Prostatitis: Signs and Symptoms

Prostatitis is an illness caused by swelling or infection of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is located right below man’s bladder and in young men its about the size of a walnut. It tends to grow bigger as man gets older. It is responsible for making most parts of the sperm. There are several types of prostatitis depending on how long an individual has had it and how severe it is.

Often prostatitis is caused by infection but actually most of the time the cause remains unknown. It is a well know fact that 5-10% of all men visiting urologist end up diagnosed with prostatitis, making it the most common urological disease. Prostatitis can lead to a lot of complications starting with minor ones like headaches, depression and going as far as making a man infertile, impotent, experiencing high levels of pain, fever, pus accumulation and what not.

Prostatitis is a one tough illness to cure and you have better chances if you catch it early, so let me tell you about the signs and symptoms of prostatitis. Prostatitis has three most common variations - nonbacterial, acute and chronic.

The most common form of prostatitis is nonbacterial prostatitis. Its symptoms may include the frequent urge to urinate while passing only small amount of urine. One can also experience burning sensation while urinating, pain in lower abdomen and/or lower back area. Among the causes for regular nonbacterial prostatitis these few can be pointed out as most common: stress, tiredness, insufficient and irregular sexual activity.

For nonbacterial prostatitis doctors recommend changing your diet for a healthier one, avoiding spicy meals and too much fat. Learning to relax is very important as stress and nervousness only adds to the problem. Frequent ejaculation is a must too. Also, taking hot baths, drinking plenty of fluids helps to keep your prostate in check in case of non bacterial prostatitis.

Acute bacterial prostatitis is a result of a virus, bacteria or even a sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms include severe pain during urination and high fever. Urination is frequent and urine stream is weak. It is interesting that infrequent urination may also be the symptom. Pain in penis, pain during ejaculation as well as lower back pains, swollen prostate, painful urges to urinate are all symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis.

This type of prostatitis is often treated by antibiotics and increased fluid intake. Doctor may also prescribe bed rest and some stool softener.

Chronic prostatitis can be bacterial or the result of an inflammation of the prostate. Symptoms of chronic prostatitis include frequent bladder infections, frequent urination, painful urination, and constant, persisting pain in lower back area. Other symptoms of chronic prostatitis are: fever, pain in lower abdomen, painful ejaculations, blood in sperm, discomfort in genital area and perineum, dysuria.

Chronic prostatitis is treated by antibiotics, changes in diet and life style, prostate massage and stimulation. Frequent ejaculation helps too as well as some non prescription food supplements do.

Remember if you have any of these symptoms and even if they are weak, you have to visit your doctor right away. If treated early prostatitis will most likely go away and not cause much damage, but if neglected, this condition can lead to catastrophic complications making man’s life miserable and painful.