Prostatitis

Prostatitis may cause pain and inflammation

How to diagnose and cure it naturally

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate gland is a small male reproductive organ in men, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder) runs through the middle of the prostate to the penis, letting urine flow out of your body.

One of the main roles of the prostate is to produce the fluid that protects sperm. The muscles of the prostate also help to project seminal fluid into the urethra during ejaculation.

One component of prostate fluid, an enzyme called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), aids in the success of sperm by liquefying semen that has thickened after ejaculation. This thinning action allows sperm to swim more freely. The prostate gland also filters and removes toxins that may surround sperm making sure that quality sperm is produced.

What is prostatitis?

The prostate is one of the most important glands in the male body. It is crucial for a healthy sex life because one of its functions is to provide some of the liquid that carries sperm.

While the prostate is in a great location for delivering important fluids and squeezing things along when the time is right, unfortunately, its position around the urethra can be a liability if the gland swells or grows. A swollen prostate compresses the urethra and irritates the walls of the bladder, interfering with normal urination. A growing prostate can also signal cancer.

Prostatitis may be described as an infection of, or in, the prostate gland. However, prostatitis can also be inflammation of the prostate without any bacterial infection. Having prostatitis generally does not raise your risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Who is affected by prostatitis?

Men of all ages can be affected by prostatitis, but it tends to be more common in men aged 50 or younger. So, whilst an enlarged prostate gland does not usually become symptomatic before middle age, even young men may suffer from prostatitis.

Who is at risk of developing prostatitis?

These are the main risk factors for prostatitis:

• Men who have experienced a recent bladder infection.
• Men who have experienced a recent urinary tract infection.
• Men who have an abnormal urinary tract physiology.
• Men who have had a urinary catheter inserted as part of a medical procedure.
• Men who have an enlarged prostate gland.
• Engaging in rectal intercourse.
• Local pelvic trauma such as injury from cycling or horse riding.
• Dehydration (insufficient fluids).

11 general symptoms of prostatitis

According to the Mayo Clinic, a U.S. medical practice and research group, prostatitis is swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland. Prostatitis can often cause painful or difficult urination. Other symptoms include pain in the groin, pelvic area or genitals and sometimes flu-like symptoms.

Depending on the cause, prostatitis can come on gradually or suddenly. It might improve quickly, either on its own or with treatment. Some types of prostatitis last for months or keep recurring (chronic prostatitis).

Prostatitis signs and symptoms depend on the cause. They can include:

1. Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria).
2. Difficulty urinating, such as dribbling or hesitant urination.
3. Frequent urination, particularly at night (nocturia).
4. An urgent need to urinate.
5. Cloudy urine.
6. Blood in the urine.
7. Pain in the abdomen, groin or lower back.
8. Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum (perineum).
9. Pain or discomfort of the penis or testicles.
10. Painful ejaculation.
11. Flu-like signs and symptoms (with bacterial prostatitis).

Complications associated with prostatitis

These can include:

1. Bacterial infection of the blood (bacteremia)
2. Inflammation of the coiled tube attached to the back of the testicle (epididymitis)
3. Pus-filled cavity in the prostate (prostatic abscess)
4. Semen abnormalities and infertility, which can occur with chronic prostatitis

Fortunately, there's no direct evidence that prostatitis can lead to prostate cancer.¹

4 types of prostatitis and their specific symptoms

WebMD describes four types of prostatitis:

1. Acute bacterial prostatitis

Acute bacterial prostatitis is the least commonly diagnosed type of prostatitis. This is a sudden onset bacterial prostatitis with severe symptoms. Men suffering from this condition experience an acute urinary tract infection with increased urinary frequency and urgency, a need to pee a lot at night and pain in the pelvis and genital area.

According to WebMD, symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis can include:

• High fever.
• Chills.
• Muscle aches.
• Joint pain.
• Pain around the base of your penis or behind your scrotum.
• Lower back pain.
• Feeling like you need to have a bowel movement.
• Trouble urinating.
• Weak urine stream.

Acute bacterial prostatitis usually requires urgent medical treatment, as the condition can lead to bladder infections, abscesses in the prostate or, in extreme cases, a completely blocked urinary flow.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your health provider without delay.

2. Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is more common in older men and can often be caused by a urinary tract infection that has entered the prostate gland. For some men, it may exist for several months before symptoms become apparent.

Symptoms may be likened to those of acute bacterial prostatitis, but are not as severe, and may come on gradually – rather than the sudden onset of symptoms experienced with acute bacterial prostatitis. Symptoms may also come and go – making them easy to miss. With this condition you might sometimes have:

• An urgent need to urinate, often in the middle of the night.
• Painful urination.
• Pain after you ejaculate (release semen at orgasm).
• Lower back pain.
• Rectum pain.
• A ‘heavy’ feeling behind your scrotum.
• Blood in your semen.
• A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
• Urinary blockage (no urine comes out).

