The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system that secretes fluids to transport sperm. About 6 to 8 percent of men in the Unites States, between the ages of 30 and 50 years, seek treatment for a prostate infection each year. A prostate infection is characterized by frequent and painful urination, a high fever and fatigue. The treatment plan depends on the severity of the disease.
Natural Home Remedies
Consuming foods rich in lycopene such as tomatoes and watermelon seeds can help to treat some mild forms of prostate infections. The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends soy rich foods like tofu and soy milk, daily doses of Vitamin B6 and 50 to 100 mg of zinc each day to maintain prostate health. Although home remedies can relieve mild symptoms of the disease, it is best to visit a doctor for a thorough examination and treatment.
Anti-pyretics
High fever associated with prostate infections can be treated with fever reducers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. The dosage depends on the patient's body temperature and can be given orally or intravenously depending on the condition of the individual. In fact, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these medications may also help to relieve the pain that is sometimes associated with prostate infections.
Alpha-blockers
Alpha-blockers like erazosin and tamsulosin relax smooth muscles in the prostate. However, the New York Times Health Guide states that these drugs do not cure the infection, they only help to reduce the symptoms of frequent and painful urination.
Antibiotics
Only a limited number of antibiotics are available to treat prostate infections because most cannot penetrate the outer membrane of the prostate.
In an article published in the May 2000 issue of "American Family Physician," Dr. James J. Stevermer states that antibiotics like Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or fluoroquinolones are prescribed for 4 to 6 weeks to treat acute infections of the prostate gland. Other antibiotics include tetracycline, carbenicillin, cefazolin and minocline. In case of a chronic infection, antibiotics are given orally for 6 to 12 weeks.
If the condition of the patient is severe and the patient is hospitalized, then ampicillin along with an aminoglycoside like gentamicin or amikacin may be given intravenously. Intravenous cephalosporin or aminoglycoside is given to patients whose prostate infection has spread to the blood.
Prostate Massage or Drainage
Prostate massage or drainage involves application of pressure on the prostate using a finger or a mechanical device inserted into the rectum. The pressure forces the debris from the prostate to come out through the urethra, opening of the urinary tract, thereby relieving pressure and providing relief to the patient. Although, this method has been in use for a long time, a study by Dr. Ahmad Ateya, published in the April 2006 issue of the medical journal "Urology," reveals that prostatic massage neither cures prostate infection nor helps to significantly improve the response of the patient to antibiotics that are prescribed to overcome the infection.
Prostatectomy
Prostatectomy is the partial or complete surgical removal of prostate. It is rarely used to treat prostate infection. Transurethral prostatectomy involves removal of the infected part of the prostate gland using a thin tube through the urethra. Total prostatectomy is done only in extreme cases. In fact, according to the guidelines published by the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV, the complications involved with the surgery make it an unlikely method for treatment of prostate infection.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Prostatitis
- United Kingdom National guideline for the management of prostatitis: Clinical Effectiveness Group
- New York Time Health Guide: Enlarged Prostate
- "Urology"; Evaluation of prostatic massage in treatment of chronic prostatitis; Ahmad Ateyaa, Ashraf Fayeza, Ragab Hanib, Wael Zohdya, Mohammad A. Gabbara, Rany Shamloula; April 2006
- "American Family Physician"; Treatment of Prostatitis; James J. Stevermer, Susan K. Easley; May 2000
