Your Private GP and Sexual Health Clinic in Canary Wharf

Prostatitis

Dr Wayne Cottrell:

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. As a result, patients suffer from pain, urinary problems, and sexual dysfunction, and it can lead to feeling tired and depressed.

The prostate gland helps in the production of semen and sits just under the bladder, with the urethra running through it.

SYMPTOMS

Prostatitis symptoms can be very vague ranging from a slight deep perineal discomfort, back of the legs feeling sensitive, lower back pain, penile tip pain and a feeling that something is “not quite right down there”, are often symptoms. It can also be very uncomfortable and effect urinating and ejaculation.

DIAGNOSIS

Prostatitis is very difficult to diagnose and is really a diagnosis by exclusion. It is important to check for STI’s such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, mycoplasma, ureaplasma and trichomonas.

A urine culture should be sent to exclude a urine infection and sometimes a PSA (prostate) blood test is done to see if levels are elevated. It is also sometimes necessary to perform a digital rectal examination to feel the size and shape of the prostate and to see if it is tender.

TREATMENT

Prostatitis is classified as non-bacterial (inflammatory), acute and chronic. It is best to treat it as soon as possible to try to keep it from becoming chronic. However, even with the correct and speedy treatment this is still a risk.

In most patients no bacterial infection can be found, but guidelines advise to treat the condition with an antibiotic. We usually have to treat for 4-6 weeks, as the prostate gland is difficult to penetrate with antibiotics. I also suggest taking an anti-inflammatory to try reduce the swelling and thereby the symptoms. Keeping well hydrated and ejaculating frequently will also help.

Many patients with chronic prostatitis will get to know what triggers an attack. Usually, this will be things like excessive alcohol intake, sitting down for prolonged periods, irregular sexual activity, dehydration and so forth, so it is important to try and avoid the triggers.

Acute bacterial prostatitis has more severe symptoms of pain, frequent urination and fever.

As there could be more sinister causes for the above symptoms. It is best to see your doctor as soon as possible.

Chronic prostatitis can lead to Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. This can be very painful and distressing. Often times stress and psychological issues will have a role in this, and managing these causes through counselling can help improve symptoms.

If you are concerned about or just want advice on STI’s, please call: 0203 197 9100 or contact us via email at: contact@drwaynecottrell.com

For more information or to book an appointment call our clinic on the number below: 

0203 197 9100BOOK APPOINTMENT

Dr Wayne Cottrell will be back in the clinic from 18 October and the clinic will be open every weekday from that date

Canada Place Shopping Mall
34 North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HX

0203 197 9100

Monday: 08:00-18:30
Tuesday: 08:00-18:30
Wednesday: 09:00-17:00
Thursday: 09:00-17:00
Friday: 09:00-17:00