Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland, can be accompanied with a variety of symptoms, depending on the cause of the inflammation. It is important for people with symptoms of prostatitis to seek treatment from a urologist or general practitioner, as the symptoms of prostatitis are similar to those of several other diseases of the male reproductive tract, and it is important to get the right treatment. There is also no reason to suffer with symptoms when a treatment is available.
Common symptoms of prostatitis include: a frequent need to urinate, painful urination, discomfort around the genitals, painful ejaculation, an urgent need to urinate, joint pain, and tenderness or swelling in the prostate gland. These symptoms can also be associated with fatigue, nausea, fever, chills, and vomiting when the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection.
As can be seen from the relatively generic nature of the symptoms of prostatitis, this condition can sometimes be challenging to diagnose. A doctor can culture urine or samples from the prostate to look for bacteria, but sometimes the inflammation is not associated with bacteria, in which case the cause will be unclear. A doctor may also recommend additional testing such as a blood test for sexually transmitted infections to rule out other potential causes for the symptoms, as many sexually transmitted infections are associated with similar symptoms. Kidney disorders and urinary tract infections can also cause similar symptoms.
Bacterial prostatitis can be chronic or acute. Acute bacterial prostatitis onsets suddenly, and can be treated with antibiotic medications. The chronic form of this condition may be linked with recurrent urinary tract infections, and it can require more aggressive and persistent treatment. Forms of prostatitis without a bacterial cause can be treated in a number of ways, and patients with this form may be encouraged to get regular prostate exams to check for the early signs of prostate cancer.
When the symptoms of prostatitis develop, an appointment should be made with a doctor as soon as possible. During the doctor's appointment, the patient should go over all of the symptoms with the doctor, and disclose any recent sexual activity or medication use. The doctor will conduct a physical examination which includes a prostate check, and take samples for the purpose of diagnosis. If the symptoms of prostatitis are severe, the doctor may prescribe medications to manage the symptoms until the treatment takes effect, such as muscle relaxers or painkillers to reduce the pain experienced during urination.