Of all things that could go wrong “down there,” prostatitis is among the least serious.

But tell that to the man suffering from it.

Prostatitis is a urological condition marked by varying degrees of painful inflammation and infection of the prostate – that squishy walnut-shaped gland just below the bladder. It produces the fluid in semen and can trouble men as they age.

Experts say the disease is unrelated to prostate enlargement or prostate cancer. And while all three can coexist, one does not cause the other.

Prostatitis is usually diagnosed by a digital rectal examination, according to the American Urological Association Foundation.

The procedure not only determines whether the prostate is swollen and tender but serves as a barometer for pain and discomfort.

Other tests a doctor may consider using before making a diagnosis include a transrectal ultrasound, urine samples, prostatic fluid specimen, blood and/or semen samples.

Treating prostatitis will depend on the type of infection, from acute bacterial prostatitis – a severe urinary tract infection associated with fever, chills and lower back pain that requires a visit to the doctor or hospital — to the slow-burning symptoms of chronic prostatitis, which is more common.

We asked Dr. Inderbir S. Gill, professor and chairman of the USC School of Urology at the Keck School of Medicine, to shed light on the disease and its treatment.

Q: Is prostatitis a serious condition?

A: Well, acute prostatitis is a serious condition, yes. It can result in pretty high toxicity and fever and has to be treated urgently. Chronic prostatitis, on the other hand, is a smoldering, ongoing pain which is not that serious. Although certainly if you were to ask the patient, it makes their life miserable.

Q: does it affect fertility?

A: It certainly could. People with chronic prostatitis may have erectile dysfunction. Infection can occur in the semen as well. It does not lower sperm count per se, but if one is not in the mood, one is unlikely to make babies.

Q: how is it some men get chronic prostatitis?

A:Infection can occur anywhere in the body, right? so it can potentially occur in the prostate as well. The problem is there is a prostate/blood barrier which decreases the penetration of antibiotics into the prostate. sometimes it is hard to get appropriate antibiotic levels in the prostate and therefore, this infection, once it occurs, is not the easiest thing in the world to get rid of.

Q: can prostatitis be cured or is it just managed?

A: Managed.

Q: how?

A: Frequent ejaculations, antibiotics, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, hot sitz baths, etc., etc.

Q: Is surgery ever an option?

A: no. in 20 years I’ve not had a patient do it.

Q: can someone have prostatitis and not know it?

A: It’s unlikely. This thing will get your attention and it will make your life miserable, period.

Over the last two months, I've had so many problems. it started with my recurring colds. I get a cold once a month, and it generally gives off the symptoms of chronic sinusitis (entire left side of head is in pain – teeth, ear, eye pressure, runny nose, etc). Doc says I do not have sinusitis, but prescribed me flonase anyway.

Then came on blepharitis, with occasional flareups. took me 8 weeks to rid myself of it after doing the treatment every single day.
Then comes on the urinary tract infection, which is not responding to antibiotics.
Then comes on another sinus infection.

Right now, I have 4 things – Sinusitis, Blepharitis, a UTI, and a stomach flu.

What the hell is causing this? do I have the scurvy? I spend all of my time indoors, so could it be vitamin d deficiency?

If you did not have your blood levels checked lately, I would advise you to.

You may have a more generalized condition that makes you more susceptible to the ailments you listed. for one reason or another, you may have a weakened immune system. You should try doing things that will bolster your immune system, like adding more vitamin C to your diet for example. Talk to your doctor and ask him what are some other things you can do to strengthen your ability to fight off these infections.

You need jesus

You do need to make sure you're taking multivitamins every day, and lots of folic acid too, about 1600mg a day. at the moment, you're body is very weak.

A common health problem among women is urinary tract infection (UTI). Bacteria enter the urethra or the urine tube and begin growing there. It results in inflammation of the bladder. The bacteria are usually the e-coli type. Sometimes the cause may be fungus or virus infestation but bacteria are the most common causative agents. Men also suffer from this problem, though to a lesser degree.

