Is It Really Prostatitis? Symptoms and Treatment Options

Q: Is It Really Prostatitis? Symptoms and Treatment Options

Awei： Hello! 1. Prostatitis is inherently difficult to treat, especially when it becomes chronic, making it hard to cure. 2. It is essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, betel nut, and other irritants. 3. Maintain a regular daily routine. 4. Keep a habit

Is this really prostatitis?

I have had a problem for over a year.
It started around April or May of last year when I began to notice a slight stabbing pain in my lower abdomen near the thighs, which would occur occasionally, about once every week or two.
At that time, I didn't think much of it.
However, by July, the frequency increased, so I went to the urology department at Mackay Memorial Hospital.
I suspected it might be prostatitis (because I had researched it online), but the doctor did not arrange for any specific tests, only performed a digital rectal exam and said it was not prostatitis, as prostatitis does not cause pain, and advised me to monitor the situation.
By around November, I was feeling increasingly uncomfortable, with the frequency of pain increasing, and I also began to feel pain in the lower abdomen near the base of the penis.
I then visited Cathay General Hospital.
After hearing my description, the doctor diagnosed me with prostatitis and prescribed painkillers, but my symptoms did not improve.
Two weeks later, I went to a urology clinic in Hsinchu, where the doctor performed a digital rectal exam and noted a white blood cell count of 15-30.
No urinalysis was performed, and I was diagnosed with prostatitis again.
I was prescribed antibiotics and painkillers for about 12 weeks.
During the treatment, I experienced some improvement, but towards the end, I felt very uncomfortable, easily fatigued, and unable to concentrate.
After 12 weeks, the doctor decided I no longer needed to continue the medication.
Since the end of December last year, I have noticed additional symptoms, including pain at the base of the testicles, perineum, and buttocks.
Sometimes, I also experience a dull pain at the urethral opening, and my inner thighs to the knees often feel sore.
Additionally, I sometimes have mild urinary frequency, and there is often a discharge of a clear, sticky fluid from the urethra, which I wonder if it could be prostatic fluid.
Furthermore, I have noticed an increase in bubbles in my urine, which are small white bubbles that are numerous and thick, hardly dissipating unless I drink a lot of water.
Occasionally, I also feel a stabbing sensation in my lower back on both sides.
Since the beginning of this year, I have been seeking treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, but I do not feel any significant improvement, and the symptoms persist.
My questions are: 1.
Is it really prostatitis? 2.
What treatment should I pursue now? 3.
Is the increase in bubbles a sign of kidney issues, or could it be related to inflammation? This issue has been very troubling for me, and I am worried it won't get better, which significantly affects my quality of life.
Thank you for your response.

A Wei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/07/24

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Awei: Hello! 1.
Prostatitis is inherently difficult to treat, especially when it becomes chronic, making it hard to cure.
2.
It is essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, betel nut, and other irritants.
3.
Maintain a regular daily routine.
4.
Keep a habit of exercising at least three days a week, with each session lasting at least 30 minutes.
During exercise, your heart rate should exceed 130 beats per minute for more than 5 minutes.
5.
An increase in bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate a problem; a urine test, such as for protein, is needed.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; if necessary, it is important to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, who cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2012/07/24

More Info

Prostatitis is indeed a real medical condition, and it can manifest in various forms, including acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), which is often non-bacterial. Your symptoms, which include pain in the lower abdomen, discomfort in the perineum, and urinary issues, suggest that you may be experiencing chronic prostatitis or CPPS.
1. Is it really prostatitis?
Based on your description, it is possible that you are dealing with chronic prostatitis or CPPS. The pain you experience in the lower abdomen, groin, and perineum, along with urinary symptoms, aligns with common presentations of prostatitis. However, it is essential to note that prostatitis can be challenging to diagnose definitively, especially when symptoms overlap with other conditions. The presence of white blood cells in your prostate secretions indicates inflammation, which supports the diagnosis of prostatitis.
2. What should you do for treatment?
Treatment for prostatitis can be multifaceted. Since you have already undergone a course of antibiotics without significant improvement, it may be beneficial to explore other treatment options. Here are some recommendations:
- Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and inflammation. If you have not found relief with your current medications, discussing alternatives with your healthcare provider may be worthwhile.

- Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor physical therapy can be beneficial for managing chronic pelvic pain. A physical therapist specializing in pelvic health can help alleviate muscle tension and improve symptoms.

- Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can help reduce symptoms. Regular exercise and stress management techniques, such as yoga or meditation, may also be beneficial.

- Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the pelvic area can help relieve discomfort. Warm baths or heating pads may provide temporary relief.

- Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up with a urologist is crucial. If symptoms persist, further evaluation, including imaging studies or specialized tests, may be necessary to rule out other conditions.

3. Is the increase in bubbles in your urine a sign of kidney problems or inflammation?
The presence of bubbles in urine can be attributed to several factors, including dehydration, proteinuria (excess protein in the urine), or even the presence of urine itself being agitated. If you notice a significant increase in bubbles, it may warrant further investigation, such as a urinalysis to check for protein levels and other abnormalities. While it is not uncommon for prostatitis to cause changes in urinary characteristics, it is essential to rule out any underlying kidney issues.

In conclusion, while prostatitis is a challenging condition to manage, a comprehensive approach that includes medication, lifestyle changes, and possibly physical therapy can help improve your quality of life. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and seek further evaluation if your symptoms do not improve or worsen. Remember, you are not alone in this, and many individuals experience similar challenges with prostatitis.

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