Prostatitis Treatment in Cleveland, OH

Prostatitis is one of the most challenging and frustrating diagnoses in urology. Much confusion exists because symptoms of prostatitis are not unique. The symptoms of prostatitis resemble those of other infections and diseases, such as urethritis, urinary tract infections, and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Our urologists at Cleveland Urology Associates specialize in treating chronic prostatitis using state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment modalities. Call (440) 891-6500 to schedule your appointment at our urology clinic in Cleveland today!

What Is Prostatitis?

• Inflammation of the prostate gland
• It can affect men of all ages. For men under 50, the most common prostate problem is prostatitis.
• It is a major male health care problem.
• It accounts for 4 million office visits every year.
• It is estimated that 50% of all men will suffer prostatitis at some point during their life time.

What Causes Prostatitis?

The causes of prostatitis depend on the type.

Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The exact cause of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is unknown. Researchers believe a microorganism, though not a bacterial infection, may cause the condition. This type of prostatitis may relate to chemicals in the urine, the immune system’s response to a previous urinary tract infection (UTI), or nerve damage in the pelvic area.

Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis. The acute type happens suddenly and lasts a short time, while the chronic type develops slowly and lasts a long time, often years. The infection may occur when bacteria travel from the urethra into the prostate.

What Are Different Types of Prostatitis?

• Acute bacterial prostatitis
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis
• Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis

Acute bacterial prostatitis

Caused by bacterial infection of prostate – E. Coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas
If untreated, may lead to sepsis and prostate abscess

Symptoms:

• Lower abdominal, pelvic and perineal pain
• Painful urination
• Spiking fever, nausea, vomiting and signs of sepsis
• Prostate is swollen and boggy and extremely tender

Laboratory tests:

• CBC
• Urine and blood cultures

Treatment:

• Intravenous antibiotics
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Symptoms:

Symptoms are similar to acute bacterial prostatitis but less intense.

• prostate pain
• burning during urination
• urinary frequency, excessive urination during the night
• perineal, suprapubic and low back pain
• painful ejaculation
• blood in the semen

Diagnosis:

• Digital rectal examination
• Prostate massage and examination of prostate fluid under the microscope
• Trans-rectal ultrasound
• PSA
• Urinalysis
• Urine culture and sensitivity
• Cystoscopy

Treatment:

• Antibiotics for 4-12 weeks
• Prostate massage
• Various heat therapies

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis

Also called prostatodysnia or chronic prostatitis syndrome

Most common type of prostatitis

• Exact cause is unknown
• Pelvic muscle spasm
• Inflammation in the prostate
• Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
• May be caused by atypical organisms, Chlamydia, mycoplasma or ureaplasma

Symptoms:

• Difficulty voiding
• Painful urination
• Discomfort in the perineum, bladder, prostate, low back pain and testicular pain
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in the semen

Treatment:

• Long term antibiotic
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Alpha blockers such as Cardura, Hytrin, Flomax, Doxazosin
• Prostate massage
• Heat therapy
• Relaxation exercise
• Change in life style
• Discontinue spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol

Some facts you should know about prostatitis

• Prostatitis is not contagious. If you have it, you will not pass it to your sexual partner.
• Prostatitis is a treatable disease
• Correct diagnosis is key to management of prostatitis
• Patients with prostatitis are not at higher risk for developing prostate cancer

Prevention:

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods
• Have regular sexual activity
• Exercise regularly