Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate. In the US, over 1 million patients visits per year are for prostatitis. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It is located in front of the rectum and just below the urinary bladder. The prostate only weighs an ounce, being the same size and shape of a walnut. The prostatitis discussion is continued href=’https://digitalnatpath.wpengine.com/data/Prostatitis.html’ target=’web’>here.
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Prostatitis
Frequent/occassional 'chills' or having chills from an illness
Occasional/frequent unexplained fevers
Having a high/having a slight/having a moderate fever
Acute bacterial prostatitis may produce a fever.
Painful ejaculation or painful ejaculation rarely
Painful perineum
Counter Indicators
Absence of painful perineum
Absence of painful ejaculation
(Very) painful urination
(Very) weak urine stream
Urinary urgency
Having blood in urine
Counter Indicators
Average/strong urine stream
Conditions that suggest Prostatitis
Enlarged Prostate
Prostatitis can cause a tender, swollen / puffy prostate.
Risk factors for Prostatitis
Allergy / Intolerance to Foods (Hidden)
For chronic prostatitis, a hypoallergenic/rotation diet or food allergy testing would be appropriate. Patients have reported that avoidance of their offending foods resulted in the disappearance of prostate symptoms.
Nanobacteria Infection
A mid 2000 open label study of 16 treatment-recalcitrant CPPS patients, nanobacteria were proposed as a cause of prostatic calcification and the symptoms found in CPPS. Patients were treated with EDTA (to dissolve the calcifications) and 3 months of tetracycline (a calcium-leaching antibiotic with anti-inflammatory effects used in this study to kill the “pathogens”), and half had significant improvement in symptoms. Scientists have expressed strong doubts about whether nanobacteria are living organisms. Research in 2008 showed that “nanobacteria” are merely tiny lumps of abiotic limestone. Confirmation of the clinical efficacy of the treatment awaits placebo controlled studies.
STD Gonorrhea
In men the bacteria can spread up the urethra and affect the prostate, seminal vesicles, Cowper’s glands and the epididymis. An abscess will form causing pain, fever and chills. This abscess will eventually drain which releases pus into the urethra or anus.
Chronic / Hidden Infection
The evidence supporting a viral cause of prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome is weak.
Isolated case reports have suggested Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) but a study using PCR failed to demonstrate the presence of viral DNA in patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.
The reports implicating CMV must be interpreted with caution because in all cases the patients were immunocompromised. For HSV the evidence is weaker still and there is only one reported case and the causative role of the virus was not proven, and there are no reports of successful treatments using antiviral drugs such as aciclovir.
Yeast / Candida
A significant number of men with chronic prostatitis have found relief ranging from a cure to welcome reduction of symptom severity after following an anti-candida regimen. The full science behind this phenomenon is incomplete at this time.
Normal PSA or elevated PSA
The screening tests used for prostate cancer include the prostate specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examinations and prostatic ultrasound. All three can be skewed by the presence of prostatitis. The PSA levels can be falsely elevated by prostatitis. If a patient has an elevated PSA, along with finding of prostatitis, treatment and a repeat of the blood test is recommended. Many patients with chronic prostatitis will undergo prostate biopsies because their PSA values are too high. The biopsy is necessary as prostatitis can not be distinguished from prostate cancer in many cases.
Stress
A literature review for the years 1966 to 2003, found that the symptoms of CP/CPPS appear to result from an interplay between psychological factors and dysfunction in the immune, neurological and endocrine systems.
Theories behind the disease include:
History of prostatitis
History of having blood in urine
Prostatitis suggests the following may be present
Allergy / Intolerance to Foods (Hidden)
For chronic prostatitis, a hypoallergenic/rotation diet or food allergy testing would be appropriate. Patients have reported that avoidance of their offending foods resulted in the disappearance of prostate symptoms.
Yeast / Candida
A significant number of men with chronic prostatitis have found relief ranging from a cure to welcome reduction of symptom severity after following an anti-candida regimen. The full science behind this phenomenon is incomplete at this time.
