Description

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland in men. Prostatitis can strike at any age and accounts for one in four male visits to urologists. There are four different types of prostatitis. Acute bacterial prostatitis is caused by bacteria, and symptoms usually disappear in three to five days. Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) is also caused by bacteria, but this infection persists for weeks or even months and is characterized by frequent relapses after treatment. Non-bacterial prostatitis (NBP) is the most common form of prostatitis; inflammation is present, but infection is not the cause. Prostatodynia (PD) is the form most common in young to middle-aged men. PD is a chronic condition that is often accompanied by depression, anxiety, or sexual dysfunction. Doctors do not yet understand what causes PD. The prostate appears normal and no bacteria or white blood cells are found in urine or prostate secretions. In some men, prostatitis can be mild and recur regularly over a lifetime; other individuals may experience a severe, acute bout of the illness.

Signs and Symptoms

• Difficulty urinating, even though the need to do so is frequent and urgent
• Pain in the genital area and pelvis
• Pain when ejaculating (in some cases)
• Fever and chills (emergency symptoms)
• Blood in urine (emergency symptom)
• Pain in the lower back and between the rectum and testicles (emergency symptoms)
• Pain or burning while urinating (emergency symptom)

Conventional Medical Treatment

To diagnose prostatitis, your general physician or a urologist may take a urine sample, perform a digital rectal exam, in which a gloved finger is inserted into the rectum to feel the prostate, and ask for a history of symptoms.

Treatment depends on what is causing your prostatitis. If bacteria is to blame, you will be put on a course of antibiotics. If the cause is not bacterial, aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications, such as corti co steroids, will be used to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, you may need to be hospitalized.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Hydrotherapy

To reduce inflammation in an acute attack, try soaking in a comfortably hot sitz bath (to which you’ve added Ih cup
of dried chamomile flowers) for 30 to 4S minutes. Alternately, apply an ice pack to the area at 20-minute intervals.

Yoga and Meditation

Three yoga poses-Knee Squeeze, Seated Sun and Elevated Lotus can boost circulation to the prostate area and calm prostate symptoms. In addition, a yoga excercise the Stomach Lock-can help prevent flare-ups. Perform the poses and excercise daily Consult your doctor starting these poses and excercise if you have high blood pressure heart problems, or a hiatal hernia
Also Read
http://health.yahoo.com/