Prostatitis describes a group of problems that are associated with infection or inflammation of the prostate gland.

ACUTE PROSTATITIS
Acute prostatitis is a condition associated with a sudden difficulty with urination, burning, and pain in the rectal area. This is caused by a bacterial infection of the prostate gland. If severe, this can cause fever, complete blockage of urine flow (urinary retention) or spreading of the infection in to the blood stream. The diagnosis is based on the history of symptoms, physical exam and testing of the urine. The treatment is oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicine for pain control. If the infection is severe, hospitalization for intra-venous antibiotics may be required.

CHRONIC PROSTATITIS
This problem can describe a variety of problems. The symptoms are of a nagging and long term pain in the genitals or rectum. There can also be urinary problems such as burning or pain. It can be hard to confirm whether this is caused by a chronic infection or inflammation without any underlying infection. Urine tests and at times semen analysis may be helpful. A 2-3 week trial of antibiotics is usually recommended to treat any underlying infection. In addition anti-inflammatory medications are helpful. Dietary supplements such as Lycopenes are also helpful. Cooked tomatoes, such as spaghetti sauce, are a good source of Lycopenes. In some men the pain of chronic prostates is actually secondary to pain in the pelvic muscles. Pelvic floor exercises such as Kegel exercises can be used with moderate success.