Flulike symptoms in men may signal prostatitis, cautions Paul Perito MD.
According to Paul Perito MD, acute prostatitis, simply stated, is inflammation of the prostate gland. Acute prostatitis is characterized by the sudden onset of one or more symptoms, says Dr. Perito. Prostatitis generally presents after bacteria travels up the urethra, either by sexual contact or as a result of otherwise benign germs that live in the body. Of the men develop prostatitis, Paul Perito MD points out that the majority of them have a normal prostate. Since the gland gets larger with age, older men are more susceptible to acute prostatitis. Prostatitis and prostate cancer are not linked, says Paul Perito MD.
Symptoms of prostatitis are similar to a urinary tract infection with a few major differences. Paul Perito MD says that while both UTIs and acute prostatitis may cause cloudy urine, fever, a burning sensation when urinating, or difficulty passing urine, prostatitis may also present flulike symptoms (which include fatigue, weakness, and muscle aches) and pain in or surrounding the scrotum or rectum.
According to Paul Perito MD, if acute prostatitis is suspected, a rectal exam will be performed by gently sliding a gloved finger into the rectum. This allows the physician to determine whether or not the prostate is swollen. Paul Perito MD says that, during the exam, is not uncommon to have pain or experience an urgent need to urinate, as slight pressure will be put on the gland. Additional examinations may also be performed to determine if other organs, like the kidneys, are affected, says Paul Perito MD. He also notes that a urine specimen will be collected to test for white blood cells and or bacteria. Blood tests can check kidney function, as well as blood cell count, points out Paul Perito MD. If a urinary obstruction is suspected, a CT scan or an ultrasound may be ordered.
Antibiotics are the preferred treatment method for acute prostatitis, says Paul Perito MD. The antibiotics are given either intravenously or in a pill form, which must be taken for several weeks. Paul Perito MD explains that a hospital stay may be required if IV antibiotics or catheterization is needed. Catching the infection early will increase the likelihood that it will respond expediently to treatment. Paul Perito MD points out that as a rule prostatitis is not a preventable condition but safe sex will ensure that bacterium is not introduced by an outside party.
Acute prostatitis responds well to treatment though irritation while urinating may persist for a short while. Paul Perito MD says that although the course of antibiotics is longer than for other infections, their completion is a vital to ensure a full recovery.
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Urological surgeon Paul Perito MD has devoted his entire professional career to treating men suffering from Erectile Dysfunction. He is the founder and namesake of Miami’s Perito Urology, where he conceived and initiated the world’s first minimally invasive approach to penile implantation. Paul Perito MD has performed over 3000 of these procedures on men across the globe that enjoy a shorter recovery time and less scarring than traditional implantation methods. Since 1995, Paul Perito MD and Perito Urology have become synonymous with effective erectile dysfunction treatment and world-class service unparalleled anywhere in the nation. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland Medical School as well as a frequent contributor to text published by medical journals nationwide.
The information contained in this article is provided by Paul Perito MD for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition.