The prostate is a walnut-sized gland found at the base of the bladder in men. Its role is to manufacture the liquid component of semen. A number of conditions can affect the prostate gland including prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Another condition known as prostatitis is characterized by inflammation of the prostate. When this inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection, it may lead to a condition called bacterial prostatitis. There are two forms of bacterial prostatitis.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
According to Bupa, bacterial prostatitis is caused by the same bacteria that lead to urinary tract infections including Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Proteus. The symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis can come and go over a period of time and include pain upon urination or ejaculation, a dull pain in the lower abdomen, pain between the scrotum and anus, as well as in the rectum and lower back. Treatment for chronic bacterial prostatitis usually centers on antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin. However, a doctor will likely also recommend pain killers to ease discomfort. If antibiotic treatment is not successful, alpha-blockers, such as alfuzosin or tamsulosin may be prescribed. These drugs relax muscle fibers in the prostate gland, helping to ease internal pressure.
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis
Acute bacteria prostatitis is caused by the same bacteria as chronic bacterial prostatitis, but the course of the condition differs as do symptoms. Unlike chronic bacterial prostatitis, acute bacterial prostatitis comes on suddenly and can cause an individual to feel so ill that they have to be admitted to hospital. Symptoms include a fever often accompanied by shivering and aches and pains, as well as blood in the urine. Severe back pain may also be present. A doctor will likely order urine and blood tests, and then initiate treatment with antibiotics. If fever and pain are present, painkillers will help ease symptoms.
Considerations
According to NHS Choices, the symptoms of all prostate conditions, including BPH, prostatitis and prostate cancer, are very similar. As such, it is often impossible to tell which condition is affecting the prostate by symptoms alone. Therefore it is essential that a man sees a doctor who will carry out tests in order to give an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
