Risk factors associated with prostatitis
- Unprotected sex
- An enlarged prostate
- A trauma, prostate biopsy, or prostate surgery
- Bladder outflow obstruction
- Passage of a catheter or cytoscope into the urethra
The most common signs and symptoms
Prostatitis can cause a wide range of symptoms that can differ from man to man.
- A need to urinate often during the day and night (frequent urination)
- An urgent need to urinate (urge incontinence)
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Intermittent urine stream
- Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Pain in the pelvic region (genitals, groin, lower abdomen, or lower back)
- Difficult or painful ejaculation
- Fever and chills if the prostatitis is acute
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Presence of blood in the urine or semen (rare)
Diagnosis
If you notice any unusual symptoms or if the doctor suspects you of having this condition, the doctor may suggest you undergo certain tests. These tests vary depending on the type of prostatitis, but may include the following:
- A rectal examination to ascertain sensitivity and size of the prostate
- An abdominal examination
- A urine test and culture of bacteria found in the urine
- A blood test and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
- Imaging using ultrasound or X-ray
Treatments for prostatitis
Treatments are dependent on the prostatitis diagnosis and may vary from one man to another.
- Antibiotics: to treat bacterial infections
- Intravenous antibiotics: to treat acute bacterial infections;
- Pain medication;
- Muscle relaxants: to reduce bladder contraction. They can decrease urine leakage and the urgent need to urinate;
- Alpha-adrenergic blockers: to relax muscles around the prostate, to relieve pressure on the urethra, and reduce symptoms affecting urine flow. They are fast-acting (24-72 hours) on urinary symptoms;
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: to reduce the size of the prostate if urinary disorders stem from prostatitis linked to BPH (enlarged prostate);
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Transurethral resection of the prostate to drain an abscess.
Helpful lifestyle changes
- Drink plenty of water;
- Avoid alcohol, soft drinks, and drinks containing caffeine, such as tea and coffee, that can irritate your bladder and make symptoms worse;
- Eat a healthy diet;
- Sit comfortably if you need to sit for a long period of time;
- Be active, it can reduce pain;
- Avoid cycling or any other activities that put pressure on the perineum as it can make symptoms worse;
- Do pelvic floor muscle exercises: these muscles help control urination. Doing these exercises strengthens your muscles and helps to reduce urinary symptoms.
Supportive treatments to help relieve symptoms
There is no scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of these methods in relieving symptoms, but many men did notice an improvement in their conditions.
- A prostate massage by the doctor;
- Taking antidepressants;
- Treatments for sexual problems (use of medications to address erectile dysfunction).
Complementary therapies
These therapies can have a positive effect on your well-being:
- Acupuncture
- Massotherapy
- Reflexology
- Aromatherapy
- Hypnotherapy
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques may help you relax and feel more comfortable:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Deep breathing
- Warm baths
Additional Information - Prostate diseases
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Advanced prostate cancer treatment strategies
Strategies for treating advanced cancer have significantly evolved, offering new options and hope for patients.
Cancer and Nutrition with Dr. Isabelle Huot
This conference provides concrete examples of recommended foods and products for patients.
Cultivating intimacy during and after prostate cancer
How can couples maintain intimacy during and after prostate cancer treatment? Is it possible to cultivate intimacy?
Radical surgery with Kevin Zorn
Learn about robotic radical surgery for prostate cancer and whether it is an option for you.
Advanced prostate cancer treatment strategies
Strategies for treating advanced cancer have significantly evolved, offering new options and hope for patients.
Sources and references
Last medical and editorial review: April 2024. See our web page validation committee and our collaborators by clicking here.
Discover our animated video!
Symptoms, risk and screening
Are you over 50 years old, or have you been having urinary problems for some time now? This video is for you! Several diseases can affect your prostate, and it’s important to detect them early. Let’s take a closer look.
Anatomy
What is the prostate
The prostate is a gland:
- Located between the bladder and the penis, just in front of the rectum;
- Formed of 2 lobes which surround the urethra, a canal that runs through the center of the prostate, from the bladder to the penis, letting urine and sperm flow out of the body;
- The size of a walnut, which grows larger in size in your forties;
- That has a soft, spongy texture to the touch like a small, ripe plum.
