In order to determine the best course of treatment for chronic prostatitis, the doctor must first determine the exact condition, which may be chronic bacterial prostatitis or chronic prostatitis, sometimes called chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Depending on the specific condition, chronic prostatitis treatment may consist of a long course of antibiotic therapy, other medications such as alpha blockers, or possibly surgery. Some supportive therapies may help, such as prostate massage, as well as lifestyle remedies, such as taking sitz baths. Alternative remedies like acupuncture may help ease the pain somewhat.
Patients who have chronic prostatitis caused by a bacterial infection will be placed on a low dose of antibiotics for about six months. This length of time is necessary to prevent patients from experiencing recurring bouts of prostatitis. The doctor will send a urine sample to a laboratory for testing to determine the exact bacterium that is causing the condition. Antibiotics will be tailored to the patient's specific infection. Some people may require intravenous antibiotic therapy if they have very severe symptoms; however, this is not as common for chronic prostatitis treatment as it is for acute prostatitis.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may be helpful for chronic prostatitis treatment. The doctor may recommend a safe dose of ibuprofen or aspirin. Patients should not take pain relievers on a long-term basis without consulting their doctors. Alpha blockers, which include doxazosin, terazosin, and alfuzosin, can relax certain muscles to ease pain during urination. Those who have painful bowel movements may use stool softeners.
In addition to medications, chronic prostatitis treatment will likely include some lifestyle remedies. Patients may find relief with sitz baths, in which they sit in warm water that only covers the buttocks and the hips. Those who regularly ride bicycles may wish to avoid this activity until their condition clears up. A cushion may be used for sitting down to reduce pressure.
Patients may also modify their diet for chronic prostatitis treatment. Drinking lots of water every day may be helpful for bacterial prostatitis, as it can help flush bacteria out of the body. Spicy foods and citrus juices should be avoided to prevent irritating the bladder. Patients should also avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Your doctor may also recommend a prostate massage. Do not attempt to perform this yourself. Your physician can massage the prostate for chronic prostatitis treatment. After donning gloves and applying lubrication, he will use his finger to perform the massage.
Some people may wish to try alternative remedies. As of 2011, herbal remedies are not proven to provide chronic prostatitis treatment and some of them may even be harmful. Acupuncture may help ease pain symptoms. Biofeedback may also help by teaching you how to relax the muscles and manage pain.
Surgery may be needed, depending on whether patients experience recurrent infections and antibiotics or other medications fail to provide sufficient relief. Older men are more likely to be candidates for surgery. A transurethral resection of the prostate involves removing either the diseased portion of the prostate or the entire gland. Before undergoing this surgery, men should be aware that the risks include incontinence, sterility, and impotence.