In acute bacterial prostatitis, the focus is on treatment with antibiotics. These are initially injected into the vein or muscle – usually in the hospital – and later given as tablets (for a total of 4 weeks). In addition, bed rest is necessary and painkillers and antispasmodics are prescribed. If urinary retention occurs, i.e. the inability to empty the bladder, a bladder catheter must be temporarily placed through the abdominal wall. An abscess must be surgically cleft.
Chronic prostatitis associated with persistent symptoms
In contrast to the acute form, treatment of chronic prostatitis is more difficult and the complaints often persist. If pathogens are found, appropriate antibiotics must be taken for several weeks (possibly up to a year), plus in some cases a medication to relax the bladder muscles and improve urine flow (alpha receptor blockers).
Removal of the prostate as part of treatment
If none of this helps, surgical removal of the prostate must be considered. In the inflammatory abacterial form, a trial of antibiotics is also started (even if no pathogens are detectable), and anti-inflammatory agents are given alongside them. Prostate massage three times a week or heat treatment with a microwave probe inserted through the urethra (TUMT = transurethral microwave-induced thermotherapy) is also considered helpful by some specialists.
Rye pollen extract (available as capsules in pharmacies) has been shown to be effective in some studies; possibly also medicinal plants such as pumpkin, saw palmetto, nettle or bearberry can alleviate the symptoms or even prevent further inflammation.
In the non-inflammatory form, mainly muscle relaxants and painkillers are indicated; psychological counseling is also recommended. If a cause for chronic prostatitis such as a narrowing of the urethra has been found, a special surgical procedure may also help.
Prostatitis: what can the sufferer do?
Some general measures are used to prevent prostatitis and relieve symptoms:
- It is important to empty the bladder regularly to flush germs to the outside and to empty the stool regularly to reduce the risk of migration of intestinal bacteria and pressure on the prostate.
- Hypothermia should be avoided – so wear warm underwear and always change wet swimming trunks as soon as possible.
- Heat promotes blood circulation: regular warm sitz baths are recommended.
- In all chronic forms, neither physical rest, nor sexual abstinence is necessary. On the contrary: regular ejaculation flushes germs to the outside, light jogging promotes relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles.
- Regular drinking of kidney and bladder tea has an anti-inflammatory and germ-inhibiting effect. Urinary tract infections should be treated early by the doctor to prevent germ spread.
- Muscle relaxation exercises and autogenic training alleviate the discomfort in some sufferers.
