The prostate gland is located just below the bladder in men. An infection of the prostate is often called prostatitis. One of the basic symptoms of prostate infection is difficulty in urination. At the same time, it can also be a symptom of prostate cancer. Prostate infection symptoms are normally found in men above the age of fifty. It does not mean that younger men are not affected by this condition. The infection may either be discovered by the person himself, or may be diagnosed by the doctor during routine examination.
☛ Classification of Prostate Infection Symptoms
Prostate infection spreads from the urinary tract. In this case, the bacteria makes its way from the urethra up to the prostate gland causing infection. It is seen that the infection can be caused after certain medical procedures as well. Prostatitis is classified into four types.
1. Acute bacterial prostatitis
This infection is the easiest to diagnose. It is generally observed that the urinary tract has an infection in this case. Urine is examined for the presence of bacteria and white blood cells in it. In advanced acute bacterial prostatitis, difficulty in passing urine is the main symptom. Acute bacterial prostatitis is generally treated with antibiotics. The common symptoms in this prostate infection are:
- Fever
- Pain in the genitals
- Lower back pain
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation during urination and/or painful urination
- Foul-smelling urine
- Difficulty in bowel movement
Chronic bacterial prostatitis infection is uncommon. This type has recurring infection or inflammation. The recurring infection is an indicator of some flaw in the functioning of the prostate. The chronic bacterial prostatitis infection can spread to the bladder as well. It is important that the condition is diagnosed correctly before any treatment is given. Prescribing antibiotics is the preferred treatment for this condition as well. Many times, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are given to supplement the antibiotics. The symptoms are similar to that of acute bacterial prostatitis. They are:
- Urgency in need to urinate
- Pain during or after urination
- Pain in the lower back
- Testicular pain
- Muscle and joint pain
This is the most common form of prostatitis. Its occurrence is nearly eight times more than that of bacterial prostatitis. In this type of prostate infection, the tests give negative result. Chronic nonbacterial prostate infection is found in men of all age groups. This type of prostate infection is normally detected in case of infertility. However, the symptoms go away only to recur. The symptoms noticed in this infection are listed below:
- Burning sensation during and after urinating
- Pain in the genital area
- Bowel movement problem
- Pain while ejaculation
Prostatodynia is also called chronic pelvic pain syndrome. There is no visible bacterial infection in the prostate or the urinary tract. The symptoms are normally treated with antibiotics. But the antibiotics are unable to really eliminate the root cause of the problem. The symptoms are:
- Impotence
- Pain in the pelvic region
- Blood in urine and/or semen
- Pain during ejaculation
- Urgent need to urinate
- Fever
- Lower back pain
If the following symptoms are accompanied with high fever and chills then you need to rush to the doctor immediately.
- Pain in the genital areas
- Burning and pain while urinating
- Problems in beginning urination
- Pain and discomfort during ejaculation.
- Antibiotics are normally prescribed for treating prostate symptoms. But it has been observed that many a time, physicians have problems in diagnosing whether the prostatitis is bacterial or nonbacterial. This problem is faced due to the antibiotics taken previously for a similar problem.
- Rarely a surgery of the urethra or the prostate is advocated. But it is advisable to seek a second opinion on the same.
- Foods rich in vitamin E should be consumed to maintain prostate health. It is an antioxidant and fights the free radicals in the body.
- Caffeine and alcoholic drinks including beer, should be avoided.
- Consumption of soy products should be increased. Soy contains isoflavones, which prevents prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.
- Foods rich in zinc should be consumed. Zinc is said to reduce the inflammation and other symptoms of prostate infection. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc.
- Flaxseed oil prevents inflammation and swelling.
- Some patients are advised against cycling in case of prostate symptoms.
- Warm tub baths for the pelvic muscles help in alleviating the pain and help in relaxing the lower abdominal muscle.
Most of the symptoms of prostate infection are common. In case of the above mentioned symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical help immediately. Do not miss or discontinue your antibiotic course even if you feel better, as it may reduce the effectiveness of that particular antibiotic on your body. Complete the entire course as prescribed by your doctor. Initially you can go to a general physician for medicines but if the infection is recurring, consult a urologist. It is better to arrest the infection in the latent stage, than curing it in the advanced stage.
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