BPH and Prostatitis

BPH is an enlargement of the prostate, which usually occurs in men older than 50. It can result in a gradual squeezing of the urethra, with symptoms that can include:

• A weak urinary stream.
• Difficulty starting urination.
• Frequent urination.
• Getting up frequently through the night to urinate.
• Feeling like you still need to go after you've gone.
• Inability to urinate.

The condition can be treated through medication, if your doctor decides that your condition is troubling. Often the first step is just to monitor the condition. Symptoms will sometimes diminish on their own.

Other treatments include heat therapy to destroy excess tissue, or surgery to remove enough tissue to relieve the blockage that affects urination.

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland and is a common urological condition diagnosed in young and middle-aged men. It accounts for about 25 per cent of all visits to urologists.

There are three major types of prostatitis:

• Acute bacterial prostatitis: a sudden infection of the prostate gland, caused by bacteria. Symptoms may include fever and chills, pain in the lower back or rectum, and/or urinary symptoms.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis: the prostate gets inflamed over and over again. Symptoms may be similar but milder than acute prostatitis, and can last longer.
• Nonbacterial prostatitis: inflammation of the prostate for which the cause of the inflammation cannot be found.

Treatment for nonbacterial prostatitis involves medications to reduce the difficulty in urination and anti-inflammatory drugs for pain. As well, doctors may suggest lifestyle changes, such as diet and stress management.