Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
This is a condition which is very rare and results in repeated bacterial infections within the prostate; which is the small gland found beneath a man’s bladder.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Causes
This condition is caused by a bacterial infection which may result from E. coli, chlamydia, gonorrhea or the bacteria which causes a urinary tract infection. If men have a narrow urethra, enlarged prostate or infection around the testicles, they are at a greater risk.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Symptoms
The symptoms of this bacterial infection includes swelling, frequent infections of the urinary tract and inflammation within the prostate. Additionally, a man may experience pain when passing bowel movements, ejaculating and urinating. He may also experience bodily pain in the lower back, in the area between the anus and genitals, in the testicles and above the pubic bone. These signs usually come on slowly, and will continue for an average of 3 months. If the condition becomes severe, a man can experience the inability to urinate, bacteria spreading into the bloodstream and prostate abscesses.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Diagnosis
In order to diagnose this condition, doctors will review a patient’s medical history first. They will then look for fluid discharge from the urethra and/or swollen lymph nodes in the area of the groin. There is then a rectal exam which is performed in order to examine the prostate. Doctors may also test the urine, test for STD’s and test the fluid from the urethra.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Treatment
Treating the condition usually involves antibiotic therapy, which is taken over a course of 5 weeks, on average. With this condition, the infection is often recurring, which then requires a 12 week course of antibiotics. Patients can expect to wait 6-12 months for all symptoms to completely go away. However, the condition can be eased with pain medication, stool softeners, warm baths and drinking 100 oz. of water per day.
If you feel that you have this condition, you should speak with your doctor immediately. The sooner you do this, the more likely you are going to be to beat the condition and go back to living a normal life without the condition.