Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland in men.
There are four types of prostatitis: Acute bacterial prostatitis is a bacterial infection of the prostate gland that requires urgent medical treatment. It is the least common of the four types and its potentially life-threatening. Fortunately, it is the easiest to diagnose and treat effectively. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a bacterial infection that occurs repeatedly, it occurs when bacteria find a spot on the prostate where they can survive. Treatment with antimicrobials do not always cure this condition. Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, known as chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is the most common form of prostatitis. It may be found in men of any age. Its symptoms go away and then returns without warning, and it may be inflammatory or noninflammatory. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is the diagnose given when the patient does not complain of pain or discomfort but has infection-fighting cells in his prostate fluid and semen. It usually is found in prostate cancer tests.
1. Common causes of prostatitis：
- Bladder obstruction
- Bladder stones (mineral deposits in the bladder that travel to the urinary tract)
- Dehydration (loss of body fluids and electrolytes, which can be life threatening when severe and untreated)
- Kidney stones (mineral deposits in the kidneys that travel to the urinary tract)
- Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
2. Other causes of prostatitis:
- Infections, including sexually transmitted diseases
- Pelvic trauma
- Tumor
TCM conception:
- Obstruction of heat(fire) and dampness in lower abdomen
- Obstruction ( or poor circulation) of blood and Qi in prostate - it can result from persistent erection, too much intercourses, sitting for long, etc.
- Dirty sexual intercourses (infections)
- Being a young or middle-aged man
- Having a past episode of prostatitis
- Having an infection in the bladder or the tube that transports semen and urine to the penis (urethra)
- Having a pelvic trauma, such as injury from bicycling or horseback riding
- Not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
- Using a urinary catheter, a tube inserted into the urethra to drain the bladder
- Having unprotected sexual intercourse
- Having HIV/AIDS
- Being under psychological stress
- Having certain inherited traits - particular genes may make some men more susceptible to prostatitis
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
- Difficulty urinating, such as dribbling or hesitant urination
- Frequent urination, particularly at night (nocturia)
- Urgent need to urinate
- Pain in the abdomen, groin or lower back
- Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum (perineum)
- Pain or discomfort of the penis or testicles
- Painful orgasms (ejaculations)
- Flu-like symptoms (with bacterial prostatitis)
- Ruling out other conditions
- Determining which type of prostatitis you have
Diagnosis of prostatitis usually involves a complete medical history and physical examination, including a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) to check the prostate for tenderness. A test may also be performed to detect white blood cells and/or bacteria in the urine and semen.
