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Prostatitis

Prostatitis, what is it?

Prostatitis is a painful condition in which the prostate is inflamed, swollen, and tender. It can be caused by a bacterial infection or just simply be inflamed.

Symptoms:

  • Pain in the perineum (the area between the rectum and the testicles)
  • Pain on defecation
  • Aches and pains in the joints or muscles and the lower back
  • Blood in the urine
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Painful ejaculation

Prevalence of Prostatitis

Prostatitis is the most common cause of urinary tract infections in men, leading to approximately 2 million doctor’s visits each year in the United States. Half of all men will experience prostatitis during their lifetime. The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that about 25% of all men who see a doctor for urological problems have symptoms of prostatitis.

Is Prostatitis, Cancer?

No. Prostatitis is a benign ailment, which, while not always curable, is almost always treatable with antibiotics. Occasionally, inflammation due to prostatitis can raise your PSA level (prostate-specific antigen). However, it does not lead to cancer.

Prostate cancer is believed to be due to a combination of factors including diet, lifestyle, genetics, and environmental exposures. There is, however, a question as to whether continued inflammation of the prostate may lead to the eventual development of prostate cancer, and studies are being done to determine if reducing inflammation can prevent prostate cancer.

Learn More

  • How Prostate Cancer Grows

    The prostate (not prostrate) uses male hormones called androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), to trigger and maintain male sex characteristics and reproduction. Normally,...

  • Prostatitis: Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood

    Janet Farrar Worthington

    Every year, thousands of men are diagnosed with prostatitis. Some of them might even have it. Most of them don’t. Maybe you’re one of those...