Repeated infections can occur if you are negligent. The infection is attributed to poor hygiene. some intra-uterine devices such as diaphragm used for sexual activity have spermicides. This kills the normal bacteria present in the vagina and enables harmful disease causing bacteria to grow. if you are under stress or have been ill, your resistance to disease gets lowered and you are prone to more bouts of infection. even consumption of excess alcohol can make you susceptible to UTI.

Many symptoms warn you of bladder infections. They are:

Low grade feverPainful and frequent urinationPain in abdomen and lower backUrine gives of bad smellBlood in urineInability to control urineIf a child has infection, she will be irritable and wet the bed.

If the infection spreads to the kidneys, then the symptoms will be more severe with nausea, diarrhoea, high fever and back pain which is of a high degree.

A doctor should be consulted as soon as any of these symptoms appear even if they are mild. he will ask you to get a urine test to ascertain infection and a culture to see what type of bacteria are present. Antibiotics will be given to treat the infection and pain relieving medicine for abdominal and back pain.

You can hasten recovery in the following ways :

• Drink six to eight glasses of water. Fruit juice and light tea may be taken. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Keep the vaginal area clean. Wash after urination with water to which a few drops of mild antiseptic solution have been added.
• Wear cotton undergarments so that a damp and moist area is not created which will encourage bacteria to grow. Cotton will allow air to circulate, keeping the area dry.
• Desist from sexual intercourse for the duration of infection.
• Wash hands properly so that no germs are introduced to the area.

These precautions will prevent recurring bladder infections and will save you many visits to the doctor. some mild forms of infection tends to disappear without treatment but it is always prudent to take advice from doctor as a severe form of UTI effects the kidneys and may cause damage to them.

Pyelonephritis is a medical condition, in which bacterial infections of 1 or both kidneys occurs.

The bacterium called Escherichia Coli, that is usually discovered in the large intestine, resulting in approx. 90% of kidney infections among individuals living in the community, but only 50% among hospitalized individuals.

The infection commonly ascends from the person’s genital part to the bladder. Pyelonephritis may also be carried to the kidney from another body’s part through the blood. For example, a staphylococcal infection of skin may spread to the kidney through the blood. other causes that increases the risk of the Pyelonephritis include diabetes, pregnancy, and any conditions that decreases ability of the body to fight infections.

The symptoms of Pyelonephritis commonly starts abruptly with vomiting, chills, nausea, fever, and kidney’s lower part pain on either back side. Approx. 1/3 of patients with Pyelonephritis also experience lower urinary tract infection symptoms, such as painful, frequent urination. one or both kidneys can be enlarged and tender. In some cases, the abdominal muscles are tightly contracted. A patient can have intense pain, resulted from one of the ureters spasms (renal colics). A spasm can be resulted from the passing of a kidney stone or irritation from infection.

In children, Pyelonephritis’ symptoms are frequently mild and more difficult  to define. In a chronic Pyelonephritis (long-standing infection), the fever can come and go, or not occur at all and the pain can be vague. Chronic Pyelonephritis happens only in individuals with major underlying defects, such as urine backflowfrom the person’s bladder into the ureter in young children, large kidney stone that persist, or urinary tract’s obstruction.

Chronic Pyelonephritis may damage the kidney so severe that it may no longer function normally and cause kidney failure. Specific symptoms of a Pyelonephritis (kidney bacterial infection) lead a doctor to make 2 common laboratory examinations to define whether the kidney is infected: culturing urine’s specimen bacteria to define which bacteria is present and to determine whether the kidney is infected. Additional examinations should be done for individuals with intensive back aches from renal colic; males, because they are very rare progress a kidney infection; those patients whose symptoms quickly returns after treatment with antibiotics finished; and those who do not respond to antibiotics treatment within 2 days.

X-Rays and ultrasound scans should be done in such situations. such studies can show structural abnormalities, kidney stone, or other urinary obstruction causes.

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 10th, 2011 at 10:32 pm and is filed under Diseases and Conditions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

I am going to the doctor tomorrow morning. Could anyone tell me what these symptoms mean. The lower back pain is occasional and I have to urinate more frequent. I dont not have any std's.

Maybe a bladder infection.

If your a man…which i think you are sounds very much like prostate or bladder infection.

You've got a UTI and possibly a kidney infection. you need antibiotics.

