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February Health Tip by Dr. Koller

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a condition where a man’s prostate gland gets inflamed.  This inflammation is usually associated with an infection.  It can cause symptoms that come on very suddenly and this is usually in the condition called acute prostatitis.  It can also cause more chronic symptoms, particularly in those who have had previous episodes of acute prostatitis.  This is called chronic prostatitis.

Prostatitis can occur in men of all ages, but is more prevalent in older men, particularly those who have an enlarged prostate.  Sexually transmitted infections can cause prostatitis and are more common in younger men.  Symptoms can be quite diverse.  The classic symptoms would be similar to those of urinary tract infection; that is, burning with urination, frequency of urination, or urgency of urination.    Fever and chills can be a symptom and on occasion, blood stream infection can result.  Sometimes, the presenting symptom can be discomfort in the perineum, that is, the area that includes the scrotum, the anus, and the area in between.  Hematospermia, or blood in the semen, can be a symptom of prostatitis. 

Your physician may do a digital rectal or prostate exam to help make the diagnosis.  A urinalysis, and sometimes a urine culture may be helpful.  Antibiotics are typically used, especially in the setting of acute prostatitis.  In some chronic conditions, alpha blockers are used.  These are medications that can help improve urine flow.  This is important if an individual has underlying conditions that cause urinary obstruction, such as an enlarged prostate.

The length of antibiotic treatment for prostatitis is much longer than the length of treatment of a female with a simple straightforward urinary tract infection.  Prostatitis can elevate the blood test called the PSA.  However, prostatitis is not associated with prostate cancer.  Therefore, this elevation of PSA is considered a false positive in terms of screening for prostate cancer.

For more information:
MU Health Sciences Library