This is the Inflammation of the prostate gland. This gland lies around the urethra (the tube which your urine is passed through to outside your body) and is at the base of the bladder (where urine is stored).

The condition can be chronic (long lasting or recurrent) or acute (quick onset)

Symptoms of Prostatitis

Symptoms  may vary with intensity but can include :-

Lower back pain

A temperature

Pelvic Pain including:-

Pain along the penis

Pain in the testicles

The perineum (the area between the anus and your testicles)

Burning and or pain when you pass urine

Pain in the groin area when seated

Pain in the rectum

Problems and or pain with ejaculation – early or delayed

Diagnosis

This will involve a visit to your local doctor. They will take a history from you regarding your symptoms and then initially take a swab from the urethra (the tube which your urine is passed through to outside your body) or more rarely these days massage your prostate gland. This procedure will be explained to you before the doctor asks your permission to continue.This procedure is performed by the doctor, they will ask you to remove your trousers and underware and position you correctly on the examination couch, on your side. The doctor will then put on a pair of gloves and with some lubrication will place a finger in your rectal passage. The docotor will massage the prostate gland until a specimen of fluid can be collected. If you have Acute Prostatitis this will be treated with a course of antibiotics

If you are suffering from Chronic Prostatitis the treatment will involve a variety of treatments which will be personalised to you. You will be referred to an Urologist who specialises in the urinary tract and male reproductive conditions. The urologist will perform a routine examination of your genital area as well as a rectal examination to assess the condition of your prostate gland. A blood test for PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) will be taken as well as a urine test, this will be done to exclude any other problems and to make a more accurate diagnosis.

Treatment of Prostatitis

Acute prostatitis can respond very effectively to a a short course of antibiotics, however chronic protatitis  does not have a quick fix answer the continuing pelvic pain and discomfort can lead to  anxiety and depression. The treatment for prostatitis can be very challenging as the solution will involve possibly medication in conjunction with cognitive therapies.

A combination of therapies may be employed to treat the symptoms of  Chronic Prostatitis:

Intermittent or prolonged periods of antibiotics

Anti-inflammatory medication

Alpha-blockers –Medication which relaxes the alpha receptors which are distributed at the bladder neck and sphincter

Psychological counselling

Behavioural therapy – working with therapists to discover ways of reducing the perception of the discomfort

          Relaxation techniques

Pain clinic management

Tens machines – a type of electrical pulse which is transmitted with small pads attached to the skin surface to block the pain signals.

Pain relief medication – combination drug therapies to enable you to become comfortable enough to resume activities of daily living

Self Help Techniques

It has been suggested that regular exercise although NOT cycling is recommended. This has multiple benefits as your improved levels of fitness will improve your pelvic floor muscles as well as improving your mental attitude.

Regular ejaculation either via masturbation or sexual intercourse is considered valuable as the regular flow may reduce the levels of spasm.

Relaxation techniques can be learnt and if regularly done are thought to be beneficial.

Eating a healthy balanced diet and maintaining your correct weight will be a positive step towards maximising your immune system.