PROSTATITIS
PROBLEM
Prostatitis is infection and/or inflammation of the prostate. Symptoms can be problems with urinating, increased frequency or painful urination, fever, or chills. You may have pain in the scrotum and buttocks and blood in the urine or semen. Prostatitis can be treated and does not cause impotence.
CAUSE
An infection may be caused by bacteria from the bladder or reflux of urine or it may have started from a rectal infection.
PREVENTION
A.Prevent prostate infection with good hygiene:
1.Wash your hands after each time you go to the bathroom (urine and bowel movements).
2.Clean under foreskin if uncircumcised.
3.Urinate when you have the urge. Do not hold your urine for long periods of time.
4.Limit your sexual partners and use a condom to prevent all types of infection.
B.Staying sexually active with ejaculation may decrease the incidence of prostatitis.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.You may have to be in the hospital for severe infections.
B.At home, try the following comfort measures:
1.Use a sitz bath or sit in warm bath water or a whirlpool three times a day to provide some relief.
2.You may find you feel more comfortable when you empty your bladder in a warm water bath when your pelvic muscles relax.
C.Your sexual partner(s) may need to be evaluated and treated, too (ask your healthcare provider).
Activity: Rest; do not engage in strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting.
Diet: Increase fluid intake. Fluid Exception: Decrease caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the urethra.
Medications:
A.Antibiotics cure the infection by killing bacteria. You need to continue taking these drugs until the infection is completely cured (usually about 1 month). You need to take all the antibiotics even if your symptoms are gone.
You Have Been Prescribed the Following Antibiotic: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
Finish all of the antibiotic even if you feel better.
B.Pain medications combined with anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease pain are usually taken for 3 to 7 days. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to bring down fever.
You Have Been Prescribed the Following for Pain: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Have Been Prescribed the Following for Fever: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Have Been Prescribed the Following for Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome:
You Need to Take:
___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.Symptoms that get worse or do not improve during treatment.
B.An inability to urinate; you may need to go to the hospital
C.Symptoms that recur after treatment.
D.Fever over 100.4°F.
E.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
RESOURCES
American Urological Association Foundation: www.UrologyHealth.org
National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse: www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov
National Urology Health Hotline Toll Free 1-800-828-7866
The Prostatitis Foundation: www.prostatitis.org
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE