Prostatitis is a syndrome which occurs as the male prostate becomes inflamed. Inflammation could be due to infection or other causes.
Generally, an urologist will have to sort this out. Regardless, the symptoms of urgent urination and pain can leave a man groping for the bathroom walls.
It is understandable to want relief. Aside from a potentially painful exam by the doctor, what can you do?
First, go to the doctor for any prostate pain or difficulty urinating. This could be a sign of a more serious condition which may need medical attention.
Otherwise, Prostatitis can become a benign, recurrent problem. Live with the symptoms or take control. The choice is yours.
Prostatitis Symptoms
When the symptoms of this condition are severe, pain is a major indication. Usually, it is not cancer, as only five to ten percent of the cases are cancer related.
Typically, there is a bacterial infection. This can happen to any many of any age and there is nothing to worry about if you go to a doctor and get checked out.
Physicians prescribe medications which relieve the condition and help with the pain and the infection will go away within a few days.
Symptoms include pain between the anus and testicles, pain upon bowel movements, painful and frequent urination, and, in extreme cases, maybe some blood it the urine.
There could be an infection of the bladder or even kidney stones contributing to severe symptoms.
When the condition is left alone, it could correct itself, but it is best to get a doctor’s exam with an urologist to determine the exact cause and stop severe Prostatitis symptoms.
There is a chance of developing chronic Prostatitis when the symptoms continually recur.
After three months of the same symptoms, it is likely you will need more treatment so you can finally feel better and stop the constant runs to the bathroom.
Understand that chronic pain of any sort is a warning sign your body is using to tell you something is wrong. You do not want to be in pain, especially with all the other aches in the body.
Benign Prostate Pain
Good news is on your side with Prostatitis. Since most cases are treated with simple medications and rest, there is nothing to worry about.
It could happen to a 12 year old, so you are not quite headed over the hill yet. However, there can be some other causes which may be reason for concern.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is the result of prostate cells beginning to overgrow. The prostate becomes swollen and inflamed.
A condition of this nature will be noticed by increased need to urinate, particularly during the night and in the morning.
Symptoms are annoying and generally arise without pain, so you may not believe anything is wrong.
Again, it is advised to see an urologist and inform them of this condition. Certain medications may be used or the condition will be monitored over time to see if it worsens or improves.
Good news still stands with the fact this problem is typically temporary and considered normal in men.
Dietary Concerns
Health magazines and news reports for men have made a few points clear about a healthy diet.
Staying away from trans fatty acids in fried foods and eating a lean diet with healthy fats and high fiber will do more than just sustain heart health.
It has been shown that a diet high in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables will help prevent inflammatory conditions all over the body including the prostate.
Have you ever heard of tomatoes being good for the prostate? They are. Rich in a compound called lycopene, tomatoes help ward off Prostatitis and possibly prostate cancer.
Drinking plenty of water will help keep your kidneys clear of stones. Kidney stones can cause Prostatitis as the stones pass through the prostate, causing scarring and infections.
Stay hydrated with clean water and fresh juices to reduce your risk of this painful condition.
Sexual Lifestyle
As a taboo subject, the topic of sexual practices has to be considered. Men can contract infectious Prostatitis from sexually transmitted diseases.
Here is another reason why it is advisable to consult a doctor if you are having urinary pain and urgency after recent sexual intercourse.
Again, it is unlikely to be serious, but the condition could worsen over time. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Doctors see this all of the time. Get the condition taken care of.
Dietary Supplements
While it is not advisable to seek alternative, over-the-counter measures for undiagnosed Prostatitis, there are dietary supplements which can be helpful.
Zinc supplementation with copper is a good place to start. Men lose more zinc than women do and a zinc supplement will support male hormonal health and normal prostate health.
Selenium is also useful to keep prostate problems at bay. The NIH advises a daily intake of at least 200 micrograms for optimal immune function and a healthy prostate for men all over the world.
Garlic is also a good source of selenium and it helps to keep the immune system healthy so certain body parts don’t get swollen with bacterial infections.
Saw palmetto berries are a tried and true herbal supplement for men’s health.
The fatty acids in the berries of this common semi-tropical plant help to mitigate hormones in men’s bodies which would otherwise cause the prostate to become enlarged.
Though the jury may be out on the issue as far as the FDA is concerned, still check with your health care provider and learn if this supplement could be helpful for you.
There is plenty of good news about even severe Prostatitis. Now you know to see a doctor and get treatment and there are lifestyle changes you can make to prevent chronic Prostatitis.
Exercise regularly and get regular checkups. Prevention is the best solution. However, should you find yourself in severe pain with difficulty urinating, professional help is needed.
Please do not take matters into your own hands. On the off-chance there is a severe condition, it is best if caught early.
Resources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/benign_prostatic_hyperplasia/article.htm
http://www.webmd.com/men/guide/prostatitis
