Prostatitis: A problem that affects men’s health more than expected

Prostatitis is an inflammation that occurs in the prostate gland, which is a gland located near the male urinary tract and plays an important role in the reproductive system. The inflammation not only affects sexual performance but can also severely or chronically affect the urinary system, and there is a risk of complications that may be life-threatening if not properly treated.

Key Takeaways

• Prostatitis is a condition that men should not overlook, as it can affect both the urinary system and sexual performance. If left untreated, it may lead to severe complications.
• Prostatitis often causes abnormalities in urination, such as incomplete urination, painful urination, cloudy or bloody urine, and may include genital pain, fever, and lower abdominal pain.
• Currently, there is no effective method to prevent prostatitis, but self-care can reduce risk factors, such as using condoms during sexual intercourse, maintaining genital hygiene, eating a healthy diet, drinking sufficient water, and exercising regularly.

How many types of prostatitis are there? Which type is dangerous?

Prostatitis can be classified based on symptoms and laboratory findings into 4 types as follows:

1. Acute Bacterial Prostatitis

Acute bacterial prostatitis is uncommon but usually severe. The prostate gland becomes infected with bacteria that pass through the urethra, causing inflammation and swelling that acutely compress the urethra. If the infection is severe, it may be life-threatening.

2. Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is usually caused by a mild infection but results in persistent inflammation lasting more than 3 months. Patients often have recurrent urinary tract inflammation.

3. Chronic Prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis of unknown cause is the most common type. Patients have symptoms of chronic prostatitis, but no causative bacteria are detected. Currently, the exact cause is unknown, but it is assumed to be related to abnormal immune system function or infection by non-bacterial organisms such as Chlamydia Trachomatis, Ureaplasma Urealyticum, or Mycoplasma Hominis.

4. Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is an inflammatory condition without symptoms. It is often detected through laboratory abnormalities of the prostate from biopsy or as a result of treatment for other diseases.

What causes prostatitis?

The causes of prostatitis depend on the type of inflammation. Possible causes include:

• Infection, which is easily detected from laboratory results. Infection often occurs when pathogens ascend through the urethra to the prostate.
• Abnormal immune system function
• Abnormalities of the pelvic muscle and nerve system
• Urinary tract abnormalities

However, in many cases, the exact cause cannot be clearly identified, as there are many factors that may increase risk or trigger prostatitis, such as lower abdominal injury, anal intercourse, or use of a urinary catheter.

What are the symptoms of prostatitis?

Patients with prostatitis may experience different symptoms depending on the type and severity. Symptoms may be mild and difficult to notice or severe requiring urgent treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty urinating, frequent small urination, painful urination, or inability to urinate
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Pain in the genitals, testicles, and surrounding areas
• Pain below the scrotum
• Fatigue, fever, chills
• Nausea, vomiting
• Lower back pain, lower abdominal pain
• Abdominal discomfort
• Sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction, pain during ejaculation, blood in semen, lower abdominal pain after intercourse

Diagnosis of prostatitis

When a patient presents with dull testicular pain, urinary system problems, or penile pain during urination, a doctor may suspect prostatitis. Diagnosis can be performed by the following methods:

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): the doctor inserts a finger through the rectum to check for swelling and tenderness. During this process, the doctor may massage the prostate to collect prostatic fluid for further examination.
• Urine test to assess urinary tract infection
• Blood test to detect signs of infection in the body
• Radiological examination such as computed tomography (CT Scan), ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate inflammation of the prostate and urinary system

What are the treatment methods for prostatitis?

Treatment of prostatitis varies depending on the type and cause. If inflammation is caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics are commonly used, either intravenously or orally, depending on the severity. Symptomatic treatment may also be provided, such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants to relieve pain and reduce abnormal urination.

In cases of severe inflammation, hospitalization may be considered to ensure effective and continuous treatment.

Can prostatitis cause complications?

Prostatitis that is not promptly and properly treated may lead to complications, including inflammation of the vas deferens, prostatic abscess, prostate abscess, infection spreading to nearby organs, decreased sexual performance, infertility, or severe bloodstream infection that may be life-threatening.

How to take care and prevent prostatitis

There may not yet be a most effective method for preventing prostatitis due to its unclear causes, but good hygiene and appropriate behavioral adjustments can reduce risk factors. Prevention and self-care include:

• Maintain cleanliness of the genital area at all times
• Practice safe sex by using condoms to prevent infection
• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet, drink sufficient clean water
• Get adequate sleep and reduce stress
• Exercise appropriately
• Avoid spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol

Prostatitis: seek cause early for appropriate treatment planning

Prostatitis is a condition that many men may not notice, leading to chronic symptoms that are difficult to treat. Therefore, self-care and observation of abnormalities are important. If abnormal urination or genital pain is noticed, even mild symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical examination to identify the cause for effective treatment and increase the chance of recovery.

Praram 9 Hospital provides diagnostic and treatment services by specialized physicians, together with modern and standardized medical technology to ensure accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment, helping patients regain a better quality of life.

For more information

• Facebook: Praram 9 Hospital International & Expats
• Line: @Praram9Hospital
• Tel. 1270

Frequently Asked Questions about Prostatitis

1. Can prostatitis heal on its own?

In cases of bacterial prostatitis, the condition cannot resolve on its own. However, if the inflammation is not caused by infection and no dangerous cause is found, symptoms may improve without medication.

2. Does drinking a lot of water help with prostatitis?

Drinking a lot of water can help with prostatitis because it increases urination and helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract. However, drinking water alone cannot replace medical treatment, and patients must receive additional treatment.

References

Prostatitis. (2023, November 14). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15319-prostatitis

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025, February 22). Prostatitis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355766

Villines, Z (2023, May 26). Causes and treatment of chronic prostatitis. MedicalNewsToday. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322457