Of the many problems that can affect the male reproductive system, prostatitis is easily one of the most common. This is an infection of the prostate gland, which is a key element in male sexual health. Although there is a common stereotype that only old men have problems with their prostate and thus need regular checkups, prostatitis can affect all adult men, and is responsible for millions of cases every year. In fact, a majority of visits to the urologist among men under 50 can be attributed to this ailment, making it something men of all ages should be aware of.

Prostatitis has several different causes and types. In most cases, inflammation-causing bacteria reach the prostate through urine or stool, but a number of other factors can also contribute, including: anal sex, use of a catheter, recent bladder infection, prostate enlargement, autoimmune disease, and abnormalities in the urinary tract. There are three types of prostatitis. The first is acute bacterial prostatitis. This type is the most severe and painful. It is also brought on quickly and usually treated quickly. The second type of prostatitis is chronic bacterial prostatitis. It is brought on by a history of urinary tract infection. Although its symptoms are milder than those of the previous type, this kind of prostatitis takes the longest to treat. The final type of the illness is chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. It is the most prevalent of them all and mostly manifests itself in the form of pelvic pain, which can last for months. Other symptoms that point to prostatitis include urinary frequency, pain or difficulty with urination, fever, and chills.

There are several methods with which prostatitis can be diagnosed. After a patient visits a urologist, he may be subjected to a digital rectal exam, a biopsy, prostate fluid analysis, or a transrectal ultrasound. These methods will determine different things, such as whether the gland is inflamed and which area of the urinary system is infected.

After a diagnosis is made and other health problems like urethritis are ruled out, treatment can begin, based on the patients individual type of prostatitis. For the mildest form of prostatitis, anti-inflammatory drugs and warm baths are recommended, while severe cases of prostatitis will usually require use of antibiotics. Other forms of treatment include pain medication, muscle relaxants, and alpha-blockers, all of which are typically well-supplied online drugs. Patients with prostatitis are advised to avoid caffeinated drinks and spicy food during treatment.