Prostatitis Treatment

The treatment of acute prostatitis offers much better results if applied in early stages. In follicular stage, antibiotics administered after finding the pathogenic bacteria and researching its sensitivity, associated with local treatment (warm sitz bath, enemas with remedies, calming suppositories) give good results. Phytotherapy (the use of plants, directly or indirectly) can also be considered when looking for a natural prostatitis cure.

In abscess phase, the treatment is surgical. The prostatic collection is largely opened and drained.

During periprostatitis stage, the phlegmons will also be largely drained after incision and and antibiotherapy is continued in large doses.

Only your doctor can appreciate the duration of the treatment, depending of the stage of the prostatitis.

Most cases of acute prostatitis clear up completely with medication and slight modification of diet and behavior.

MEDICATIONS

First treatment in acute Prostatitis is with antibiotics, most often trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), fluoroquinolones (Floxin or Cipro), and tetracycline derivatives.

For those men with prostatitis caused by an STD, a 250 mg shot of ceftriaxone followed by a 10-day course of doxycycline or ofloxacin. For other bacterial causes, a standard course of treatment consists of Bactrim, Cipro, or Floxin for at least 4 weeks.

Some health care providers recommend longer therapies -from 6 to 8 weeks- to eliminate the infection, which is justified by the fact that recurrence is common. Also, in severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be required .

Stool softeners may reduce the discomfort associated with bowel movements.

SURGERY

Surgery or urethral instrumentation (urinary catheterization or cystoscopy) are not recommended for patients with acute prostatitis.

DIET

Avoid substances that irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, caffeinated food and beverages, and citrus juices, and hot or spicy foods. Also, increasing the intake of fluids (64 to 128 ounces per day) encourages frequent urination that will help flush the bacteria from the bladder.

OTHER THERAPY

Frequent and complete urination is recommended to decrease the symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency.

If the swollen prostate restricts the urethra, it may be difficult to completely empty the bladder, and insertion of a suprapubic catheter (a drain that empties the bladder through the abdomen) may be necessary.

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

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