What is prostatitis?

Prostatitis is swelling or infection of the prostate. It's often painful. The prostate lies just below your bladder and makes part of the fluid for semen. Prostatitis can be chronic (long-lasting) or, less often, acute (short-term).

Symptoms of chronic prostatitis are often mild and start slowly over weeks or months. Symptoms of acute prostatitis usually start suddenly and are severe.

When you have prostatitis, you may have pain when you urinate or ejaculate. You may urinate often or have trouble starting a stream of urine. You may pass only a little urine and feel like your bladder isn't completely empty. With acute prostatitis, you may also have a fever and chills.

A doctor can often tell if you have prostatitis by asking about your symptoms and past health. Your doctor will also do a physical exam, including a digital rectal exam to feel the prostate.

Your doctor may not be able to tell what type of prostatitis you have just from your health history and symptoms. You may need tests to help find out the cause of your prostatitis.

More tests may be needed if:

• Your symptoms don't improve with treatment.
• You keep having prostate infections.
• The symptoms could be caused by bladder or prostate cancer.
• Your doctor thinks that you might have a problem related to prostatitis, such as an abscess.

Tests may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC).
• Lab tests, such as urine and blood cultures. These check for bacteria in your urine or blood.
• A CT scan or MRI of your pelvic area.
• A transrectal ultrasound of your pelvic area.

Treatment depends on the condition you have.

• Acute prostatitis is treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may suggest home care such as over-the-counter pain medicines and stool softeners.
• Chronic prostatitis may be treated with medicines such as alpha blockers. Your doctor may suggest other treatments, such as physical therapy and over-the-counter pain medicines.

• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Take warm baths to help soothe pain.
• Straining to pass stools can hurt when your prostate is inflamed. Avoid constipation.
  • Include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet each day. These foods are high in fiber.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
  • Take a fiber supplement, such as Citrucel or Metamucil, every day if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • Schedule time each day for a bowel movement. Having a daily routine may help. Take your time and do not strain when having a bowel movement.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy or acidic foods, especially if they make your symptoms worse. Acidic foods include tomato-based products and citrus fruits or juices.