Prostatitis is a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ located just under men's bladders. Symptoms common to acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, as well as those not caused by a bacterial infection, include the frequent need to urinate, painful or burning urination, and pain in the pelvis, groin and lower back. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics, pain relievers, alpha blockers or other types of conventional therapies. However, there are also holistic remedies for prostatitis.
Dietary Concerns
Integrative physician Dr. Andrew Weil notes that too much alcohol and caffeine can make you need to urinate more frequently; taking these out of your diet may be beneficial. Spicy and acidic foods may also make prostatitis worse, says the Mayo Clinic; avoid these or eat them in moderation. Dr. Weil, as well as the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), advise drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration--at least 48 oz. a day.
Nutritional Supplements
Some supplements may help ease symptoms of psostasis. However, the purported value of some of these is based on their traditional use and not clinical studies. The UMMC suggests the following: quercetin, beta sitosterol, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin C, cernilton and pumpkin seeds.
Herbal Remedies
Some herbs studied for their effects on benign prostatic hyperplasia may be helpful for prostatitis as well. The UMMC suggests looking into saw palmetto, African pygeum and stinging nettle. These herbal products are classified as dietary supplements by the Food and Drug Administration, and like nutritional supplements, cannot purport to treat or cure any specific medical condition. Talk to your physician before using any type of dietary supplement, as they may have unwanted side effects and interact with certain medications.
Biofeedback and Acupuncture
Two alternative therapies mentioned by the Mayo Clinic include biofeedback and acupuncture, both of which are administered by a specialist in these fields. Biofeedback teaches you how to control your body using your thoughts. Mayo Clinic experts state that small studies suggest that biofeedback may be helpful in controlling pain associated with prostatitis. Acupuncture can also be used for pain control. This therapy involves the careful insertion of very fine needles into specific parts of your body by an acupuncturist.
Kegel Exercises
Strengthening the pelvic floor may help reduce urinary symptoms associated with prostatitis, says the UMMC. These exercises involve flexing the muscles used to stop and start urinary flow, as well as those used to prevent flatulence. The UMMC suggests "flexing" these muscles for a count of 10, then relaxing them for another count of 10, repeating this 10 times with a total of between five and 10 sets each day.
Other Suggestions
To make yourself more comfortable, the Mayo Clinic suggests soaking in a warm sitz bath, sitting on a pillow or inflated cushion, and refraining from bicycling or using a bike with a split seat. A host of complications are associated with prostatitis, such as prostatic abscess, infertility and decreased overall quality of life. It's unwise to self-treat prostatitis; see your doctor about which treatment is appropriate for your specific condition.
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