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for chronic bacterial prostatitis.

3. Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CP) / Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)

Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is the most common form of prostatitis and it shares many of the same signs as bacterial prostatitis. The difference is that no bacteria are present when tests are done. It is sometimes referred to as chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Your doctor may diagnose this condition if you have experienced urinary and genital pain for at least three months, but without having any bacteria present in your urine.

WebMD explains that doctors aren’t sure what causes CP/CPPS. Triggers include stress, nearby nerve damage, and physical injury. Chemicals in your urine or a UTI you had in the past may play a role. CP/CPPS has also been linked to immune disorders like chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The main sign of CP/CPPS is pain that lasts more than three months in at least one of these body parts:

• Penis (often at the tip).
• Scrotum.
• Between your scrotum and rectum.
• Lower abdomen.
• Lower back.

You may also have pain when you urinate or ejaculate. You might not be able to hold your urine, or you may have to pee more than eight times a day. A weak urine stream is another common symptom of CP/CPPS.

4. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis

Men who have this type of prostatitis have an inflamed prostate but no symptoms. You may only learn you have it if your doctor does a blood test that checks your prostate health. Asymptomatic prostatitis doesn’t need any treatment, but it can lead to infertility.

What causes Prostatitis?

Acute bacterial prostatitis is often caused by common strains of bacteria. The infection can start when bacteria in urine leak into your prostate gland. Antibiotics are usually used to treat the infection. If they don't eliminate the bacteria, prostatitis might recur or be difficult to treat, resulting in chronic bacterial prostatitis.

Nerve damage in the lower urinary tract, which can be caused by surgery or trauma to the area, might contribute to prostatitis not caused by a bacterial infection. In many cases of prostatitis, the exact cause can’t be identified.

How is prostatitis diagnosed?

A medical professional will provide an accurate diagnosis of prostatitis by analysing a urine sample and examining your prostate gland. He or she may refer you to a urologist for confirmation.

Diagnosing prostatitis includes ruling out other conditions as the cause of your symptoms and determining the type of prostatitis you may have. Your doctor will usually also ask about your medical history and symptoms. He or she may also do a physical examination, which may include a digital rectal examination.

Your doctor may also request diagnostic testing, which may include:

• A urine test to determine if an infection is present in your urine.
• Checking for blood in your urine. This may help detect signs of infection and other potential prostate problems.
• Imaging tests. This may include a CT Scan, or ultrasound of your prostate gland and urinary tract.

How is prostatitis treated?

Bacterial prostatitis is often treated with antibiotics if the cause is a bacterial infection, together with medication to help relieve pain.

Nonbacterial prostatitis, on the other hand, may not be treated with antibiotics as it is regarded as chronic and therefore not caused by an active infection. In this case, your doctor may prescribe:

• Medications, called alpha-adrenergic blockers, which help to relax the prostate muscles. These are the same medications used to treat other prostate conditions.
• Prescription pain medication or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
• Stool softeners to help alleviate constipation.

7 things you can do at home to help treat prostatitis

1. Relax in a warm bath.
2. Drink cranberry juice or cranberry extract.
3. Avoid drinks containing caffeine.
4. Avoid alcohol.
5. Avoid eating inflammatory foods like refined carbohydrates, gluten, sugar, spicy or acidic foods.
6. Eat whole and natural foods that help to reduce inflammation, such as vegetables, fruits, high-fibre foods, organic protein, healthy fats, foods high in zinc and probiotic foods.
7. Taking a natural herbal supplement such as Prostate PowerFlow.

How Prostate PowerFlow helps support prostate health

When taken daily, Prostate PowerFlow’s formulation works to support prostate health. It contains the following four key active ingredients:

• Saw Palmetto. Native Americans from the Seminole tribe in Florida traditionally ate its berries for food and to treat urinary and reproductive problems associated with an enlarged prostate gland.
• Lycopene. Tomato-derived lycopene supports a healthy prostate and has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers. It can help stop the enlargement of the prostate and prevent this condition from progressing to prostate cancer.
• Selenium. Selenium provides antioxidant protection. Prostate PowerFlow provides up to 50 percent of the Selenium RDA to support men’s prostate health in New Zealand (RDA varies in different countries).
• Zinc is necessary for the manufacture of testosterone, which is the key male hormone for potency and fertility. Low zinc levels may contribute to low sperm count and low libido.

Good prostate health is a key for men coping with the inevitable hormonal changes that accompany aging. Prostate Power Flow with Saw Palmetto, Zinc, Lycopene and Selenium may help alleviate the natural side effects of growing older.

To support your prostate health, it is suggested that you take two capsules of PowerFlow daily; one in the morning and one in the evening with food.

Prostate PowerFlow is 100% natural and free of unpleasant side effects. It is made in New Zealand to the highest standards, with thorough testing and guarantees of no adulteration or undeclared ingredients.

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Disclaimer. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not substitute for the advice provided by your medical professional. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.