If your prostate hurts, you shouldn’t jump to conclusions. You should consult a doctor so you can determine your diagnosis and treatment protocol. In most cases, pain in the prostate signifies the presence of prostatitis. Continue reading to learn more about prostatitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment methods you can take to alleviate the pain and discomfort resulting from this condition.
In addition to traditional treatment methods, you can consider supplements, such as Prostate911 to alleviate symptoms.
What Is Prostatitis?
Prostatitis is a disorder of the prostate gland that typically represents itself as inflammation. It can cause painful or difficult urination, and pain in your groin, pelvic area, or genitals. Bacterial infections can also cause prostatitis. The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and it is located just beneath the bladder in men. It surrounds the top portion of the tube that drains urine from the bladder, known as the urethra. The prostate and other sex glands produce the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation (semen).
What Are the Types of Prostatitis?
Acute bacterial prostatitis- Bacterial infection of the prostate that usually presents sudden and severe problems.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis- Ongoing or recurring bacterial infection that usually has less severe symptoms.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome- ongoing or recurring pelvic pain and urinary tract symptoms that don’t present any signs of infection.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis– In these cases, signs are present of an inflamed prostate without any symptoms.
Symptoms
The following symptoms are the most common of prostatitis:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
- Difficulty urinating, such as dribbling or hesitant urination
- Frequent urination at night (nocturia)
- The urgent and persistent need to urinate
- Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum
- Pain or discomfort in the penis or testicles
- Painful ejaculation
- Fever, chills, muscle aches, and other flu-like symptoms (acute bacterial prostatitis)
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if you experience the following signs and symptoms associated with prostatitis. You should get an accurate diagnosis and receive treatment as soon as possible if you have the following:
- You cannot urinate.
- You have pain during urination that is accompanied by fever.
- You have blood in your urine.
- You have severe discomfort or pain in your pelvic area or genitals.
What Are the Causes of Prostatitis?
Acute bacterial prostatitis- Bacterial prostatitis is typically caused by common strains of bacteria. The infection might also have spread from other parts of the reproductive system.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis- This type of prostatitis typically has the same causes as acute bacterial infections. It might occur when treatment for acute infections isn’t effective for long enough to kill all the bacteria.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is not well understood but research suggests that multiple factors can collectively play a role. Previous infections, nervous system dysfunction, immune system dysfunction, psychological stress, and irregular hormone activity.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis- this condition has no known cause and it is generally only found during an exam for other medical conditions. However, it is not treatable.
Risk Factors
- Young or middle-aged adulthood
- Previous prostatitis
- Infection of the urinary or reproductive system
- HIV infection or AIDS
- A tube is inserted into the urethra to drain the bladder
- A diagnostic sampling of prostate tissue (biopsy)
Additional risk factors for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome might include:
- Psychological stress
- Nerve damage in the pelvic region due to surgery or trauma
Complications
Complications of acute or chronic prostatitis might include:
- Bacterial infection of the blood
- Inflammation of the coiled tube attached to the back of the testicle.
- A pus-filled cavity in the prostate
- Infection that spreads to the upper pelvic bone or lower spine
Complications of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome might include:
- Anxiety or depression.
- Sexual dysfunction, such as the inability to get and maintain an erection.
- Changes in sperm and semen count can cause infertility.
There is no evidence that suggests prostatitis can lead to cancer. However, researchers are looking into whether chronic inflammation of the prostate is a risk factor for cancer. Prostatitis is a common, painful condition that can happen to men of all ages.
Pain in and around the prostate can be a result of:
- Infection caused by bacteria
- Inflammation (painful, red, swollen tissue) from an injury or infection.
If you think you have prostatitis or you have chronic long-term sharp pelvic pain, you should consult a doctor to uncover your options.
The Prostate
Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
The most common type of prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate or the nerves that supply the area. Pain from CP/CPPS can last for weeks to years and it may also be due to the muscles in the pelvis. It is not an infection but symptoms can be like those in men with CBP.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
Chronic bacterial prostatitis occurs from bacterial infection and the symptoms are more gradual than other types of prostatitis. Because of this, it can take longer to treat. Fever and chills are common symptoms that accompany this type of prostatitis but urinary symptoms and ejaculatory pain often accompany this type of prostatitis.
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis
(ABP)
Acute bacterial prostatitis is an infection of the prostate due to bacteria. Symptoms might have a fast onset and they include fever, chills, urinary changes, and ejaculatory pain. Treatment with antibiotics often yields fast results, as well.
Nonbacterial Prostatitis
Nonbacterial prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate that can cause pain. This type of prostatitis can be the result of stress, nerve irritation, injuries, or past urinary tract infections. This type of prostatitis has no signs of bacteria in the urine or semen.
Treatment
Treatment for prostatitis depends on symptoms and lab tests and other findings will determine your protocol. For bacterial prostatitis, you will likely need to take antibiotics for at least 14 days. Occasionally, men are admitted to the hospital and given intravenous medications. If you have trouble urinating, your healthcare provider can use a catheter to drain your bladder.
For chronic bacterial prostatitis, you’ll need to take antibiotics for longer, possibly 4-12 weeks, around 3-4 weeks worth. Sometimes the symptoms return and antibiotics are required again. For cases that don’t react to antibiotics, low doses can still alleviate symptoms.
Bottom Line
Typically, pain in your prostate signifies prostatitis and you should see your doctor to determine your diagnosis and treatment. Treatment will depend on your condition and health history.
