Chronic prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate that continues for 3 months or longer. It is often painful and can affect sexual function and the ability to urinate. Many health issues, including recurrent bacterial infections and damage to the nerves or muscles in the pelvic area, can cause it.
What Is Chronic Prostatitis?
a gnawing ache or a sharp pain that comes and goes over the genital area
needing to urinate frequently, including getting up several times at night to use the bathroom
pain during urination
difficulty urinating
a sense of urgency when needing to urinate
pain in the space between the scrotum and rectum
pain in the lower back, rectum, penis, or testicles
pain when ejaculating
difficulty ejaculating
signs of an infection, such as fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting
Diagnosis
People with symptoms of prostatitis should see a doctor. Bacterial prostate infections can spread, so anyone with symptoms of an infection should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Your doctor will perform a rectal exam, during which the doctor inserts a finger into the person’s rectum to check the prostate for swelling and inflammation. They may also look for signs of infection, such as discharge from the penis or swollen lymph nodes.
If a doctor suspects the problem is due to a bacterial infection, they may recommend antibiotics. If symptoms do not improve following antibiotic treatment, or there are no signs of an infection, other tests might be necessary, such as:
urine, semen, or blood testing to look for signs of infection or other prostate issues
an ultrasound of the prostate or urethra
a cystoscopy, where your urologist uses a small scope to look inside the bladder or urethra
Treatment
Treatment for prostatitis depends on the cause. For bacterial prostatitis, a doctor or urologist will usually recommend oral antibiotics. People with chronic prostatitis or recurrent infections may need a long-term course of antibiotics, lasting up to 6 months.
If symptoms do not improve following oral antibiotics, other treatment options include:
intravenous antibiotics for severe infections
muscle relaxants to relieve spasm of the pelvic muscles
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain
alpha blockers to treat urination difficulties
surgery to remove scar tissue in the urethra, which can help urination difficulties
therapy to help with psychological stress and anxiety
Prostate Massage
A prostate massage is performed by your doctor. It is done by the bedside. Your doctor has you bent over the side of the bed. She will insert an index finger into your rectum. Once she locates the prostate gland, she will apply systemic pressure starting at the outer border of the prostate gland moving in towards the middle of the prostate gland. This will be done on both the Left and the Right side of the prostate gland. During this time, you might feel like peeing or might feel like there is discharging from your penis. This sensation is to be expected.
Be mindful that this procedure can be uncomfortable but tolerable. It takes about 1-2 minutes. Think of it as “milking” the prostate. It’s one of the most effective methods of discharging material from the prostate in chronic prostatitis.
ESWT
Electroshockwave Therapy(ESWT) is now an emerging form of treatment especially for chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). These are low intensity shockwaves delivered through a probe over your skin and directed towards your prostate glands or over muscles in your pelvis that are sore and contributing to your chronic pelvic pain.
Our Men’s Health experienced Female Doctors are ready to listen to your issues. Visit us at InSync Medical Located along East Coast Road in the heart of Katong, Singapore.