The prostate is made of:
- Gland cells that secrete liquids for ejaculation;
- Muscle cells that participate in the evacuation of your sperm during ejaculation;
- Fiber cells that maintain the structure of the gland.
Around the prostate, we find:
- The seminal vesicles, glands that produce sperm and that are located on either side of the prostate;
- The vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testicle to the seminal vesicles;
- The nerve bundles that control your bladder and erectile function and that are located on either side of your prostate.
Structure
Three main zones of the prostate
Peripheral zone
- The peripheral zone is the largest area of the prostate. It can easily be felt by the doctor during a digital rectal exam (DRE).
- Most prostate cancers start in the peripheral zone.
Transition zone
- This is the area located in the middle of the prostate, between the peripheral and central areas. It surrounds your urethra that runs through the prostate.
- With age, the transitional area increases in size until it becomes the largest portion of your prostate. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.
Central zone
- It is the part of the prostate that is farthest from the rectum. This is why prostate tumors located in this area can not be felt by the doctor during a digital rectal examination.
- If the doctor is in doubt, the following information will help decide if additional investigation is necessary:
- Your PSA level
- Your age and family history
- Your ethnic origin
Fonction
In short
Your fertility and natural fertilization
- It produces … a prostatic fluid rich in enzymes, proteins and minerals that nourishes and protects your spermatozoa.
- It makes … a protein (APS) that is used to liquefy your sperm to facilitate the mobility of your spermatozoa.
- It allows … ejaculation by contracting.
- It promotes … fertility through its enzymes facilitating the penetration of sperm through the cervix.
- It is not related to the mechanism of erection. Therefore, the origin of erectile dysfunction lies elsewhere.
Additional details
Exocrine Function
The prostate is made up of thousands of tiny fluid-producing glands. Specifically, the prostate is an exocrine gland. Exocrine glands are so-called because they secrete through ducts to the outside of the body (or into a cavity that communicates with the outside). Sweat glands are another example of an exocrine gland.
The fluid that the prostate gland produces forms part of semen, the fluid that carries sperm during orgasm. This fluid, produced in the prostate, is stored with sperm in the seminal vesicles. When the male climaxes, muscular contractions cause the prostate to secrete this fluid into the urethra, where it is expelled from the body through the penis.
Urine Flow
The prostate wraps itself around the urethra as it passes from the bladder to the penis. Prostatic changes can affect urine flow. Increasing the size of the prostate or muscle tone may impede the flow of urine due to the close anatomical relationship between the urethra and the prostate.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
The prostate also produces a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA is released with the ejaculatory fluid and can also be traced in the bloodstream. The testing of PSA levels in the blood is used to detect prostate cancer. The level of PSA in the blood is usually measured in nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood (ng/mL).
A raised PSA level
Usually, a PSA rate of less than 4 nanograms per milliliter of blood is normal, but age should also be taken into consideration as PSA levels gradually increase with age. A rise in PSA concentration may indicate the presence of:
- An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- An inflammation or infection of the prostate (prostatitis)
- A prostate cancer
Your doctor will have you undergo other tests to determine the exact cause of the increase in your PSA.
We are here for you
You have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate. Contact us at 1-855-899-2873 to discuss with one of our nurses specialized in uro-oncology. They are there to listen, support and answer your questions, and those of your family or your loved ones. It’s simple and free, like all of our other services.
Also take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease, our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you, our events and ways to get involved to advance the cause..
Staying Informed
Pages that might interest you
Want to know more? Just click on one of the links below.
The latest PROCURE news that might interest you
Every week we publish a blog article. Here are some for you.
The medical content and editorial team at PROCURE
Our team is composed of urologists, and nurses certified in uro-oncology with a deep knowledge of prostate cancer and other diseases related to the genitourinary system. Meet our staff by clicking here.
Sources and references
- Prostate Cancer – Understand the disease and its treatments; Fred Saad, MD, FRCSC and Michael McCormack, MD, FRCSC, 4th et 5th editions
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Prostate Cancer Foundation-PCF.org
- National Cancer Institute-USA
- American Cancer Society
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Prostate Cancer UK
Last medical and editorial review: September 2023
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved
