HOW PROSTATITIS AFFECTS MEN’S HEALTH

Prostatitis counts among the many health conditions and disorders that affect the general and sexual health of men. It is actually caused by the inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is located directly below the urinary bladder and is a part of the male reproductive system. It produces the seminal fluid that actually nourishes the sperm generated from the testicles, and helps transport it to the vagina during intercourse for successful fertilization.

Prostatitis is a condition that occurs mostly in men aged below 50. There are several reasons for its occurrence, such as bacterial infections. Most cases of prostatitis are treatable at nearby low income clinics where a strict course of antibiotic medications are suggested to the patients. Prostatitis can occur for no reason, and can interfere with the sexual health of an individual.

Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom of prostatitis is difficulty and pain during urination. This includes pain or a burning sensation while urinating, known as dysuria. It is also common for individuals with prostatitis to experience frequent urination at night. They may also experience hesitant urination, or an urgent need to urinate when the bladder is full. The other prominent symptoms of prostatitis are pain in the groin, pelvis, or the genitals, such as the testicles and penis. The person suffering from prostatitis may also experience pain while ejaculating.

Causes

Prostatitis is mainly caused due to a bacterial infection of the prostate gland. This is particularly the case with acute bacterial prostatitis, and occurs mostly when the urinal bacteria enter the prostate gland. The other major cause for prostatitis involves damages to the nerves of the lower urinary gland. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is also caused by repeated bacterial infections of the prostate gland. The other classes of prostatitis, such as chronic prostatitis and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis are caused due to factors such as inflammation.

Risk Factors and Treatment

The risk factor for prostatitis is highest for individuals having a bladder or urethral infection. It is most common for young or middle-aged men maintaining an active sexual life. The other probable sufferers of prostatitis are individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, or those with any previous cases of pelvic trauma caused by groin injuries.

Treatment for prostatitis involves carrying out a detailed diagnosis such as by urine tests, blood tests, and CT or X-Ray imaging of the urinary tract. Upon validating prostatitis, the urologist recommends a course of antibiotic medications for removing the bacteria causing the infections. Anti-inflammatory agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also prescribed for more complicated cases of prostatitis.