By Dr. Apurva Kumar Chaudhary, Urology

The prostate gland is a gland located just below the bladder in men and is responsible for producing semen. When this gland becomes inflamed or swells, it is known as prostatitis.

Symptoms of Prostatitis include pain while urinating as well as flu-like symptoms and also pain in the groin, pelvis or genitals. Prostatitis can happen to any man but is especially common in men over 50 years. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection and can be treated with antibiotics. However, sometimes the cause is not known. This is when it gets harder to treat prostatitis. Here is everything you need to know about prostatitis…

Diagnosis:

1. Blood Tests: One of the most common causes of prostatitis is a bacterial infection. If there are signs of infection in your blood, the doctor will have to perform this test.
2. Urine Tests: Samples of your urine are also taken to check for signs of bacterial infection.
3. Urodynamic Tests: These tests determine how well you can urinate. It is conducted to see how prostatitis is affecting your urination.

Treatments:

1. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the most common form of treatment and the exact antibiotic given differs based on which bacteria has infected you.
2. Alpha Blockers: This is a treatment which lessens your pain by relaxing the bladder neck.
3. NSAIDs: NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These make you more comfortable.
4. Massaging the Prostate: This is done using a lubricated glove and is very similar to a rectal exam.