Why Is My Prostate Painful and How Can I Cure It?

Painful sensations in the prostate gland or pelvic area in men are likely due to a condition called prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland. This condition can affect men of all ages, and some of its causes are poorly understood by healthcare practitioners.

Treatment of a painful prostate depends on the underlying cause. In general, there are three types of prostatitis: acute bacterial, chronic bacterial, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which may or may not be bacterial and is the most common type.

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According to WebMD, the small percentage of prostatitis cases that are caused by bacterial infection usually respond well to a course of antibiotics. For the majority of prostatitis cases not caused by infection, the causes can be many.

Treatment of a painful prostate usually begins with a course of antibiotics. The American Urological Association points out that even in cases where prostatitis is not caused by bacteria, antibiotics may still help relieve symptoms since they can help reduce inflammation in the area.

Other treatments include alpha blockers and pain killers to make urination more comfortable. Prostate massage therapy can also help relieve symptoms for some men, but physicians disagree about its effectiveness.

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The Mayo Clinic also recommends some lifestyle modifications and home remedies that can provide symptom relief. Warm sitz baths, or sitting in a few inches of warm water, can be soothing for a painful prostate.

The Clinic also recommends limiting caffeine, spicy and acidic foods, too much alcohol, and prolonged sitting. For long periods of sitting, patients should try sitting on a cushion.

Finally, long periods of cycling can also be a cause of prostatitis. Avid cyclists should wear padded shorts and adjust their bicycle seat to relieve excess pressure on the prostate gland.

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