answersLogoWhite

0

Definition

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

See also:

Alternative Names

Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Chronic prostatitis is usually caused by a chronic bacterial infection of the prostate gland. It may occur with or follow:

The most common bacteria species that cause chronic prostatitis include:

  • Escherichia coli
  • Enterobacter cloacae
  • Klebsiella pneumonia
  • Proteus species

Risks include:

  • Age over 30
  • Certain sexual practices (such as anal sex without a condom)
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Injury to the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus)

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

Symptoms of chronic prostatitis are similar to those of acute prostatitis but are not as severe. They usually begin more gradually. Patients may have no symptoms in between episodes, or they may experience mild symptoms all the time.

Symptoms may include:

Subtle symptoms may include:

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Signs and tests

A physical examination may show:

  • Discharge from the urethra
  • Enlarged, mildly tender prostate
  • Enlarged or tender lymph nodes in the groin area
  • Swelling and tenderness of the scrotum

During a physical exam, the prostate gland may feel normal, or large and soft (boggy).

Urine specimens may be collected for urinalysis and urine culture.

Other tests may include:

Other possible tests are:

Treatment

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 or Septra) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are commonly used. Other antibiotics that may be used include:

  • Carbenicillin
  • Erythromycin
  • Nitrofurantoin
  • Tetracycline

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.

Sometimes small stones form in the prostate gland, making it harder to clear the infection.

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

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs such as Aleve and Motrin) and alpha adrenergic blockers (such as doxazosin [Cardura], tamulosin [Flomax], or terazosin [Hytra]) 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 urine flow through 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.

Expectations (prognosis)

It is common for symptoms to return.

Complications

If the prostate is very large, it can slow urine flow through the urethra and cause the backward flow (reflux) of urine toward the kidneys, which can cause kidney damage.

If the flow of urine completely stops, it is considered an emergency.

Calling your health care provider

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

Prevention

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

Nickel JC. Inflammatory conditions of the male genitourinary tract: prostatitis and related conditions, orchitis, and epididymitis. In: Wein AJ. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 9.

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

When should you go to the doctor for chronic prostatitis?

You should go as soon as possible.There are two main types of chronic prostatitis chronic bacterial prostatitis (caused by chronic bacterial infection) and nonbacterial prostatitis. The symptoms of chronic prostatitis vary widely. Some have no symptoms, others have very serious typical symptoms. The symptoms of chronic prostatitis are similar to those of acute bacterial prostatitis. However, men with a flare-up of chronic bacterial prostatitis tend to be less ill than those with acute prostatitis.I heard a traditional Chinese medicine Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill is effective.It has an unique effect on curing prostatitis.You can know more at the following website, prostatitis10days.net/index.HTML


What are the different types of prostatitis diagnosed a Urology Doctor?

Prostatitis is a medical condition in younger and middle-aged men where there is inflammation in their prostate gland. It is classified into 4 types:· Acute bacterial prostatitis· Chronic bacterial prostatitis· Chronic prostatitis· Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis


What are some symptoms of chronic prostatis pain?

There are two main types of chronic prostatitis - chrinic bacterial prostitatis (caused by chronic bacterial infection) and chronic prostatitis pain syndrome - the cause of which is not fully understood. Chronic prostatis typically causes pain in the lower pelvic region of men.


What is infectious prostatitis?

Prostatitis refers to an inflammation of the prostate that may be caused by an infection. Prostatitis may be classified as bacterial or non-bacterial, depending on the presence or absence of micro-organisms in the prostatic fluid. But in chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome, men have the symptoms of prostate infection but do not have any evidence of a bacterial infection.


Does not emptying the bladder cause chronic prostatitis?

There are two kinds of chronic prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. if someone always hold his pee and dose not emptying the bladder, then he might get prostatitis.Chronic bacterial prostatitis. This condition is the result of recurrent urinary tract infections that have entered the prostate gland. It is thought to exist for several years in some men before producing symptoms. The symptoms are similar to acute bacterial prostatitis, but are less severe and can fluctuate in intensity.Chronic nonbacterial prostatitishis is the most common form of the disease, accounting for 90% of the cases. The condition is marked by urinary and genital pain for at least three of the past six months. Patients have no bacteria in their urine, but may have other signs of inflammation.The materials of Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill such as polygonum aviculare, dianthus superbus, talc and plantago can clear away heat and toxic materials, Houttuynia can clear toxic materials. And Safflower can promote blood circulation. This herbal pill also has no side-effect and no drug resistance. Therefore, prostatitis and it symptom can be cured with three months.


What is the prognosis for prostatitis?

Most patients with acute bacterial prostatitis are cured if they receive proper antibiotic treatment.


What is prostate disease?

Actually there are many prostate diseases and conditions. The most common ones are:- prostatitis (inflammation of prostate) , it can also classified as acute prostatitis, chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, CPPS- BPH - benign prostate hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)- prostate cancer.Except the acute prostatitis and prostate cancer, those types of prostatitis can be cured by antibiotics or herbal medicine Diuretic and anti-inflammatory pill.


What are some prostatitis symptoms?

Symptoms of prostatitis can vary somewhat depending on the cause. Prostatitis can be caused by bacteria, or by an unknown non-bacterial cause, and can be chronic or acute. Symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis can resemble the flu, with fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting accompanying the swelling of the prostate. Other symptoms of prostatitis may include dysuria (pain or burning sensation when urinating), frequent urge to urinate (especially at night), painful orgasms and ejaculations, and swelling not only of the prostate but also of the perineum, the area between the scrotum and the rectum. If your symptoms include painful urination or pelvic pain, it is a good idea to see a doctor.


Can zinnat 500 mg be used for prostate problems?

can zinat resolve the chronic prostatitis


Is having night sweats normal when one has prostatitis?

I thinls it's normal.It should be distinguished from other forms of prostatitis such as chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome Men with this disease often have chills, fever, fatigue, pain in the lower back and genital area, urinary frequency and urgency often at night, burning or painful urination, body aches, and a demonstrable infection of the urinary tract, as evidenced by white blood cells and bacteria in the urine. Acute prostatitis may be a complication of prostate biopsy.i suggest you have herbals.Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill is a traditional Chinese medicine that has an unique effect on curing prostatitis.


Is there a relation between Prostatitis/CPPS and Erectile Dysfunction?

Yes. More than 60% of the patients with sexual dysfunction have chronic prostatitis/cpps. Patients need medication to eliminate symptoms, such as herbal medicine diuretic and anti-inflammatory pills and painkillers. Psychological factors also play an important role in sexual dysfunction caused by chronic prostatitis.


What is the best pain relief for prostatitis pain?

Natural herbs can help relieve pain caused by prostatitis and sone herbal medicine can cure chronic prostatitis. You need to clear heat in pelvic area and promote blood circulation, the pain can be removed.