The treatment for prostatitis, which is the inflammation of the prostate, is done according to its cause, and most often it is recommended to use antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Penicillin or Ofloxacin, for example, since the main cause of prostatitis is infection by bacteria, especially Escherichia coli .
Depending on the general condition of the person, the treatment indicated by the doctor can be done orally or parenterally, in which case the person should be hospitalized during treatment. In more severe cases, a surgical procedure to remove part or entire prostate may be recommended.
In cases where it is not possible to relieve pain and other symptoms of prostatitis only with antibiotics and daily care, such as a sitz bath and exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, the doctor may also prescribe analgesic medicines such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, which help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Know the main symptoms of prostatitis.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment of prostatitis is done according to the type of inflammation, being recommended by the urologist at home case:
- In the case of acute bacterial prostatitis, the use of antibiotics is recommended parenterally or orally, and Fluoroquinolone, such as Levofloxacin or Ofloxacin, second- and third-generation cephalosporins, or Erythromycin-associated Penicillin, is recommended. This treatment should be done according to the doctor's advice, and it is usually indicated that the use of the antibiotics is done for about 14 days. However, some physicians may choose to extend the treatment for 4 to 6 weeks when the patient presents clinical improvement with the use of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole. In addition, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs may be indicated to relieve the symptoms of prostatitis;
- In the case of chronic bacterial prostatitis, the urologist usually recommends the use of oral antibiotics, such as Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Levofloxacin, or Ofloxacin for about 90 days. The use of anti-inflammatories may also be indicated with the aim of reducing inflammatory signs, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, for example;
- In case of chronic inflammatory and non-inflammatory prostatitis, the use of antibiotics, pelvic physiotherapy and seat baths, which should be done with warm water, is recommended every day for 15 minutes. Understand how the toilet seat is made.
In more severe cases, when prostatitis is not resolved within 3 months and the symptoms remain or progresses, the urologist may indicate performing a surgical procedure, similar to the procedure for prostate cancer, in order to remove a portion or totally the prostate.
In addition, to relieve symptoms of prostatitis, such as pain or difficulty urinating, it may still be advisable to avoid doing activities that put pressure on the genital region, such as riding a bicycle, for example, sitting comfortably, preferably using a soft cushion, and do exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, Kegel exercises, as they help relieve urinary symptoms. Learn how to do Kegel exercises for men.
Signs of Prostatitis Improvement
The major symptoms of prostatitis amelioration appear about 3 to 4 days after initiation of antibiotic treatment and include relief of pain, decreased fever, and disappearance of difficulty urinating.
Although these symptoms appear in the first week of treatment, it is important to keep the antibiotics until the end of the package or until the doctor's appointment to prevent inflammation of the prostate from recurring and the appearance of bacteria resistant to the antibiotics used.
Signs of worsening prostatitis
Signs of worsening prostatitis are rare and usually only arise when the treatment is not started or when it is being done in the wrong way, including increased pain, chills, increased fever or blood in the semen. In these cases it is advisable to consult a urologist quickly or go to the emergency room.
Complications of prostatitis
If prostatitis is not treated, even after signs of worsening, serious complications such as generalized infection, urinary tract infection, or urinary retention may be life threatening and should be treated at the hospital.
Watch the following video and find out what tests can be done when you have prostate problems: