Nonbacterial prostatitis causes inflammation of the prostate gland, with symptoms including pain when urinating or ejaculating, frequent urination, and chronic pain in the groin area. Its causes are unknown, but may be related to immune system disorders, stress, or injury. Treatment involves home remedies or prescription medications.
Nonbacterial prostatitis is a medical disorder that causes inflammation of the prostate gland. The condition is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 40, though doctors aren’t sure of its exact causes. A man with nonbacterial prostatitis may experience pain when urinating or ejaculating, frequent urges to urinate, and chronic pain in the groin area. If left untreated, symptoms tend to persist or worsen over time. Depending on the severity of a person’s condition, treatment usually involves home remedies or prescription medications to ease the discomfort.
Many cases of prostatitis are related to bacterial infections, which are relatively easy to identify and treat. The causes of nonbacterial prostatitis, however, are more difficult to determine. Doctors believe that prostatitis may result from an underlying disorder in the immune system, high levels of stress, or injury to the groin or prostate. Some clinical evidence suggests that men who have a family history of prostate problems are at an increased risk of developing nonbacterial prostatitis.
Symptoms of nonbacterial prostatitis include frequent urination, difficulty sleeping, and sharp pains when urinating or ejaculating. A person might also experience a dull, constant pain in the prostate, groin, abdomen, or lower back that makes daily activities difficult. Additionally, prostatitis can eventually lead to infertility in some individuals. It is common for a man to experience days or weeks of severe symptoms between relatively symptom-free periods, although the pain often does not fully subside until treatment is sought. An individual who suspects they have prostatitis should see a doctor to get the correct diagnosis and learn about treatment options.
A doctor can conduct a physical exam and order laboratory tests of urine and semen to make a diagnosis of nonbacterial prostatitis. During the physical exam, the doctor will insert his finger into the rectum to feel the prostate, determining if it is inflamed, swollen, tender, or abnormally hard. Semen and urine tests can be used to rule out bacterial infections and check for possible immune system disorders. Once the diagnosis of prostatitis has been made, the doctor can decide on the best course of treatment.
Individuals with mildly bothersome cases of nonbacterial prostatitis may be able to find relief through simple home remedies and changes to their dietary habits. Avoiding tight clothing, sitting on pillows, and taking frequent hot baths can relieve tension and inflammation in the prostate gland. Many people experience fewer symptoms when they abstain from alcohol and limit their intake of caffeine and spicy foods.
More severe symptoms may require prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce swelling and inflammation. Oral medications known as alpha blockers can remove tension from the area where the prostate meets the bladder, which can help relieve pain and reduce the frequency of urination. With treatment, symptoms may begin to ease in as little as a week, although regular checkups are recommended so that prostate health can be maintained.
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