Acute prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland which causes swelling and pain. The inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection and, in some cases, can be caused from a sexually transmitted disease or STD. Treatments for acute prostatitis are normally effective and clear up the infection completely.
Symptoms
Symptoms of acute prostatitis include burning when urinating, difficult and frequent urination, pain above the pubic bone, painful ejaculation and pain in the penis and testicles. Other symptoms may include fever, chills and nausea. Most of the pain is centered in and around the pelvic region.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a rectal digital exam by inserting a lubricated gloved finger into your rectum. He will be able to feel the prostate gland and determine if it is enlarged or inflamed. Your doctor may also want to collect samples of your urine and semen to test for infection.
Treatments
Antibiotics are the most common treatment for acute prostatitis. Bactrim and Cipro are normally prescribed for at least a four week course of treatment. When an STD causes acute prostatitis, an injection of ceftriaxone is given along with a seven day course of doxycycline. For severe cases antibiotics may be given intravenously in a hospital. Pain relievers such as Motrin or aspirin can help alleviate prostate pain. Alpha blockers such as Cardura relax the bladder neck and my help relieve painful urination.
Diet
Avoid certain foods and beverages that may irritate the prostate. Caffeine, citrus juices and spicy foods can cause inflammation in the prostate gland. Drink more water to help flush bacteria out of your system.
Other Therapies
Urinate completely to avoid symptoms of urgency and frequency. Sit in a warm bath to help a swollen prostate. Avoid bicycling or using any kind of bicycle seat as it can irritate the prostate gland. Try sitting on a pillow to help alleviate pain. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that may lessen the pain of acute prostatitis, but it will not cure it. Consult your doctor when introducing any new medicine or alternative treatments to your regimen.
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