Do you have a low grade fever as well? it could be a urinary tract infection.

If you feel a more or less constant pressure to go along with the symptoms you describe, you have a bladder infection. you will need antibiotics to clear it up. Bladder infections are more common in women primarily because of poor wiping methods following a bathroom visit. While less common in men because of the differences in plumbing, they do occur and are quite painful and uncomfortable. you need to see your doctor.

Definately, a UTI a urinary tract infection, or a bladder infection is what they're called. I have had several and the only relief from this is antibiotics and you have to go to a doctor and produce a urine sample for them to detect it. it could spread up to your kidneys if you don't get it looked after and the old wise "cranberry treatment" never worked for me, you'll have to get antibiotics to clear it for sure. Talk from experience. It'll take about 2 days before you feel better after starting to take the antibiotics.

Well, for your back pain, you should start wearing a sacroiliac belt around your pelvis. What it does is that by providing the correct balance of resistance and resilience, the SI belt re-establishes the joint’s normal motion, thus relieves stress and instability at these weight bearing structures. The price of SI belts are in reasonable range these days, average cost is about $40 USD. I know a lot of people who wear SI belts, and I've read some astonishing testimonials about it.

There are many si belts out there, but Serola SI Belt seems to be the best one as far as quality, comfort, and price are considered. Check out their website for more: serola.net/product_new_sac_be…

I think you buy directly from their website at: serolabelt.com/new-serola-sacroil…

Hope it helps, good luck to you!

Just sounds like a UTI ( urinary tract infection)
all you need to do is get some antibiotics from the doc.
but for now.. and until all the meds are taken just drink LOTSSSSS of fluids.

All of these nasty symptoms can be the sign of a bladder infection: Constant irritation, uncomfortable disposition, and of course, painful urination. No people would ever want to experience these nasty things.

At least half of all women in the world will get an urinary tract infection (UTI), or a bladder infection, at least once in their lifetime. 50% of women will experience an UTI or bladder infection over the course of their lifetime. Although men can get bladder infections as well, women get them much more often.

Here are the top 7 most simple to follow and effective bladder infection cures:

Bladder infections are caused by bad bacteria in your body, and asparagus has been scientifically proven to kill bacteria. Buy a can of asparagus and drink the juice as well. you can also eat fresh asparagus.

Lemon juice has lots of Vitamin-C, and this can build your immune system as well as increase your body’s defenses against getting the infection. this is definitely a reason why drinking lemon juice is a very good aid in treating bladder infections. Always remember to drink lots of water as well.

Apple cider vinegar can be a huge help in the treatment of bladder infections. this is another beneficial alternative to lemon juice, as it effects the acidity levels of your urine, along with killing the bad bacteria.

Along with making the urine more acidic, cranberries contain a lot of vitamin-C. Pure cranberry juice is much better than the concentrated form. Cranberry capsules are another option for you to consider. Cranberry capsules can be found over-the-counter at your local drug store.

The always amazing Aspirin not only reduces bladder inflammation, but inflammation of the surrounding tissues and membranes also. Aspirin is very inexpensive and has been around forever. your doctor should always be consulted first, before taking any medications you buy over-the-counter.

6. Over-the-counter drugs:

Cystex and AZO are just two of the drugs, apart from aspirin, that can be purchased over-the-counter at your local drugstore and without a prescription from your doctor.

7. Cleansing programs:

Another great bladder infection remedy is this effective cleansing program that is very easy-to-follow. Check out our website today to learn how to be free of bladder infections forever and be able to lead a healthy life again.

Is an Unpleasant Bladder Infection Disrupting your Life? do you Dread that Unbearable Visit to The Restroom? Go to our Web page For an Efficient Bladder infection treatment Right now! also, you’ll also get the best yeast infection relief accessible.

I just had sex for the 1st time 9 days ago and now I think I have one

you can have symptoms right after having sex.. .and its probably a urinary tract infection… .after having sex you need to go pee.. .right away.. .
start drinking cranberry juice.. dring a whole liter of it… by sipping it all day long.. this will help… if you still have problems tomorrow.. drink it all day tomorrow as well.. you will have to pee a lot.. but its worth it to fix the pain

Having sex and getting a UTI doesn't come hand in hand. Yes, you can get a UTI because of sex, but not always. Symptoms of a UTI can appear at any point. see your doctor if you think you have one. you will need antibiotics.

