Acute Prostatitis

Acute Prostatitis is a sudden inflammation of prostate gland. Acute prostatitis is a very serious bacterial infection that is rightfully considered to be a medical emergency.

Acute prostatitis is most frequently caused by any bacteria that could cause UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). Most common bacteria responsible for acute prostatitis are: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis.

Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause acute prostatitis and most common ones to blame include gonorrhea, Chlamydia, urealyticum, and trichomonas. Prostatitis from an STD usually comes after an intercourse with an infected partner.

Sometimes however invasive medical procedures such as catheterization can cause acute prostatitis as well as trauma, bladder obstruction and infection somewhere else in the body.

Men between 25 and 35 are highest risk group for acute prostatitis. Those with multiple sexual partners and those who have anal sex (especially unsafe one) are the biggest risk group.

Also men who are over 50 and have some sort of a prostate disorder, like an increased prostate, or chronic prostatitis are at risk of getting a UTI first and acute prostatitis later.

Acute prostatitis symptoms often include: fever, chills, lower back pain, frequent urges to urinate, pain while urinating, blood in sperm, burning sensation while urinating, diminished urine stream and inability to completely empty the bladder.

Other symptoms include: perennial pain, abdominal pain, blood in urine, pain during bowel movement, testicle pain, foul smelling urine.

Your doctor will perform numerous tests to make diagnosis and these tests include manual prostate check, urine and blood test.

It is highly recommended not to massage prostate if patient is suspected to have an acute prostatitis. Infection could spread further to the body.

Tests may reveal high level of WBC (white blood cells) and bacteria in the urine.

In most cases acute prostatitis is treated with antibiotics and minor changes to life style and behavior. Most often used antibiotics are trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), fluoroquinolones (Floxin or Cipro), and tetracycline derivatives. Because of high recurrence rates doctors recommend extended course of treatment which is 6 to 8 weeks to make sure that infection is completely gone.

A person who is sick with acute prostatitis should avoid consuming anything that can irritate the bladder. This includes spicy food, alcohol, tobacco, chocolate, caffeinated beverages and foods, citrus juices. Fluid intake must be increased. It helps avoid dehydration and provokes frequent urinating which is a good thing. Patient has to empty his bladder as often and as completely as possible, this helps flush bacteria from the bladder.

Follow up with doctor is absolutely necessary after completion of the treatment course, to make sure that infection is gone.

Most patients will fully recover and be symptoms free after the course of treatment is over but they are likely to develop chronic prostatitis in the future and be probe to other occurrences of acute prostatitis, so proper care is a must.

Please remember that acute prostatitis is a very serious condition and if you have symptoms, please visit your doctor right away!