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Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: What You Need to Know About This Persistent Infection
Published: Oct 02, 2024
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a lingering infection of the prostate gland that can cause ongoing urinary and pelvic symptoms in men. While it's not as common as other prostate issues, it's important to understand this condition and how it's treated.
What Exactly is Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis?
Chronic bacterial prostatitis occurs when bacteria infect the prostate gland and cause inflammation that lasts for 3 months or longer. It's different from acute prostatitis, which comes on suddenly and severely. With chronic bacterial prostatitis, symptoms tend to be milder but persistent. The most common culprit is E. coli bacteria, which can enter the prostate from the urethra or bladder.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis can be subtle and may come and go. Common signs include frequent or urgent urination, pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, painful ejaculation, and sometimes blood in the semen. Some men experience recurrent urinary tract infections. Unlike acute prostatitis, fever is rare with the chronic form.
Diagnosing the Condition
Diagnosing chronic bacterial prostatitis can be tricky. Your doctor may perform a digital rectal exam to check for prostate abnormalities. The gold standard for diagnosis involves comparing bacteria levels in urine samples taken before and after prostate massage. However, this test isn't always done in practice. Often, the condition is diagnosed based on symptoms and recurring urinary tract infections.
Treatment Approaches
The main treatment for chronic bacterial prostatitis is a long course of antibiotics, typically lasting 4-6 weeks or longer. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin are often the first choice. If symptoms persist, a second round of antibiotics may be needed. In some cases, other medications to relax the prostate or reduce inflammation may be prescribed. Staying hydrated and avoiding irritants like caffeine and alcohol can also help manage symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's not sexually transmitted or contagious.
There's no evidence linking it to increased prostate cancer risk.
It accounts for only about 5-10% of prostatitis cases.
Yes, they may harbor bacteria and make treatment more difficult.
It's most common in men between 30-50 years old.
The Bottom Line
While chronic bacterial prostatitis can be frustrating, proper diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.
References
- Lipsky BA, Byren I, Hoey CT. Treatment of bacterial prostatitis. Clin Infect Dis 2010; 50:1641.
- Krieger JN, Nyberg L Jr, Nickel JC. NIH consensus definition and classification of prostatitis. JAMA 1999; 282:236.
- Schaeffer AJ. Clinical practice. Chronic prostatitis and the chronic pelvic pain syndrome. N Engl J Med 2006; 355:1690.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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