Prostatitis (prostate inflammation)

Description Infection of the pr...

Description

Infection of the prostate gland, and can be either an acute or a chronic condition. The prostate gland is located under the bladder, where it surrounds the urethra (the bladder's drainage tube). The gland is a source of fluid for semen. The inflammation can irritate or put pressure on the tube connecting the bladder to the penis (urethra), resulting in difficultly urinating, and urinary retention. Palpation of the prostate during a rectal exam reveals a very tender prostate. Rarely an abscess can develop. This disorder is most often seen in 20-40 year old men, in those with a urinary catheter, and with patients having unprotected sex with multiple partners.

Symptoms

Chills and fever, lower abdominal discomfort, pain in the area between the genitals and the anus, burning with urination, difficulty urinating, urinary retention, painful ejaculation, painful bowel movement, back pain.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Diagnosis is made by feeling the prostate during a rectal exam and testing for signs of inflammation in the urine. A urine culture can identify the bacteria.

Tests:
CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA)

Other Specific Tests: Urine culture

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Urology, Family Practice

Treatment

Oral antibiotics are usually effective. The most commonly used are: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), fluoroquinolones (Floxin, Cipro, Levaquin), and tetracycline derivatives. If a STD is considered the source, a shot of ceftriaxone followed by oral doxycycline or ofloxacin is recommended. Rarely intravenous antibiotics are needed. Most patients require more than a month-long time of treatment to eradicate the infection.