Prostatitis

prostatitis (prŏs'tətī`tĭs), inflammation of the prostate gland. Acute prostatitis is usually a result of infection in the urinary tract or infection carried by the blood; in many cases the infection spreads from the urethra and is contracted through sexual transmission. Symptoms include fever, low back pain, and difficulty or pain in urination; the gland is tender and swollen. Infection, caused by a variety of pathogenic bacteria and certain protozoans, is treated by an appropriate antibiotic. Healing is usually complete, but the condition may become chronic if the infecting organism persists.

---

prostatitis [‚präs·tə′tīd·əs]

(medicine)

Inflammation of the prostate.

---

Prostatitis 

acute or chronic inflammation of the prostate gland caused by gonococcal, staphylococcal, streptococcal, or tuberculous infection, trichomonads, or other factors. The symptoms of acute prostatitis are a burning sensation in the urethra, frequent and painful urination, and the presence of pus in the urine; other possible symptoms are elevated temperature, a sharp pain in the perineum, and acute retention of urine. All the symptoms are more pronounced if the prostate is abscessed. Chronic prostatitis may result from acute prostatitis or develop as an independent illness; it is characterized by malaise, dull pain in the perineum and lumbosacral region, impairment of sexual function, and frequent urination.

Treatment of acute prostatitis includes bed rest, antimicrobial therapy, application of heat, and the administration of pain relievers and antispasmodics. Surgery is indicated if an abscess has formed. Chronic prostatitis is treated with massage of the prostate and pelotherapy in addition to the above measures.

REFERENCE

Pytel’, A. Ia., and N. A. Lopatkin. Urologiia. Moscow, 1970.