Prostatitis; non-bacterial

Treatment:

Treatment for non-bacterial prostatitis is difficult, and often is aimed at treating the symptoms.

MEDICATIONS:
Non-bacterial prostatitis that is caused by Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Tetracycline and doxycycline are commonly used. Erythromycin, as well as a variety of expensive, broad spectrum antibiotics (quinolines, aminoglycosides) may be used as alternative medications. The course of antibiotic therapy is long, frequently 6 to 8 weeks.

Stool softeners (such as colace) may be recommended to reduce the discomfort associated with bowel movements.

SURGERY:
Transurethral resection of the prostate may be done if antibiotic therapy is unsuccessful. This surgical treatment is usually not performed on younger men because it carries potential risks for sterility, impotence, and incontinence.

OTHER THERAPY:
It is recommended that you use a condom during sexual intercourse to protect your partner for becoming infected. In some cases, increased sexual activity (or masturbation) may provide some relief of a congested prostate gland.

Frequent and complete urination is recommended to decrease the symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency. Urinary retention, requiring the placement of a suprapubic catheter, may occur as a result of the swollen prostate occluding the urethra.

Warm tub baths or sitz baths may provide some relief of the perineal and lower back pain associated with acute prostatitis.

DIET:
Increasing the intake of fluids (2000 to 4000 cc per day) may allow frequent urination to flush the bacteria from the bladder and decrease urinary symptoms. Avoid fluids that irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, citrus juices, hot or spicy foods, and caffeine.

MONITORING:
Follow-up should include an examination at completion of antibiotic therapy to ensure that infection is no longer present.

Expectations (prognosis):

Non-bacterial prostatitis, like acute prostatitis, frequently resolves to a symptom-free state when diagnosed accurately and treated appropriately.

Complications:

Chronic prostatitis may develop. Urinary retention may occur as a result of the swollen prostate blocking the urethra.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms occur.