Treating prostatitis

Treatment for prostatitis depends on whether it is acute or chronic prostatitis.

Acute prostatitis

Acute prostatitis (where symptoms are sudden and severe) is usually treated with painkillers and a 2- to 4-week course of antibiotics. It may required antibiotics injection in more severe cases and hospital treatment may be needed in serious cases or if unable to pass urine.

Chronic prostatitis

For patient with symptoms that lasts for few months, the aim is usually to control the symptoms after infection is rules out.

Depending on the intensity and duration of symptoms, it may require:

• painkillers and anti-inflammatories
• alpha-blocker if there is symptom of urgency or frequency
• antibiotics
• In some case, shockwave therapy may be useful if pain is due to pelvic floor muscle spasm or if pain is not resolved with above treatments.

The aim is to reduce symptoms so they interfere less with day-to-day activities.

What causes prostatitis？

Acute prostatitis is usually caused when bacteria in the urinary tract enter the prostate. The bacteria may originate from self or from external sources (often sexually transmitted infection).

In chronic prostatitis, signs of infection in the prostate gland may not be found. In these cases, the cause of symptoms is often not clear.

Risk factors for prostatitis

Chance for acute prostatitis is increased in the following situations”

• Recent urinary tract infection
• a urinary catheter
• prostate biopsy
• a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• HIV or AIDS
• had anal sex
• pelvic injury

Chronic prostatitis is more common in:

• middle age men
• those who had prostatitis before
• have other painful abdominal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or haemorrhoids
• had history of sexually transmitted infection

There is no evidence suggest prostatitis is related to prostate cancer. However, it is not uncommon for men who had been diagnosed as having benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) actually has chronic prostatitis. These men may be mistakenly treated long term for BPH or even had surgery for prostate but in fact, their condition can be cured with a course of antibiotics.

Therefore, it is very important to have the right diagnosis and treatment if there is urinary symptom. If you have symptoms or specific concerns, please contact us on +852 3160 4886 or email us neo@neohealth.com.hk.