Most cases of acute prostatitis clear up completely with medication and slight changes to the diet and behavior.

MEDICATIONS:

• Antibiotics, most often trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim or Septra), fluoroquinolones (Floxin or Cipro), tetracycline or a tetracycline derivative such as doxycycline, for at least 4 weeks
• A shot of ceftriaxone followed by a 7-day course of doxycycline (for men with prostatitis caused by an STD)
• A hospital stay and antibiotics given through a vein (IV) (for severe cases)

Because it is possible for the infection to relapse, some health care providers recommend even longer courses of medication -- 6 to 8 weeks -- to get rid of the infection.

Stool softeners may reduce the discomfort that occurs with bowel movements.

SURGERY:

Surgery, urinary catheterization, or cystoscopy are not recommended for patients with acute prostatitis.

OTHER THERAPY:

• Urinate often and completely to decrease the symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency.
• A suprapubic catheter (a drain that empties the bladder through the abdomen) may be needed if the swollen prostate makes it diffcult to empty your bladder.
• Warm baths may relieve some of your perineal and lower back pain.

DIET:

• Avoid substances that irritate your bladder, such as alcohol, caffeinated food and beverages, citrus juices, and hot or spicy foods.
• Increase fluid intake (64 - 128 ounces per day) to urinate often and help flush bacteria from your bladder.

MONITORING:

After you finish antibiotic treatment, get examined by your health care provider to make sure the infection is gone.

Most men who are accurately diagnosed with acute prostatitis become symptom-free after treatment.

Patients who have had acute prostatitis may have the infection come back or develop chronic prostatitis.

Chronic prostatitis or prostatic abscess can develop. Urinary retention may occur as the swollen prostate presses on (compresses) the urethra.

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of prostatitis.

Images

Male reproductive anatomy

Review Date: 09/30/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)