What is the Cause of Prostate Pain?
For most men, pelvic pain, is usually caused by the prostate being inflamed. It is difficult to diagnose what is causing the prostate pain, unfortunately. A painful prostate is often called prostatitis. One of the most common causes is a bacterial infection, which causes inflammation. For some men, the exact cause of the pain is never found, and they end up suffering chronic prostate pain. A doctor will have to complete a number of tests to try and determine the cause of the pain, some tests may need to be repeated for the best results.
Prostate Pain Case #1: Bacterial Prostatitis
If it is determined the pain is caused from a bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics can be prescribed. This treatment usually requires four to six weeks of strong antibiotics to get rid of the infection. The more severe cases may require additional medicine for up to an additional six months. Medication is often prescribed to relieve the pain as well. Some of the pain relievers that are used for prostate pain include muscle relaxers, alpha blockers, and NSAIDs.
In severe bacterial prostatitis cases, surgery may be required. There are a couple of different surgeries that are done. A transurethral resection of the prostate or what is also called TURP, can be helpful. Radical prostatectomy is also an option in some severe cases. Surgery is always a last resort for the treatment of bacterial prostatitis.
Prostate Pain Case #2: Non Bacterial Prostatitis
If a male does not have a bacterial infection that is causing the prostate pain, it tends to become very difficult to find the exact cause. A doctor will need to do further testing to try and pinpoint the cause of the prostate pain. If the doctor determines the male is suffering from prostatitis/chronic pelvis pain syndrome, there are a few treatments available. The use of alpha blockers is an option if they have not been used previously. Muscle relaxers can be prescribed for a male suffering spasms. Botulinum toxin can be given in an injection to the prostate. Antibiotics may be prescribed just in case there is a bacterial infection causing the pain, only if they have not already been used for the prostate pain. NSAIDs are used to decrease the prostate swelling. If the male is experiencing frequent urination that is often associated with prostate pain, anticholinergic drugs may be prescribed.
Some other non medicinal treatments may also be recommended for a male suffering from prostate pain, that is not bacterial. The use of bio-feedback can teach men how to control the muscles that allow them to urinate. The bio-feedback includes a recording of the body’s response to different actions. Acupuncture often used as a way to eliminate pain and swelling in the prostate. A prostate pain management method that is currently being researched, is electrical stimulation. The stimulation is applied to the urethral and anal areas.
Some other natural treatments include the use of dietary supplements. There are a number of supplements that are believed to help control prostate pain, but there is not enough data to confirm the suspicions. Some of the supplements are saw palmetto, pollen extract and quarcetin . The research for alternative treatments is limited, but your doctor may be able to give you some good advice.