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Prostatitis - chronic

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy
Male reproductive anatomy

Alternative Names    Return to top

Chronic bacterial prostatitis; Chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Definition    Return to top

Chronic prostatitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the prostate gland that develops slowly and continues for a long period of time.

Causes    Return to top

Chronic prostatitis is usually not caused by a bacterial infection. When it is caused by bacteria, chronic prostatitis may occur with or follow:

The most common bacteria species that cause chronic prostatitis include:

The disorder is diagnosed in 5 of every 1,000 outpatient visits. As many as 35% of men over age 50 may have chronic prostatitis.

Risks include:

These factors may cause congestion of the prostate gland, which produces a breeding ground for bacteria.

Other possible causes are related to stress and tightness of the pelvic muscles.

Symptoms    Return to top

Low-grade or subtle symptoms may include:

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A physical examination may show:

Triple-void urine specimens may be collected for urinalysis and urine culture. Urine may be collected:

  1. Initial stream
  2. Mid-stream
  3. After a prostate massage by examiner

Other tests may include:

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment options for chronic prostatitis include a combination of medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

MEDICATIONS

Chronic prostatitis is treated with a long course (6 - 12 weeks or longer) of antibiotics. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are commonly used. Other antibiotics that may be used include:

Most antibiotics do not get into the prostate tissue well. Often, the infection continues even after long periods of treatment. After antibiotic treatment has ended, it is common for symptoms to return.

Stool softeners may be recommended to reduce discomfort with bowel movements.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs such as Aleve and Motrin) and alpha blockers (such as Hytrin, Flomax, and Cardura) may also be used.

SURGERY

Transurethral resection of the prostate may be necessary if antibiotic therapy is unsuccessful or the condition keeps returning. This surgery is usually not performed on younger men because it carries a risk of retrograde ejaculation, which can lead to sterility, impotence, and incontinence.

Prostate massage and myofascial release are other treatments that may help this condition.

OTHER THERAPY:

Frequent and complete urination is recommended to decrease the symptoms of urinary urgency. If the swollen prostate restricts the urethra, the bladder may not empty. Inserting a suprapubic catheter, which allows the bladder to drain through the abdomen, may be necessary.

DIET:

Avoid substances that irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, caffeinated beverages, citrus juices, and hot or spicy foods.

Increasing the intake of fluids (64 - 128 ounces per day) encourages frequent urination. This will help flush bacteria from the bladder.

MONITORING:

See your health care provider for an exam after you finish taking antibiotics to make sure that the infection is gone.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

It is common for symptoms to return.

Possible Complications    Return to top

If the enlarged prostate severely restricts the flow of urine through the urethra, urinary retention may cause kidney damage.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of chronic prostatitis.

Prevention    Return to top

Avoiding urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases can help prevent chronic prostatitis. Finish the full course of antibiotic treatment to reduce the chance of the condition returning.

References    Return to top

Barry MJ, McNaughton-Collins M. Benign prostate disease and prostatitis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 130.

Update Date: 9/7/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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