Prostatitis Prevention - Lifestyle Modifications and Practices for Prostate Wellness

Introduction

Prostatitis is a medical condition of the prostate gland. It is common in men and can be caused by various factors. Most men experience prostatitis at some point in their lives. Patient symptoms depend on the extent of the disease. Some people have no symptoms, while others experience prolonged or serious symptoms. When left untreated, prostatitis can lead to fertility issues and should be taken care of as soon as possible.

What Is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis is a condition of prostate gland enlargement. There are two types of prostatitis present.

1. Prostatitis with urinary tract infections.

2. Simple prostatitis. Prostatitis can cause infection, inflammation, and pain. Prostatitis is common in adult men. Most of the time, prostatitis gets misdiagnosed with different medical conditions. Consult with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Is the Prostate Gland?

The prostate gland is known as a part of the male reproductive system. Located below the urinary bladder, just anterior to the rectum. A tube runs through the gland known as the urethra. The urethra is a tube that carries excretory products like urine out of the body.

How Common Is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis is a common condition among males. Almost 50 percent of men have prostatitis at some point.

How Many Types of Prostatitis Are Present?

Following are the types of prostatitis include -

1. Acute Bacterial Prostatitis/Category One- It is caused due to urinary tract infection to the prostate gland. Fever with chills is a common symptom. Frequent urination with pain is also found. Consult immediately with the doctor In the case of acute bacterial prostatitis.

2. Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis/Category Two- This condition occurs due to the entrapment of bacteria into the prostate gland and causes a urinary tract infection.

3. Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome/Category Three - It is the commonest type of prostatitis. In this category of prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain, pain in the perineum area, and genitals. It also causes inflammation in the prostate gland.

4. Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis/Category Four- Inflammation in the prostate gland is common in this category. This category has no other symptoms than inflammation. The semen analysis can diagnose this condition. It does not need any treatment.

Is Prostatitis a Type of Prostate Cancer?

Prostatitis does not cause prostate cancer. It is a non-cancerous condition. Sometimes because of inflammation, PSA (the prostate-specific antigens) increases in the blood as it increases in prostate cancer.

What Complications Occur Due to Prostatitis?

Following is the complication of prostatitis -

• Prostatitis can result in life-threatening conditions such as sepsis.

• Due to the intake of a larger number of antibiotics to treat prostatitis, resistance to antibiotics occurs. And prolonged use of antibiotics causes abdominal problems such as diarrhea.

• Prostatitis causes lower sperm count and increases infertility.

What Are the Causes of Prostatitis?

The causes of prostatitis are listed below -

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is caused due to

• Autoimmune diseases.

• Pelvic floor muscle spasms.

• Stress.

The bacterial form of prostatitis is caused due to

• Urinary catheter.

• Prostate stones.

• Retention of urine (not emptying the bladder or holding urine for longer).

• UTIs (urinary tract infections).

• Infection in the bladder.

• Stone in the bladder.

What Are the Symptoms of Prostatitis?

Different types of prostatitis have different types of symptoms. Such as

Asymptomatic prostatitis shows no symptoms.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome shows symptoms like

• Pain in the genitals (penis, testicles, and perineum).

• Frequent urination.

• Pain while passing urine.

• Interrupted urine flow.

• Pain while having sexual intercourse.

• Pain while ejaculating.

• Semen with blood.

• Erectile dysfunction.

• Infertility.

Fever and chills are common symptoms of Acute bacterial prostatitis.

How to Diagnose Prostatitis?

Consult with a doctor for diagnosis of prostatitis. Based on symptoms and physical examination, the doctor will be able to recognize prostatitis. The doctor might suggest some tests, such as

• Rectal Examination - The doctor will insert a gloved finger with the help of a lubricating gel in the rectum to rule out the pain and swelling of the prostate gland. The seminal fluid is collected from the prostate for diagnosis of prostatitis.

• Urinalysis - A urine test is done to recognize the bacteria causing UTIs (urinary tract infections).

• Blood Test - A blood test is done to check the PSA (prostate-specific antigen. Increased levels of PSAs indicate prostatitis or prostate cancer.

• Transrectal Ultrasound - An ultrasound probe is used in this procedure. It provides images of the prostate gland with the help of sound waves. It helps in the diagnosis of acute and chronic prostatitis. Abnormalities in the prostate gland can be seen through transrectal ultrasound.

What Are the Treatments Available for Prostatitis?

Doctors have different strategies for treating prostate inflammation when treating patients with prostatitis. The most common treatment is antibiotics. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications are also used for relief. Patients that have discomfort from fever or body aches may also receive decongestants and antihistamines to help them feel better. Apart from these treatments, patients must modify their diet for maximum results. Not eating certain foods will reduce the number of lymphatic fluids in the body and improve symptoms.

How to Prevent Developing Prostatitis?

1. Practice Good Hygiene: Maintain proper hygiene by regularly cleaning the genital area with mild soap and water. It helps prevent the spread of bacteria and reduces the risk of infections, including prostatitis.

2. Practice Safe Sex: Use condoms and practice safe sex. It will help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can lead to prostatitis.

3. Stay Hydrated: Drink six to seven glasses of water daily to ensure good urinary tract health and proper urine flow. Sufficient hydration helps flush out bacteria and potential irritants from the urinary system.

4. Empty the Bladder Fully: Avoid holding urine for long periods and empty the bladder completely when urinating.

5. Practice Regular Ejaculation: Regular ejaculation may help maintain prostate health and prevent congestion or stagnation of prostatic fluid, potentially reducing the risk of prostatitis.

6. Avoid Prolonged Sitting: If you have a sedentary lifestyle or sit for long periods, take breaks and engage in physical activity or stretching to improve blood circulation.

7. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can support overall immune function and help reduce the risk of infections and inflammation.

Conclusion

Prostatitis causes inflammation and pain in the prostate gland. Prostatitis is a urological condition that can lead to infertility if left untreated. It is common in young adults. Around half the man has prostatitis at some point in their life. It occurs due to bacterial infection, sexually transmitted diseases, catheters used during surgery, and excessive use of alcohol. A patient's symptoms depend on the extent of the disease. Some people have no symptoms, while others experience prolonged or serious symptoms. When left untreated, prostatitis can lead to fertility issues and should be taken care of as soon as possible. It is important to consult immediately with the doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis.