How is chronic prostatitis diagnosed and treated?

Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland found in men. The prostate is a small gland located beneath the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, the part of the urinary tract, and is a component of the male reproductive system. Prostatitis can be caused by a bacterial infection, but in most cases, the cause of the discomfort cannot be identified.

Prostatitis manifests with symptoms such as burning during urination, the frequent need to urinate, and lower back pain. Unlike benign prostate enlargement, it can occur in men of all ages. Prostate inflammation can be seen in two forms: acute and chronic. In the acute form, symptoms appear suddenly and are more severe. In the chronic form, the symptoms are milder and last longer.

What is chronic prostatitis?

Chronic prostatitis is a non-infectious inflammatory condition that occurs in the prostate gland and is characterized by long-lasting and treatment-resistant symptoms. For a diagnosis of chronic prostatitis, symptoms must be present for at least three months. In acute prostatitis, symptoms resolve much more quickly. Chronic prostatitis typically causes pain in the lower pelvic area of men. Urinary-related symptoms such as frequent urination and burning during urination may also be present. Treatment is often difficult and may require the use of antibiotics

Causes of chronic prostatitis

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. However, it can sometimes be challenging to determine the cause of chronic prostatitis. The causes of chronic prostatitis vary depending on the type of the disease. There are two main types of chronic prostatitis. "Chronic bacterial prostatitis" is caused by a long-term infection due to bacteria. In chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, the cause is not fully understood.

How is chronic prostatitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of prostatitis is made by a urologist. The doctor first inquires about the individual's complaints and medical history. Then, a prostate examination known as a digital rectal examination is performed. During the rectal examination, the doctor checks for swelling and size of the prostate.

Various tests can be conducted using urine, blood, or semen samples. Ultrasound examinations and cystoscopy may also be used in diagnosis. Cystoscopy involves examining the urinary tract using a device with a small camera at its tip. To reach a definitive conclusion, a sample of tissue may need to be taken from the prostate and examined in the pathology department.

How does chronic prostatitis resolve?

The treatment of chronic prostatitis varies depending on the cause. Oral antibiotics are generally recommended for bacterial prostatitis. Individuals with prolonged or recurrent infections may require long-term antibiotic therapy lasting up to six months. If oral treatment is insufficient, intravenous therapy may be necessary. For cases that do not improve with antibiotic treatment, various pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as muscle relaxants, may be used. If there has been permanent damage that makes urination difficult, surgical treatment may be necessary. Transurethral microwave therapy, or TUMT for short, is another treatment option used for resistant cases of chronic prostatitis. This method reduces the size of the prostate using microwave energy.