Basics
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, and tends to be more common in older men Figure 01. The prostate is a gland about the size and shape of a chestnut that surrounds the urethra at the point where the urethra connects to the bladder. Prostatitis occurs when this gland becomes infected. Acute prostatitis strikes suddenly, and produces severe symptoms; chronic prostatitis may result from repeated infections, and is generally less severe.
Figure 01. The Prostate Gland
Causes
Prostatitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Bacterial prostatitis is caused by E. coli in 80% of cases; however, many other types of bacteria can also invade the urinary tract and cause prostatitis.
Bacteria can enter the urethra during catheter use, or can transfer from the rectum.
Nonbacterial prostatitis results in the same symptoms as prostatis caused by bacteria. Most often present in young, sexually active men, nonbacterial prostatitis occurs when a man has the signs and symptoms of prostate inflammation, but no evidence of bacterial infection.
- Common Side Effects of AntidepressantsFind out about common and not-so-common side effects of antidepressants and how to manage them.
- How Drugs Can Lower CholesterolDiscover how cholesterol-lowering medications work in your body to bring your cholesterol numbers down to ideal levels.
- Do Over-the-Counter Proton-Pump Inhibitors Work?You might wonder why you need a prescription for GERD if many PPIs are available over the counter. Get the answers to this and other questions about OTC PPIs.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
