Are You at Risk for Acute Bacterial Prostatitis?
Are You at Risk for Acute Bacterial Prostatitis?
What's This About?
Understanding the risk factors for acute bacterial prostatitis can help prevent this painful condition.
Contents
- Common Risk Factors
- The Role of Health Conditions
- Myths and Misconceptions
Common Risk Factors
Urogenital infections like cystitis and urethritis can increase the risk of prostatitis. Procedures involving the prostate, such as biopsies, are also linked to higher chances of infection, especially with resistant bacteria.
The Role of Health Conditions
Certain health conditions, like HIV, can predispose individuals to prostatitis due to immunosuppression. Even without AIDS-defining illnesses, HIV-positive patients report more urinary symptoms compared to uninfected individuals.
Myths and Misconceptions
Some believe activities like cycling or dehydration may lead to prostatitis, but these are not established risk factors. Anecdotal evidence exists, but well-controlled studies have not confirmed these links.
FAQs
What increases the risk?
Urogenital infections and prostate procedures.
Does HIV affect risk?
Yes, HIV increases prostatitis risk due to immunosuppression.
Are cycling and dehydration risk factors?
These are myths without scientific backing.
The Bottom Line
Understanding your risk factors can help you take preventative measures.
Additional References
- Breyer BN, Van den Eeden SK, Horberg MA, et al. HIV status is an independent risk factor for reporting lower urinary tract symptoms. J Urol 2011; 185:1710.
- Gill BC, Shoskes DA. Bacterial prostatitis. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2016; 29:86.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.