How to Reduce Prostate Inflammation

Inflammation of the prostate gland is also called prostatitis. Unlike prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which affect men who are older, inflammation of the prostate gland can affect men of all ages.

To know the best way to treat prostate inflammation, it is important to understand the underlying cause. According to WebMD, only as many as 10 percent of all cases of prostatitis are caused by a bacterial infection. These cases may respond well to a course of antibiotics. For the vast majority of prostatitis cases, however, there is not a well-known cause or well-defined treatment.

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Inflammation of the prostate gland can cause painful urination and ejaculation, pain in the pelvic area, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, and a low-grade fever, regardless of whether the condition is bacterial or not, says Dr. Andrew Weil. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of physical exams such as a digital rectal exam and a series of urine and semen tests to look for white blood cells.

The most conservative treatment for inflammation of the prostate may include anti-inflammatory drugs combined with regular sitz baths, or sitting in a few inches of warm water, explains WebMD. Courses of antibiotics can be used for as long as 12 weeks for chronic prostatitis, but this treatment will not improve those cases that are not caused by bacterial infection.

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For most cases of prostatitis, WebMD points out that treatment may involve a combination of strategies including muscle relaxers, pain killers, and alpha-blockers marketed under the names Hytrin, Flomax, and Cardura, which can relax the muscles in the pelvic region to make urination easier. Aside from prescription medications, prostate massage therapy and surgery to remove part of the prostate may be indicated.

Weil recommends some alternative therapies to reduce prostate inflammation including biofeedback and regular ejaculation, which may help prevent prostatitis. He also recommends avoiding tobacco, spicy foods, too much alcohol, and prolonged sitting.

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