Acute Prostatitis
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Acute prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, a male sexual gland located under the bladder. It can affect men of all ages, although it is more common in men under 50. This disorder can be debilitating and cause painful symptoms that can affect the individual's quality of life.
Causes of Acute Prostatitis
The exact causes of acute prostatitis are not always clear, but may include:
- Bacterial infections: often caused by bacteria coming from the urethra or urinary tract;
- Coinfection with an infected partner: If an individual's sexual partner has a sexually transmitted infection, there is a risk of transmission, which could cause acute prostatitis;
- Trauma during sexual intercourse: vigorous or traumatic sexual activity can cause irritation or injury to the prostate, increasing the risk of developing acute prostatitis. It is especially true if there is a predisposition to prostate sensitivity or if the prostate is already inflamed;
- Stasis of prostatic fluid: After ejaculation, prostatic fluid may remain stagnant in the prostate. This fluid stasis can promote bacterial growth and increase the risk of prostate infection; this can happen when men perform coitus interruptus to prolong sexual activity;
- Immune problems: A weakened immune system can make the body more susceptible to infections.
Symptoms of Acute Prostatitis
Symptoms of acute prostatitis may include:
- Pain or burning when urinating;
- Pain in the pelvic area, genitals, lower back, or rectal area;
- Increased urinary urgency and frequency;
- Fever and chills;
- Blood in urine or semen.
Diagnosis of Acute Prostatitis
The diagnosis of acute prostatitis usually involves:
- Physical exam: Your doctor may perform a rectal exam to evaluate the size, texture, and tenderness of the prostate;
- Laboratory tests: the doctor may order tests of urine and semen samples to identify the presence of bacteria and signs of infection;
- Imaging tests, Such as ultrasound or MRI, can rule out other conditions and evaluate the state of the prostate.
Treatment of Acute Prostatitis
Treatment of acute prostatitis may include:
- Antibiotics: if the infection is bacterial, we prescribe specific antibiotics to treat it;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): May be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation;
- Relieve symptoms: Rest, adequate hydration, and warm application can help relieve symptoms.
Prevention
Some measures that can help prevent acute prostatitis include:
- Personal hygiene: maintaining good personal hygiene can reduce the risk of bacterial infections;
- Safe sex: Using a condom can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases that can contribute to prostatitis;
- Drink plenty of water: Maintaining adequate hydration can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
When to see a doctor
It is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have acute prostatitis. Additionally, it is necessary to seek medical care if you have a history of recurrent prostatitis or have been diagnosed with this condition in the past. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms, perform the necessary tests, and prescribe the appropriate treatment for acute prostatitis.