What is Nonbacterial Prostatitis?

Nonbacterial prostatitis is a condition in which there is persistent pain in the area around the prostate gland. This condition is also sometimes called chronic (long-lasting) prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Although the condition is called prostatitis, it is uncertain if the prostate is the cause of the pain. The prostate gland is a walnut-shaped gland that sits snugly beneath the bladder in men. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but it is not caused by a bacterial infection. It is most common in older men who have an enlarged prostate.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the area between the scrotum and anu
• Pain when ejaculating
• Blood in the urine or semen

Treatment includes medications to reduce pain, to relax the muscles of the prostate gland and, often, a course of antibiotics. Nonbacterial prostatitis can be difficult to treat, and many people find that they, at best, only gain partial control of their symptoms, even after trying several therapies.

Another name for nonbacterial prostatitis is: enlargement of the prostate

Risks

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that sits under the bladder and forms the first part of the urethra (the tube that carries urine away from the bladder). Although this ongoing pain in the area is called prostatitis, it is uncertain if the prostate is the cause of the pain. The exact cause of the pain is unknown. In some cases, there may be inflammation in the area without a specific cause, in others, the pain may be coming from the muscle or nerves in the area. This condition is most common in older men who have an enlarged prostate and in men with other medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome.

What are nonbacterial porstatitis Symptoms?

__The most common symptom is a pain felt in the perineal area, the area between the scrotum (the muscular bag which contains the testicles) and anus. __

There may also be lower back pain. Other symptoms include pain when ejaculating, defecating or urinating. There may be blood in the urine or semen. Some men find that they have to urinate more frequently, or that they have a weak urinary flow. Erectile dysfunction is sometimes a symptom of this condition. These symptoms may be associated with a low mood.

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Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually made by an experienced doctor or urologist (urinary tract specialist) based on the symptoms and a prostate exam. To make the diagnosis of nonbacterial prostatitis, other possible causes for the symptoms should be excluded. This may involve urine tests, semen tests, and blood tests. In some cases, an ultrasound of the prostate or a CT scan of the abdomen may be required.

How do you treat nonbacterial prostatitis?

Treatment includes:

• Medications to reduce pain
• Medications to relax the muscles of the prostate gland
• Often a course of antibiotics

Many people find reducing the time spent sitting helps their symptoms. The gentle exercise which doesn’t place stress on the pelvic floor may also help. Some people find acupuncture helpful. Emotional and psychological support is also very important in helping people cope with their symptoms. Counseling may be useful. Surgery for the removal of the prostate might be an option for older men, but it can lead to erection difficulties.

Other names for nonbacterial prostatitis

• Nonbacterial prostatitis
• Chronic abacterial prostatitis
• Chronic pelvic pain syndrome

## What is Nonbacterial Prostatitis?



Nonbacterial prostatitis (NBP),​ also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), is a condition ‍characterized by chronic pain or discomfort in the ⁢pelvic area of men, specifically the prostate gland and surrounding structures. Unlike bacterial prostatitis, which is caused by bacterial infection, ⁢NBP is not caused by bacteria and is often a diagnosis of⁢ exclusion.



**Symptoms of NBP**



* Pelvic pain and discomfort

* Painful or frequent urination

* ‌Difficulty starting or stopping urination

* Testicular pain or tenderness

* Painful ejaculation

* Erectile ‌dysfunction (ED)

* Lower back pain

* Fatigue



**Causes​ of NBP**



The⁣ exact cause of NBP is unknown, but several contributing factors ‌have been identified:



* **Muscle tension:** Pelvic floor muscle tension can compress the prostate and cause ⁣pain.

* **Nerve irritation:** Nerves in the pelvic ⁤area can become irritated or ⁤damaged, leading to pain.

* **Inflammation:** Chronic inflammation in⁢ the prostate gland or surrounding tissues can‌ cause‍ discomfort.

* **Other medical conditions:** NBP‍ may also be associated with certain medical ⁢conditions, such as interstitial cystitis (IC), fibromyalgia, or prostatitis.



**Diagnosis of NBP**



Diagnosing⁤ NBP can be challenging as‌ there is​ no specific test that can confirm⁢ it. Doctors typically rely on a combination of factors, ‍including:



* ‌A physical exam to check for ​prostate tenderness or inflammation

* A⁤ urinalysis and⁣ urine culture to rule out infection

*​ Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test

* Imaging‌ tests (MRI or ultrasound) to look for abnormalities



**Treatment ‍of NBP**



Treatment for NBP focuses on relieving​ symptoms and improving ⁤quality⁣ of life. ‍There is no cure for NBP, but various treatments can help manage the condition:



* **Medications:** Medications⁣ such ​as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ‌muscle relaxants,‍ or alpha-blockers may help reduce pain ‍and⁢ inflammation.

* **Physical therapy:** Pelvic ⁢floor muscle exercises and massages can ⁢strengthen and relax pelvic muscles, ‍reducing pain and discomfort.

* **Biofeedback:** Biofeedback techniques can help patients learn to control muscle‍ tension ⁢and relaxation.

* ‍**Lifestyle changes:** Reducing⁤ stress, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight can help alleviate symptoms.

*‍ **Transurethral⁣ Microwave Therapy (TUMT):** A minimally ⁣invasive procedure that uses microwave⁣ energy‍ to reduce inflammation‌ and pain in​ the prostate.



**Conclusion**



Nonbacterial prostatitis is a chronic condition that can have a significant impact on a man’s quality of life. While ⁣its cause is complex, ‍various treatment options are available to relieve symptoms and improve overall well-being.‌ If you experience any of the symptoms associated ‌with NBP, it is⁤ crucial to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.