Al-Marsad Newspaper: Prostatitis is a common disease among men, affecting about 10% of them.
The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system, and it has an essential function in determining a man’s fertility.
Types of prostatitis
Scientists have identified four types of prostatitis, namely:
Chronic inflammation or chronic pelvic pain syndrome
acute bacterial infection
Chronic bacterial infection
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
Symptoms of prostatitis
Symptoms of prostatitis vary depending on the type and cause of inflammation. Sometimes affected people do not have any symptoms, and the doctor may diagnose this condition by chance when conducting tests for urinary tract diseases or reproductive system disorders.
But men with chronic or acute bacterial prostatitis share a set of symptoms, including:
Pain in the penis or testicles
Urgency to urinate
pain during urination
Pain during intercourse
Presence of blood in the urine
Impotence
According to a doctor’s website, the risk of developing chronic prostatitis increases if a man:
Older: Men between the ages of 50 and 59 are three times more likely than men between the ages of 20 and 39.
Has other conditions that cause abdominal pain, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Diagnosis
When diagnosing prostatitis, the doctor resorts to a set of tests, including:
1- Examination of the rectum with the finger
Where the doctor wears a glove and inserts his finger into the rectum to check the prostate for swelling
2- Urine analysis and culture
This test is required to look for germs and for any urinary tract infections
3- blood test
The doctor orders a blood test to measure the levels of the prostatic carcinogen, as high values of it indicate an enlarged prostate or cancer.
The doctor may order an additional set of tests such as cystoscopy to confirm the condition of the urinary tract, as well as ultrasound imaging to examine the prostate gland and make sure that there are no stones or abnormalities in it.
Prostatitis treatment
Treatment for prostatitis depends on the type of inflammation:
1- Acute prostatitis
It is treated with pain relievers and antibiotics, but if the patient is unable to urinate, there is a need to go to the hospital.
2- Chronic prostatitis
Treatment for this type is aimed at controlling symptoms, so the doctor may recommend taking pain relievers or antibiotics and
Laxatives if defecation is painful.
protection
The spread of inflammation to the prostate gland can be prevented with prompt treatment of a urinary tract infection.
It is also recommended to consult a doctor when feeling pain in the area when sitting or having difficulty urinating, as remedial steps can be taken before the infection worsens.