Healthcare: Urology Services

Prostatitis

Master
Content

Prostatitis, which affects men of all ages, is the most common urologic diagnosis in men younger than 50 and the third most common urologic diagnosis in men older than 50 (after BPH and prostate cancer).

Acute bacterial prostatitis is a generalized infection of the prostate gland and is associated with both lower urinary tract infection and generalized sepsis.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is associated with repeated episodes of lower urinary tract infection, infections of the bladder, and generalized sepsis.

Symptoms

Symptoms include pain during or after ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and repeated urinary tract infections. Urination may be frequent and painful and flow may be hesitant, poor, or interrupted.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made on the basis of history, physical examination, and urine and blood tests.

Treatment

Treatment for prostatitis most commonly takes the form of antibiotics. Patients who have significant urinary tract symptoms, which may be related to poor relaxation of the bladder neck during voiding, may receive medicine to improve outflow and make it easier to relax and urinate. Other therapy may include anti-inflammatory agents, immune modulators, muscle relaxants and physical therapy.