Prostatitis

What is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis is a condition that involves inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland. It is especially common in men age 50 and younger, although it can occur at any stage of life. Each year, prostatitis symptoms lead to roughly 2 million visits to urology specialists among men in the United States.

What are the Symptoms of Prostatitis?

Common symptoms of prostatitis may include:

• Pain during urination

• A burning sensation when urinating

• Increased need to urinate, particularly at night

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)

• Cloudy or discolored urine

• Pain during ejaculation

• Discomfort in the area between the scrotum and rectum (perineum)

• Testicular or scrotal pain

• Flu-like symptoms such as fever or body aches

These symptoms may occur occasionally or persist over time. In some cases, prostatitis may develop without noticeable symptoms. This is known as asymptomatic prostatitis and is often discovered during evaluation or testing for another condition, such as a routine prostate exam.

Why Do I Have Prostatitis?

One of the most common causes of prostatitis is bacteria from the urinary tract entering the prostate gland. Bacteria associated with sexually transmitted infections can also lead to prostate inflammation. In some cases, prostatitis may develop after trauma to the scrotal area or as a result of nerve damage following surgery. However, for many men, the exact cause of prostatitis cannot be clearly identified.

What Tests Can Diagnose Prostatitis?

Your specialist will begin with a physical exam and a review of your medical history while discussing your symptoms in detail. Urine and blood tests may be ordered to check for infections or other underlying issues.

In some cases, your urologist may perform a prostate massage to collect prostate fluid for laboratory testing. Imaging studies—such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or prostate ultrasound—may also be recommended to provide additional insight.

While the exact cause of prostatitis is not always identifiable, testing can help rule out conditions such as bacterial infections or nerve damage, allowing your urologist to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

How Do You Treat Prostatitis?

If prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are typically the primary treatment. The specific medication prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria responsible. Most patients take antibiotics orally, though more severe infections may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

For men experiencing painful urination or urinary discomfort, alpha blocker medications may be recommended. These drugs help relax the bladder neck and prostate muscles, which can reduce pain, burning, and other urinary symptoms.

Your urologist may also suggest simple lifestyle adjustments at home to help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. These may include taking warm baths, avoiding alcohol, and increasing water intake.

To learn more about personalized prostatitis treatment options, contact Urology Associates of Charleston office to schedule an appointment.