Many of you have probably heard of or even taken Viagra (sildenafil citrate). Perhaps you’re even a fan of the drug and have tried it yourself. Or perhaps you’ve seen advertisements for Viagra and assumed that it was just another brand name for regular old aspirin. But what is exactly Prostatitis? And how is it different from just having a regular ol’ prostate problem?
Let’s take a quick look at the facts about Viagra and Prostatitis.
What Is Prostatitis Exactly?
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, which is a small organ located between the bladder and the penis in men. (The female equivalent is called Endometriosis.) Prostatitis can be caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus — usually given the name “prostatics” — and is usually accompanied by pelvic pain. In severe cases, it can result in partial or complete bladder blockage as well as difficulty in initiating and maintaining erections.
The Mayo Clinic’s website defines Prostatitis as follows: “Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, which leads to a variety of signs and symptoms, such as pain, difficulty urinating, and low libido. It’s not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause of Prostatitis, but the most common ones include bacterial or viral infections, exposure to chemicals, or excessive consumption of alcohol. While there is no known ‘cure’ for Prostatitis, there are treatments available that can significantly alleviate the symptoms.”
When Do You Need To See A Urologist About Prostatitis?
If you’re experiencing any of the above-listed signs and symptoms, you need to be evaluated by a urologist. (A urologist is a physician specifically trained in the area of human urine and male anatomy.) Urologists are the doctors you’ll most often see when you have problems with your urinary tract, so if you’re experiencing any sort of irritation, pain, or discomfort, they may be the ones to help you out.
What if your symptoms don’t match the description above? For instance, what if you don’t have irritation or pain? Or what if you do, but it doesn’t seem to be connected to your prostate at all but rather to some other area of your urinary tract? While you still need to see a urologist, the process is a little different. You might need to try and find the root of the problem first before they can help. In these cases, it can be useful to try and see a specialist in sexual medicine or endocrinology instead.
Is Prostatitis More Common Than You Think?
Although Prostatitis is not an especially common problem, it’s still fairly common. (In the U.S., it’s estimated that almost 2 million men per year have Prostatitis. That’s one out of every 11 men.) The number of cases seems to be on the rise, due mostly to the increase in the number of cases of antibiotic resistance. (When the antibiotics don’t work, the bacteria become stronger, making the infections more difficult to treat.)
What’s more, because there’s no one true cause for Prostatitis, there are many different conditions that can fall under the category. This makes it even more difficult to diagnose and treat. What’s more, as mentioned above, not all cases of Prostatitis are the same. Some of you might have bacteria in your prostate that can cause harmful infections in other parts of your body. (This is known as prostatitis. It’s not the same as Prostatitis, which means “around the prostate” or “peripheral” prostatitis.) If you have this kind of infection, you need to remember that it can spread to other parts of your body, including your heart, lungs, and kidneys. (If you have kidney disease, this could be very serious.) Prostatitis is also occasionally called “minor prostate syndrome,” which is a term used if the symptoms are not very severe. However, this is a misnomer, and Prostatitis is indeed a significant clinical condition. (In some cases, it can be life-threatening.)
Even if you don’t have any of the above ailments or symptoms, it’s still advisable to see a urologist if you’re not sure what’s wrong. They can help you determine the root of the problem and start treating it appropriately. This might involve trying a different medication or therapy, as well as possibly surgery to remove the prostate in extreme cases. (Though this is fairly uncommon, it’s still a possibility. And it’s something to discuss with your doctor. However, for most cases, a trial might be the answer. Just be sure to consult your urologist first before taking any sort of medication or supplements. Never, ever take any supplements or medications without first consulting your physician. (Unless otherwise recommended by your doctor.)
Do All Men With Prostatitis Need To Be Treated The Same Way?
Although Prostatitis mostly affects men, it’s not always an issue restricted to the male species. (As mentioned above, it’s quite common, so there are many instances where women are affected as well.) What’s more, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all men with Prostatitis need to be treated the same way. (This is a common misconception that could potentially put you at risk. You should never be treated as if you have one standard procedure for every case of Prostatitis. Every patient is unique, as is every case of Prostatitis. Just because a man has suffered from Prostatitis in the past doesn’t mean he has to continue to do so. While there are multiple treatment options available, not all are created equal. Some might work better for some people than others. That’s why it’s always best to consult your doctor and have them help you determine the proper treatment for your specific case. In most cases, it will involve a combination of medication and therapy. (Bactrim, for example, is a combination of two different antibiotics that are commonly prescribed for Prostatitis. It’s still quite effective even if the bacteria in your prostate have become resistant to one of the antibiotics in the past.) In severe cases, surgery is sometimes necessary. In these cases, the entire prostate is removed and replaced with a penile prosthesis. (This is a mechanical device that facilitates urination and prevents leakage. It’s something to talk to your doctor about, as not all men will be able to benefit from it.)
What’s The Difference Between Prostatitis And Prostate Cancer?
As you might imagine, Prostate Cancer and Prostatitis have a lot in common. (Yes, they’re both forms of cancer, and they’re both forms of prostatitis.) Still, there are key differences between the two. First of all, Prostate Cancer is a much more serious condition, often resulting in death. (One estimate puts the death rate from prostate cancer at 42.2 per 100,000 men per year. That’s compared to the 11.3 cases of Prostatitis per 100,000 men per year, as of 2015.) Second, it’s important to remember that not all men with Prostatitis will develop Prostate Cancer. (There are many cases of Prostate Cancer that never progressed to the point of being diagnosed as such. Therefore, not all Prostatitis cases result in Prostate Cancer. It’s an unfortunate truth that many men don’t want to believe.) Third, it’s the opposite situation. Not all men with Prostate Cancer will suffer from Prostatitis. (Though there are cases where the symptoms of the two can overlap. Sometimes it can be difficult to pin down just where one begins and the other ends. This is largely due to the fact that there’s no one true cause for either ailment.) Finally, there are various different treatments for Prostate Cancer and Prostatitis. It’s not always easy to know which one is better suited for your specific case. (This can be difficult to determine, as each patient is different.)
Even if you don’t have the above conditions, it’s still advisable to consult with a urologist if you’re not sure what’s wrong. They can help you diagnose the root of the problem and start treating it appropriately. This might involve trying a different medication or therapy, as well as surgery to remove the prostate in extreme cases. (Though this is fairly uncommon, it’s still a possibility. And it’s something to discuss with your doctor. However, for most cases, a trial might be the answer. Just be sure to consult your urologist first before taking any sort of medication or supplements. Never, ever take any supplements or medications without first consulting your physician. (Unless otherwise recommended by your doctor.) Finally, it’s important to remember that Prostate Cancer and Prostatitis are not the same thing. One is a disease, while the other is a condition. (Though they can and often do occur together, they are not inseparable.)