Chronic Prostatitis: Do You Really Need Antibiotics and Other FAQs

Please provide the content you would like

After being diagnosed with chronic prostatitis following hospital tests, an ultrasound revealed two to three short white lines, which the doctor believes are similar to scarring in the prostate.
The prescription is for the antibiotic Ciproxin, to be taken for four to six weeks.
Is it necessary to take antibiotics? Can drinking more water help improve the condition gradually? The urinary incontinence caused by chronic prostatitis has noticeably improved over the past week; is it still necessary to take Haranalidge to relieve prostate pressure? During this period, is it safe to engage in sexual activity? Will it worsen the condition?

Chen R, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/04/14

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, chronic prostatitis generally requires a longer treatment duration.
Clinically, antibiotics are first administered for three weeks, followed by a urine test.
If the infection persists, another three weeks of antibiotics may be prescribed.
Therefore, the typical antibiotic treatment course lasts around 3 to 12 weeks.
However, non-antibiotic treatments may extend to over six months.
This condition can be more complicated if the diagnosis is confirmed.
Medications like Harnalidge or others can reduce pressure in the prostatic urethra, providing good therapeutic effects for this disease.
Simply put, these medications help maintain urethral patency, allowing prostatic fluid or inflammatory fluid to flow out more easily, resulting in better treatment outcomes.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Sincerely, Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2009/04/14

More Info

Chronic prostatitis is a complex condition that can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Your situation, as described, involves a diagnosis of chronic prostatitis with some imaging findings that suggest scarring within the prostate. The treatment prescribed, ciprofloxacin, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is often used for bacterial prostatitis, but its effectiveness can vary, especially in cases of chronic prostatitis where the underlying cause may not be purely bacterial.

Do You Really Need Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are typically prescribed for chronic prostatitis when there is a suspicion of a bacterial infection. However, in many cases, chronic prostatitis may not be due to a bacterial infection at all, which is referred to as chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). In such cases, antibiotics may not be effective, and their use can lead to unnecessary side effects.
If your symptoms are improving, it might suggest that the treatment is working, but it is also possible that the improvement is due to other factors, such as lifestyle changes, hydration, or even the natural course of the condition. It is essential to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider about the necessity of continuing antibiotics, especially if there is no clear evidence of a bacterial infection.

The Role of Hydration
Drinking plenty of water can help flush out the urinary system and may alleviate some symptoms associated with prostatitis. Increased hydration can dilute urine, potentially reducing irritation during urination. However, while hydration is beneficial, it is not a substitute for medical treatment when necessary.

Use of HARnalidge
HARnalidge, which is often used to relieve symptoms associated with prostate issues, may help reduce discomfort and pressure in the prostate. If you are experiencing significant discomfort or urinary symptoms, discussing the use of this medication with your doctor could be beneficial. It is essential to follow your doctor's advice regarding its use, especially if you are already on antibiotics.

Sexual Activity
Regarding sexual activity, it is generally considered safe to engage in sexual intercourse unless your doctor advises otherwise. However, if you notice that sexual activity exacerbates your symptoms, it may be wise to limit it until you have a clearer understanding of your condition and treatment response.

Conclusion
In summary, the management of chronic prostatitis can be multifaceted. While antibiotics may be necessary in some cases, they are not always required, particularly if the condition is non-bacterial. Hydration, lifestyle modifications, and possibly medications like HARnalidge can play a role in symptom management. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to your specific situation. Regular follow-ups and open communication with your doctor are crucial for effectively managing chronic prostatitis and ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Chronic Prostatitis: Antibiotics and Treatment Options Explained

In cases of chronic prostatitis that is non-bacterial, the use of antibiotics may not be effective. If the medication for chronic prostatitis is not yielding satisfactory results, it may not be necessary to continuously switch medications. Instead, a comprehensive treatment plan ...

Dr. Tu Xiuhong reply Urology
1. Chronic prostatitis that is non-bacterial does not require antibiotic treatment. 2. If the medication for chronic prostatitis is ineffective, please visit a hospital for further examination and evaluation.

Understanding Chronic Prostatitis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Testing

Hello Doctor, about four months ago I was diagnosed with chronic prostatitis. I have seen two doctors so far. The first doctor prescribed me doxycycline antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication for one week, but there was no improvement. So, I consulted a second doctor who pr...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
It sounds like prostatitis, but the pathogen can be difficult to identify. Is there a possibility of a sexually transmitted infection? It's important to have an open and honest discussion with your doctor about these concerns, then arrange for testing, and adjust treatment b...

Chronic Prostatitis: Understanding Causes, Treatments, and Antibiotic Options

Hello Doctor, I have been suffering from chronic prostatitis for almost two years. During this time, I have tried many medications and consulted various doctors, but my prostate still tends to become inflamed repeatedly. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. I have had two s...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
Both cultures showed growth, which indeed suggests a possible infection. Enterococci have strong antibiotic resistance and can easily develop resistance to quinolones. If it really doesn't work, we may need to consider hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics based on the...

Understanding Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns

About five years ago, I had acute urethritis, and after taking medication and receiving injections, the symptoms disappeared, allowing me to return to normal life. Recently, I noticed that there is a sticky discharge from the urethral opening even without any sexual arousal. Upon...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
Since I am not the person involved, and you also do not seem to be a medical professional, I don't fully understand the situation you described between you and your attending physician, but it does seem a bit strange. My suggestion is that if there is poor communication, it ...