Let's learn more about prostate problems (prostatitis) that plague men.

Do you also feel like you need to urinate often? But when you go to urinate, it doesn't go well? Or do you experience burning and pain when urinating, as well as pain in the lower abdomen? These are problems that many of us men experience, but we are a little hesitant to talk about. The cause of many of these symptoms can be an inflammation of the prostate gland. We medically call this Prostatitis. So don't worry, we will talk about everything about this simply and clearly today.

Simply put, what is prostatitis?

Okay, first let's look at what the prostate gland is. It's a walnut-sized gland that's unique to men. It's located just below your bladder. The urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of your body, runs through the prostate gland.

Now, Prostatitis is when your prostate gland and the surrounding tissue become swollen or inflamed for some reason. Think of it like a swollen tonsil in your throat. This swelling can put pressure on the urethra that passes through the prostate. That's what causes things like difficulty urinating and pain.

Are there different types of prostatitis?

Yes, this is not just one type of disease. There are four main types. Some are caused by bacterial infections, and some have no specific cause. Knowing these four types is very important for you and your doctor to treat you.

How common is this condition?

It's more common than you think. Statistically, about one in two men (50%) will experience symptoms of prostatitis at some point in their lives . It's the most common urinary tract problem among men under the age of 50. It's also the third most common condition among men over the age of 50. So, this isn't just a problem for you.

What are the main symptoms of this?

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of prostatitis you have, but there are some common symptoms. If you have one or more of these, be sure to see a doctor.

• Pain in the lower abdomen, genitals, or the area between the scrotum and anus. This pain can sometimes spread to the lower back.
• Needing to urinate frequently.
• Pain or burning when urinating (Dysuria).
• Intermittent flow of urine, stopping and starting again.
• Blood in the urine (Hematuria).
• Blood in the semen (Hematospermia).
• Pain during sex.
• Pain during ejaculation.
• Erectile dysfunction.

Why does prostatitis occur? What are the causes?

The cause also varies depending on the type we discussed earlier. Sometimes the cause is obvious, but for types like CPPS, it's hard to find a definitive cause.

Things that can cause non-bacterial infections (CPPS)

This is not something that is caused by bacteria, but these things are thought to be contributing factors:

• Autoimmune diseases - This means that the body's immune system attacks its own cells.
• Damage to the pelvic floor muscles.
• Problems or swelling in the nerves in the pelvic area.
• Severe stress.

Causes of types caused by bacterial infections

These are caused by bacteria entering the prostate gland. These bacteria can enter through the urethra.

• Bladder infections or urinary stones.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Use of a catheter.
• Taking a piece of tissue from the prostate gland for examination (prostate biopsy).
• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Injuries to the pelvic area.

Who is most at risk of developing this?

Certain factors can increase your risk.

• If you have frequent urinary tract infections.
• If you have previously developed prostatitis.
• If there is a congenital defect in the urinary system.
• If you are over 50 years of age and have an enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
• If there has been an accident or nerve damage to the pelvic area.

Can this cause other complications? Is there a chance of cancer?

This is a question that many people are afraid of. First of all, prostatitis is not cancer. And it does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. So don't be afraid of it.

However, when the prostate gland becomes swollen due to prostatitis, the level of a protein called PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) in the blood can increase. Since PSA levels also increase in prostate cancer, sometimes these two conditions can be confused. However, the doctor will do further tests to find out exactly why the PSA level is elevated.

Complications, especially if Acute Bacterial Prostatitis is severe, can lead to sepsis , a life-threatening condition in which the infection spreads throughout the body. That is why it is important to go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately if you have severe urinary problems along with a fever.

How does a doctor find this?

When you go to see your doctor, he will listen carefully to your symptoms. Then he will do a physical examination. Several tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): In this test, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into your rectum and feels the prostate gland. This can help determine if it is swollen or tender. Although this may seem like a difficult test, it is very important for diagnosing the condition.
• Urinalysis: Checks for bacteria or infection in the urine.
• Blood test: This helps measure the PSA level we talked about earlier.
• Cystoscopy: In this, a thin tube with a camera attached is inserted through the urethra to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra.
• Transrectal Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to take an image of the prostate gland and check for abnormalities, such as tumors.

Well, what are the treatments for this now?

Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis you have. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment.

Treatment for bacterial infections

If you have a bacterial infection (acute or chronic), your doctor will prescribe antibiotics .

• Acute bacterial prostatitis usually requires 2 to 4 weeks of antibiotics. In some severe cases, you may need to stay in the hospital and have medication given intravenously (IV).
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a bit more difficult to treat. You may need to take antibiotics for a long period of time, from 4 to 12 weeks.

Treatment for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

Because this is not a bacterial infection, the treatment is different. It's all about managing your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

• Medications that help you pass urine more easily (e.g. Tamsulosin).
• Pain-relieving medications.
• Counseling or medication to reduce stress.
• Pelvic floor physical therapy (exercises to strengthen and relax the muscles in the pelvic area).
• Things like sitting in warm water (sitz baths).

What things can we do at home?

It is essential to see a doctor for treatment. In addition, you can try these things at home to control symptoms. But remember that these are in addition to medical advice .

• Drink plenty of water. This will help you urinate frequently and flush bacteria out of your body.
• Take a painkiller (as directed by a doctor) such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for inflammation and pain.
• Stay away from spicy, acidic foods, coffee, and alcohol . These can increase urinary tract inflammation.
• Applying a hot water bottle to your lower abdomen or back can help relieve pain.
• When you feel pain, sit on a cushion with a hole in the middle (donut pillow).
• Avoid activities that increase pain, such as cycling, for a while.

When should you see a doctor?

If you have any of the following symptoms, be sure to see a doctor without delay.

• If there is blood in the urine or semen.
• If you have difficulty urinating, or if you cannot urinate at all.
• If you have severe pain when urinating.
• If you have unbearable pain in your lower abdomen and fever.
• If there is pain during sexual intercourse or ejaculation.