Always feeling like you have to go and then it burns when you do. The burning is the worst part.

it often starts with a burning sensation when you pee. then you feel like your bladder is extremely full and like you're about to pee your pants so you run to the bathroom and only a little trickle comes out which burns like crazy. sometimes blood will be in the pee too.

stinky smell to your urine. a little pain. Crannberry and grapefriut juice helps a little in curing it. But first you should check with your doctor to make sure it is bladder and not urinary tract infection.

Older men often suffer from irritation and swelling of the prostate gland; this condition is known as prostatitis. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection; the bacteria enter the prostate through the urethra via the backward flow of infected urine into the prostate ducts. The prostate gland can become infected by any type of bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections (UTI).

Bacterial P accounts for up to 10 percent of all cases. This form is more clearly understood than the other forms. Other forms can be caused by neuromuscular problems in the area of the prostate and from an autoimmune disorder of the prostate. Other causes could be from traumatic injury, pressure exerted on the prostate due to obesity and from diseased tissue, and psychological stress. These forms are not as clearly understood as the bacterial form.

Causes of bacterial prostatitis

It can also be caused by the coliform bacteria that travel from the intestinal tract. a male can be at risk for bacterial P if he engages in rectal intercourse has had a urinary catheter or other medical device inserted into the urethra and bladder. he may also be at risk if his urinary tract has a structural abnormality, or has had a urinary tract infection recently. any man with an enlarged prostate may be at risk.

There are several possible causes. The organisms that may cause bacterial P are Escherichia coli, Enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus.

It can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomonas, Syphilis and other STDs.

It can occur with an infection in and around the testicles, especially if the infection originated from an STD. Symptoms may include:

Low back pain

Pain during urination

Burning during urination

Pain while have a bowel movement

Urinary retention (can’t completely empty the bladder)

Pain with ejaculation

Pain in the area of the anus and the genitals

Blood in the semen

Foul odor to the urine

Blood in the urine

Frequency or urgent need to urinate

Diagnostic evaluations

Your doctor will do a physical examination; he/she will look for signs of prostatitis. The signs that you might have are:

You may have a discharge from your urethra

You may have enlarged lymph nodes in your groin

You may be tender in the area of your scrotum

You may be tender in the area of your rectum

You may have tenderness in the area of your prostate

Your doctor will ask you to give a urine sample for a culture and sensitivity. Your doctor will also order a routine urinalysis. if there is a discharge coming from the prostate, the doctor may choose to do a culture and sensitivity test on it to look for increased bacteria and white blood cells.

Your doctor will send you to the lab or a nurse can take a blood sample from you in the office for a complete blood count (CBC) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

Most cases can be successfully treated with antibiotics, and lifestyle changes. The lifestyle changes would include making changes in your diet and activity. Antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole and others may be prescribed to treat bacterial P. if prostatitis is caused by an STD an antibiotic such as ceftriaxone and doxycycline may be given. in severe cases caused by an STD infection, then you may need to be hospitalized for medications to be given piggy back with IV fluids.

Sometimes, men with prostatitis may have difficulty emptying the bladder. if you have urgency and cannot void, your doctor may suggest that you have a suprapubic (inserted in the bladder through the pubic region and not the penis) catheter until your infection is under control. if you have pain , you may find relief by sitting in a warm bath or sitz bath. Sitting in a warm bathtub will help relieve the backache associated with prostate pain.

Look at Prostatitis Symptoms letting in 34 medical signs and symptoms of Prostatitis. Different Prostatitis Symptoms The you need To Know website gives you collection of useful articles & updated news.

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I'm looking for journal entries, ect on what causes the dementia like symptoms in elderly patients when suffering from a urinary tract infection. I am on the understanding that the true reasons are unknown at this time, but I would like to read more on what research has already been done on this phenomenon.

It's called an "acute confusional state" and it resolves after the infection is gone. It's not dementia, which is a permanent condition. It usually is due to a combination of high fever and dehydration.
Google it.