Prostatitis is a general medical term that means inflammation of the prostate gland. This problem can occur in men age 16-90.

• Acute bacterial (Infection associated with high fever, chills, and urinary symptoms)
• Chronic bacterial Prostatitis (Infection usually associated with recurrent bladder infection )
• Nonbacterial prostatitis (Inflammation of the prostate without bacteria)
• Prostatodynia (Pain in the prostate without objective findings of infection or inflammation)

If you have an acute infection of the prostate you can be quite ill with fever, chills, back pain, burning and frequency of urination. This type of prostatitis and chronic infections are uncommon.

By far the most frequent types of prostatitis are non bacterial and prostatodynia.

Symptoms of these are often:

• Pain in the pubic area, low back, or beneath the scrotum.
• Pain referred to the testicles or penis.
• Burning in the urethra during urination.
• Urinating frequently or urgently with some slowing of the stream or hesitancy.
• Painful ejaculation occasionally associated with blood in the sperm.
• Tire and fatigue easily.

The doctor will exam the prostate with a finger placed in the rectum. A massage of the prostate will be performed to evacuate any secretions from the prostate, any secretions will be examined microscopically for pus cells. A urine sample will be obtained to check for infection or blood. The degree of further evaluation will be based on the findings of this exam and on the length or type of your symptoms.

The treatment will be tailored to your particular symptoms but all treatment regiments will usually include the following:

• Drink Plenty of water at least 6-8 cups per day are essential to flush out irritants in the urine.
• Get Plenty of sleep ( 8-10 hours is ideal) Not enough sleep reduces your ability to coupe with the symptoms associated with prostatitis.
• Reduce your Stress whether from family, environmental or job related stress factors you must find a way of reducing your stress and take some time to relax whether it be reading, sleeping, resting, exercise, ect.
• Watch your diet spicy, salty, acidy foods can irritate the urinary tract . Alcohol and caffeine containing fluids ( including soft drinks like Coke and Mountain Dew) frequently cause problems.
• Exercise regularly an exercise program will help reduce stress and relax perineal muscles that often tighten up and spasm after long periods of sitting or driving.
• Sitz baths such as whirlpools or Jacuzzis will help relax the perineal muscles and relax you.
• Analgesics as often necessary to reduce the pain from prostatitis. Medications such as acetometophen or Ibuprofen that can be bought over the counter are usually adequate when taken regularly.

• Keep Regular bowel habits Keep you bowel movements regular and avoid constipation. Constipation will worsen you symptoms and acerbate your prostatitis.
• EJACULATION at least 2-3 times per week will help eliminate any irritating secretions or infection within the prostate.