Prostatitis can lead to
Prostatitis could instead be
Interstitial Cystitis
Some researchers have suggested that CPPS (chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome) is a form of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). A large multicenter prospective randomized controlled study showed that Elmiron was slightly better than placebo in treating the symptoms of CPPS, however the primary endpoint did not reach statistical significance.
Recommendations for Prostatitis
Probiotics / Fermented Foods
Probiotics should be taken after a course of antibiotics. The long term use of antibiotics for prostatitis has been found to destroy the normal urethral flora that would otherwise interfere with virulent organisms.
Pygeum (Pygeum africanum)
Pygeum extract has also shown an ability to improve the capacity to achieve an erection in patients with BPH or prostatitis as determined by nocturnal penile tumescence in a double-blind clinical trial. BPH and prostatitis are often associated with erectile dysfunction and other sexual disturbances. Presumably, by improving the underlying condition, pygeum can improve sexual function.
Increased Water Consumption
Drinking plenty of water helps by diluting the acidity and salt in the urine and dilutes any irritants that you might be eating such as caffeine, cranberry, citrus acid, peppers and spices, etc..
Alcohol Avoidance
See the link between Prostatits and Spicy Food Avoidance.
Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
See the link between Prostatits and Spicy Food Avoidance.
Spicy Foods Avoidance
Major culprits are acidy foods such as cranberry, cola, and coffee. Alcohol and spicy foods are also irritating to the prostate.
Dr. Krisiloff has treated 1,710 men with chronic prostatitis. The treatment was simple and inexpensive and based on the theory that chronic prostatitis is an allergic inflammatory reaction to caffeine, alcohol, and hot spices. [The Krisiloff Diet: A Simple Dietary Cure for Prostatitis]
Soy Isoflavones (genistein, daidzein)
Animal studies suggest that a daily intake of dietary soy protein may play a protective role against the development of prostatitis. [J SterBiochem & Molec Bio, 43: pp.557-564, 1992]
Bromelain
Bromelain and papain promote the absorption of quercetin and have their own anti-inflammatory properties. [Jpn J Pharmacol 1972;22: pp.519-34]
Antibiotics
If you have acute bacterial prostatitis, you will usually need to take antibiotics for 7 to 14 days. Almost all acute infections can be cured with this treatment. Analgesic drugs to relieve pain or discomfort and, at times, hospitalization may also be required.
The treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis can require antibiotics for a longer period of time, usually 4 to 12 weeks. About 60% of all cases of chronic bacterial prostatitis clear up with this treatment. For cases that don’t respond to this treatment, long term, low dose antimicrobial therapy may be recommended to relieve the symptoms. In some cases, surgical removal of the infected portions of the prostate may be advised.
Zinc
In spite of the fact that no research has examined the effect of zinc supplementation on prostatitis, many doctors of natural medicine recommend zinc for this condition. Zinc levels are significantly reduced in both chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) and non-bacterial prostatitis (NBP), so supplementation would seem wise. [Int J Androl 1982;5: pp.487-96] [Fertil Steril 1975;26: pp.1057-63]
Acupuncture
In the present series of observations, 360 cases of prostatitis were treated with acupuncture of Sishenchong (EX-HN 1), etc. and self-drafted prescription I, II and III. After 4 courses (28 sessions) of treatment, 321 cases (89.17%) were cured, 35 cases (9.72%) had improvement and 4 cases (1.11%) failed. The total effective rate was 98.89%. [World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, Vol.10 No.1, March, 2000]
Ozone / Oxidative Therapy
Rectal insufflation with ozone is considered to be effective for prostatitis. Daily use, after a warm enema, is recommended. Rectal implant suppository sticks of ozonated olive oil (OOO) are also available, though may be hard to find. Filling a gelatin capsule with OOO and quickly inserting into the rectum should provide a similar effect.
Hydrotherapy
Hot baths are helpful for almost all men with prostatitis regardless of the kind. These are often referred to as sitz baths and the warm water and relaxation of the bath soothe the prostate and helps relieve symptoms.
