The prostate is an organ few of us think about but it can cause a man a lot of grief.
The 3 major problems associated with the prostate are:
- Cancer
- Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH)
- Infection/Inflammation (Prostatitis)
In this article, we will talk about Prostatitis aka “A Headache in the Pelvis” or “The disease you never knew you had.”
What Causes Prostatitis?
Prostatitis can affect men of all ages.
Prostatitis can either be caused by an infection (usually bacterial) or inflammation.
What are the Symptoms of Prostatitis?
The symptoms of Prostatitis are usually very non-specific. In other words, you kinda know that there is something wrong down there in that general pelvic area but you can’t really put your finger on it.
More specific symptoms of prostatitis include:
- Blood in the semen or urine (small amount of blood will make the urine look cloudy rather than red)
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Pain with bowel movement
- Pain during ejaculation.
- Pain in the low back or above the pubic bone
- Pain between the scrotum and anus (perineum)
- Pain at the tip of the penis
- Difficulty or straining to urinate.
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate.
- Problems getting or maintaining an erection
- Premature Ejaculation
What tests can be done for it?
The tests most commonly done test for infection on the urine, prostate secretions or sometimes even the semen.
Other tests that may be done (not always) are blood tests, ultrasound tests or even prostate biopsies (this is rarely done).
How is it treated?
Obviously, bacterial infections of the prostate have to be treated with antibiotics. The catch is for prostate infections, the antibiotic course has to be rather long. More often than not 1 month or longer.
Other medicines that increase blood flow to the prostate and pelvis, improve urine flow, reduce inflammation or calm the nerves down in the pelvis may also be used.
Electro Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) for Prostatitis
The recent advancement in the treatment of prostatitis is shooting painless shock waves into the pelvis and the prostate.
For more questions, please email them at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg to make an appointment today or visit them at www.dtapclinic.com
