Acute Bacterial Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a condition in which the number of inflammatory cells in the prostate suddenly increases. The bacteria causing acute bacterial prostatitis also cause sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infections. Such bacteria may include E Coli, Klebsiella, and Proteus.
From the urethra, infection can affect the prostate and further spread downward from the bladder or bloodstream. If anyone has had urinary catheters inserted for a long time are prone to prostatitis.
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis Signs and Symptoms
Most men with acute bacterial prostatitis experience the following symptoms:
Frequent need to urinate- Pain when urinating
- Pain in the genitals, pelvis, buttocks, lower back
- Discomfort in the perineal area
- Pain during ejaculation
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty urinating
- Foul-smelling urine
- Fever
- Chills
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary frequency
- Decreased urinary stream
- Problem emptying the bladder
- Blood in the semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Pain in rectum, genitals, testicles
- Discomfort with bowel movements
- Pain above the pubic bone
Sometimes you may experience muscle or joint pain, tiredness, and high temperature. Other conditions that may result in acute bacterial prostatitis include urethritis, epididymitis, urinary catheters, injury to the perineum, cystoscopy, bladder outlet obstruction, and phimosis.
Risk Factors for Acute Prostatitis
Some factors that riase the risk for acute bacterial prostatitis may include urethritis, sexually transmitted diseases, and UTIs. Those having multiple sexual partners are at a greater risk for acute prostatitis. Men who have anal intercourse without condoms are also vulnerable to this infection.
Some other risk factors include:
- HIV/AIDS
- Age (if you are above 50 years of age with enlarged prostate glands, you are predisposed to urinary tract infections)
- Past episode of prostatitis
- Dehydration
- Psychological stress
- Pelvic injuries (from horseback riding, bike)
- Genetics
- Inflammation of the testicles
Treatment for Acute Prostatitis
The condition may be diagnosed by a urine test. The doctor may ask you about your medical history before carrying out a physical examination. A digital rectal examination is also done in some cases, wherein the doctor uses a gloved, lubricated finger to massage the prostate and insert some amount of the fluid into the urethra. In acute bacterial prostatitis, the prostate may feel tender and swollen.
In some severe cases, there may be swelling or tenderness of groin lymph nodes or discharge from the urethra. Additional tests include:
- Urine culture
- Urinalysis to test for bacteria, white cells, blood
- Urethral swab to test for Chlamydia/ gonorrhea
- Cystoscopy
- Urodynamic tests
Treatment for Prostatitis
The doctor will determine your treatment for prostatitis on the basis of:
- Extent of the condition
- Severity of the problem
- Your age
- Medical history
- Overall health
- Tolerance for specific medications
The American Foundation for Urologic Disease suggests the following types of treatment for acute bacterial prostatitis.
- Antimicrobial medication
- Analgesic medications
- Hospitalization in severe cases
- Surgery