The contrast sitz bath increases pelvic circulation and tone of the smooth muscles of the region. It is indicated in chronic prostatitis. The strong revulsive effect created increases the blood flow in the pelvic region dramatically. The Contrast Sitz bath uses alternating hot and cold water. Hot phase 105 F to 115 F for 3 minutes; Cold phase 55 F to 85 F for 30 seconds. Increases pelvic circulation and tone of smooth muscle of the pelvic region.
A hot enema, up to 103° F may be used three to four times a day, especially in acute cases.
Air temperature appears to play a role in chronic prostatitisas cold is frequently reported as causing symptom aggravation and heat is often reported to be ameliorating.[40] It appears that cold is one of the factors that can trigger a process resulting in CP/CPPS (chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome). Cold also causes aggravation of symptoms and can initiate a relapse. A survey showed that the occurrence of prostatitis symptoms in men living in northern Finland – a cold climate – is higher than that reported in other parts of the world. This could be partly caused by the cold climate.
Lymphatic Stimulation
Although lymphatic therapy, or the manipulation and draining of the body’s lymph nodes, is the fourth most commonly prescribed medical treatment in Europe, in the U.S. it is almost unknown. Yet an unimpeded lymph system, which carries immune cells, is essential not only for health, but in enabling the body to heal from serious illnesses, soft tissue damage, breast cancer, and prostatitis, among others.
Stress Management
Stress management may also be helpful in those men who feel that their symptoms are worsened at times of stress.
Bioflavonoids
Quercetin has been reported to improve symptoms of non-bacterial prostatitis and prostadynia. An uncontrolled study of 500 mg BID for at least two weeks significantly improved symptoms in 59% of men with chronic prostatitis. [JANA 1999;2: pp.36-9] A later double-blinded study improved symptoms in 67% of men.[Urology 1999; 54: pp.960-3]
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| Strong or generally accepted link |
| Proven definite or direct link |
| Strongly counter-indicative |
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Prostate
The prostate gland in men that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra and produces a secretion that liquefies coagulated semen.
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Chronic
Usually Chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Hypoallergenic
A substance that has a low capacity for inducing hypersensitivity (i.e., an allergic reaction).
Allergy
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
EDTA
(Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid): An organic molecule used in chelation therapy.
Anti-inflammatory
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Placebo
A pharmacologically inactive substance. Often used to compare clinical responses against the effects of pharmacologically active substances in experiments.
Bacteria
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Herpes Simplex
An infection, often recurrent, caused by herpes virus type 1 and 2. It causes cold sores around the lips and mouth, and also causes painful blisters on the genitals and in the pubic area, thighs, and buttocks.
Virus
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Cytomegalovirus
(CMV): A member of the herpes virus family which may induce the immune-deficient state or cause active illness, such as pneumonia, in a patient already immune-deficient due to chronic illness, such as cancer or organ transplantation therapy.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the large molecule that is the main carrier of genetic information in cells. DNA is found mainly in the chromosomes of cells.
Prostatectomy
Removal of the prostate gland.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Antigen
A substance, usually protein or protein-sugar complex in nature, which, being foreign to the bloodstream or tissues of an animal, stimulates the formation of specific blood serum antibodies and white blood cell activity. Re-exposure to similar antigen will reactivate the white blood cells and antibody programmed against this specific antigen.
Biopsy
Excision of tissue from a living being for diagnosis.
Interstitial Cystitis
A chronic bladder problem involving a bladder wall that is inflamed and irritated. Symptoms include an urgent need to urinate, both daytime and nighttime; pressure, pain and tenderness around the bladder, pelvis and perineum (the area between the anus and vagina or the anus and scrotum) which may increase as the bladder fills and decrease as it empties during urination; a bladder that won't hold as much urine as it did before; pain during sexual intercourse; in men, discomfort or pain in the penis or scrotum. In many women, the symptoms get worse before their menstrual period. Stress may also make the symptoms worse, but it does not cause them.