Prostatitis

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Other names for Prostatitis

Prostate inflammation
Inflamed prostate
Prostate infection

Synopsis of Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ below the bladder that contributes to semen production. It can cause urinary pain, pelvic discomfort, painful ejaculation, and flu-like symptoms. Prostatitis may be bacterial or non-bacterial, acute or chronic, and it is one of the most common urological diagnoses in men under 50. Infections, nerve damage, immune reactions, and pelvic floor dysfunction can all contribute. While acute bacterial prostatitis typically presents suddenly and severely, chronic prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome) is more common and often has unclear causes.

Types:

  • Acute bacterial prostatitis: Sudden onset, often with fever and chills

  • Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Recurring urinary or pelvic symptoms with bacterial infection

  • Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS): Most common type; inflammatory or non-inflammatory, with no detectable infection

  • Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: Found incidentally during tests, no symptoms

Common Causes:

  • Urinary tract infections or bladder reflux

  • Bacteria entering through the urethra

  • Stress, pelvic tension, or nerve dysfunction (especially in CP/CPPS)

  • Prolonged sitting or bicycle riding

  • Autoimmune response or hormonal imbalance

  • Incomplete bladder emptying or catheter use

Severity Causes:

  • Delay in treatment of bacterial infections

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections

  • Sedentary lifestyle or pelvic trauma

  • Coexisting erectile dysfunction or anxiety

  • Resistance to antibiotics or inappropriate treatment for non-bacterial forms

When to See a Doctor:

  • Painful urination or ejaculation

  • Blood in urine or semen

  • Fever, chills, or lower back pain with urinary symptoms

  • Persistent pelvic pain or discomfort

  • Frequent urination or incomplete bladder emptying

  • Symptoms lasting more than a few days without improvement

Natural remedies for Prostatitis

Sitz baths: Soaking in warm water helps relieve pelvic tension and inflammation, especially in chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

Saw palmetto: A traditional prostate herb that reduces urinary urgency and inflammation. Often used for benign prostate conditions and mild prostatitis symptoms.

Quercetin: A flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects shown in studies to improve pain and urinary symptoms in chronic prostatitis.

Pumpkin seed: Rich in zinc and fatty acids that support prostate health and reduce inflammation.

Magnesium: Relieves pelvic muscle tension and supports nerve health. Particularly helpful in CP/CPPS where muscle spasm is involved.

Probiotics: Restore healthy flora in the urinary and digestive tract, especially helpful after antibiotics or when gut health influences inflammation.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods: These can irritate the bladder and prostate, worsening urinary symptoms and pain.

Stress reduction: Mindfulness, breathing exercises, or biofeedback can help calm the nervous system and relieve tension in chronic cases.

Additional Help

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