Prostate infection is also known as prostatitis. It is the infection in the prostate gland that is a part of the male reproductive system. This gland is responsible for secreting fluids carry the sperm and lies below the urethra. This is a common infection in men below the age of 50. This article covers the different aspects of this infection.
Prostate Infection Causes
One of the causes of this infection is acute bacterial prostatitis which is caused due to infection in the urinary tract. This spreads the infection to the prostate gland. Chronic bacterial prostatitis, another uncommon infection, is caused due to a defect in the prostate. This also leads to an infection in the prostate gland. The most common prostate infection is the non-bacterial prostatitis. This can be termed as a chronic prostate infection as it is not only a painful infection but also the symptoms go when treated, only to come back after some period of time. Experts state that 7 out of 10 times, they are unable to find the accurate causes of prostate infection. The last type of prostate infection is prostatodynia which is similar to the non-bacterial prostatitis. The symptoms in this case, however, are not so acute.
Bacteria, fungi, streptococcal organisms also cause infection in the prostate. These bacteria reach the prostate through the prostatic duct and infect the prostate. Infected urine is also the reason for infections. Enlarged prostate is another cause for infection in prostate.
Prostate Infection Symptoms
Difficulty in urination, frequent urination, nausea, burning sensation and pain during urination, painful ejaculation, chills, vomiting are some of the common prostate infection symptoms. Nocturia, nightime urination, is also a common symptom of this infection. Other symptoms include joint pains, muscle aches, fatigue and pain in the genital area. When a person shows any of these symptoms accompanied with a high fever, immediate medical assistance is necessary. If the infection is not treated in time, urinary tract infections can be caused. In worst cases, continuous ignorance of the above symptoms can also lead to prostate cancer. Blood in semen or urine is one of the several early symptoms of prostate cancer. A urologist is the best person to consult in order to diagnose the problem in time.
Prostate Infection Examination
The first thing that a urologist asks to do is a prostate exam. Other tests include urine culture test, CT scan, ultrasound and MRI. In order to find out the exact cause of the bacterial infection, the expert may ask for a urine culture test. This gives the doctor a fair idea of the cause of the bacterial infection. In cases where the root cause of the infection is not apparent and the symptoms reoccur after every few days, the doctor may need an ultrasound to help him nail the problem. A CT scan or a MRI are usually conducted if an ultrasound is not possible. In order to rule out that the infection is not prostate cancer, thorough medical examination is necessary. Read more…