Chronic prostatitis is a common medical problem for many men, accounting for about 2 million doctor visits each year. It’s the third most common urological problem among men and the most common among men under age 50.
Often caused by bacterial infection, chronic prostatitis is recurrent and lasts longer than acute prostatitis. Common symptoms include pelvic or genital pain, pain during ejaculation or urination, and weak urine stream or other problems with urination.
While antibiotics can help destroy germs responsible for chronic bacterial prostatitis, treatment can be challenging. When bacteria are left behind, the stage is set for a return of infection in the future.
At Adult and Pediatric Urology, Alfred Shtainer, MD, FACS, helps patients overcome chronic prostatitis with a combination of antibiotic injections and prostate massage. Here’s what we want you to know:
Antibiotics are medications designed to fight bacterial infections. Different bacteria require different types of antibiotics.
For many types of infections, antibiotics are taken by mouth. The problem: As they pass through the digestive tract, medications can be broken down, diluted, and rendered far less effective by the time they reach the site of infection — in this case, the prostate.
Digestive issues that interfere with absorption can reduce the amount of medication reaching the prostate, as well. If antibiotics cause an upset stomach or other digestive issues, they may not even be an option for prostatitis treatment.
Antibiotic injections avoid all these problems, delivering antibiotics directly to the infected tissue. Not only is this delivery option far more precise, but it also avoids dilution, delivering full-strength medication for greater benefits.
Injections alone can provide better outcomes compared to oral medications, but the addition of a prostatic massage can offer even more therapeutic benefits by improving delivery and absorption.
A prostate massage is performed rectally, similarly to a prostate exam. During a prostate massage, Dr. Shtainer gently stimulates the prostate gland to improve prostate drainage.
Inflammation associated with chronic prostatitis can interfere with normal fluid drainage, leading to a build-up of toxic byproducts and contributing to pain and discomfort. Improving drainage releases congested fluids, supporting normal gland function while reducing inflammation and pain.
Prostate massage also enhances circulation in the area, helping antibiotics reach the target area more effectively. Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Shtainer may recommend a series of massages to help restore normal gland function.
Not all chronic prostatitis is caused by bacterial infection. Previous surgeries, immune system issues, nervous system dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and even stress can cause prostatitis, too. Dr. Shtainer performs prostate evaluations to determine the cause of your symptoms before recommending any therapy.
If you’re struggling with uncomfortable chronic prostatitis or if you have symptoms of prostatitis, an evaluation is the first step toward finding a long-term, effective solution.
Request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Shtainer and the team at Adult and Pediatric Urology in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York, today.
