The prostate, which is a walnut-shaped gland at the base of the penis, can be infected by bacteria. This can cause pain in the groin region and make urination difficult. The treatment of bacterial prostatitis focuses on clearing up the underlying infection, as well as relieving the symptoms of the disease.
Antibiotics
Antibiotic treatment is a first-line therapy for the treatment of both acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis. There are a number of different antibiotics that can be used for the treatment of acute bacterial prostatitis, the American Academy of Family Physicians notes. Common regimens include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, or members of the fluoroquinolone family of antibiotics, which includes ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin. In general, patients with acute bacterial prostatitis should take their antibiotics daily for three to four weeks in order to avoid recurrence of the infection. Similar antibiotic regimens can be used to treat chronic bacterial prostatitis. The American Urological Association notes, however, that patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis may need to take the antibiotics for four to twelve weeks.
Prostate Massage
Massaging of the prostate, the Mayo Clinic explains, can also be used to relieve some of the symptoms of bacterial prostatitis. This procedure is similar to a digital rectal exam; a physician inserts a lubed and gloved finger into the patient's rectum in order to massage the prostate. This helps expel any backed up prostatic fluids, and can also force open obstructed ducts in the prostate.
Alpha Blockers
Alpha blockers can also be used to treat some of the symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis. These medications help relax the smooth muscle around the prostatic ducts, which helps ease the passage of urine. Alpha blockers do not treat the underlying infection, but they can be effective at relieving the urinary symptoms of bacterial prostatitis.
Surgery
Recurring cases of bacterial prostatitis may require surgery. Transurethral resection of the prostate, in which some of the prostate is removed, can be indicated if antibiotic therapy is not proving to be effective, Medline Plus explains. This procedure is generally not performed on younger men, however, because it carries the risk of causing a condition known as retrograde ejaculation. This results in urethral dysfunction, which can cause impotence, urinary incontinence and sterility. A total prostatectomy can be performed for patients with unusually severe prostatitis, the American Academy of Family Physicians explains, though this type of procedure carries with it many different complications.
Symptomatic Treatments
There are a number of other treatments which can be used to alleviate some of the treatments of bacterial prostatis, according to the American Urological Association. These include anti-inflammatory medications, analgesics to relieve pain, the use of certain herbal extracts such as bee pollen and quercetin, and muscle relaxants. Patients may also experience relief by putting a heat pad or hot water bottle on the affected area, as well as by using relaxation exercises. The avoidance of certain substances, such as caffeine and spicy foods may also help avoid an aggravation of the symptoms.
