If you’re experiencing urinary problems, you may be wondering whether you have prostatis or BPH.
Prostatitis and BPH are two different problems that affect the prostate gland. Prostatitis means the gland is inflamed, often due to infection or other reasons. Meanwhile, BPH is when the prostate grows bigger but not because of cancer.
Both conditions are prevalent in individuals with a prostate. A quick look at the stats reveals that 50% of men over the age of 60 are affected by BPH and this increases to 90% for those aged 85. Conversely, prostatitis is the third most prevailing urinary tract issue for men over 50 and the most common urinary problem for men under the age of 50.
This post discusses the difference between the two conditions, their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
However, you should undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to determine whether you have prostatitis or BPH for the simple fact that they share certain symptoms.
So let’s get started.
Here are some signs of prostatitis:
Signs of BPH might include:
Symptoms can differ for each person, and not everyone will have all of these signs.
Doctors may use various tests to diagnose prostatitis or BPH, including:
Physical examination: This usually includes a digital rectal examination (DRE), during which your doctor will insert a gloved finger into the rectum to assess the size, shape, and texture of the prostate gland. This examination aids in identifying any signs of inflammation, tenderness, or irregularities.
Urine tests: Urinalysis can reveal signs of infection or other irregularities in the urine.
Prostate fluid or semen analysis: Sometimes, doctors collect samples of prostate fluid or semen to analyze for the presence of bacteria or inflammatory markers.
Imaging tests: Depending on the situation, doctors may conduct imaging tests like ultrasound, MRI, or cystoscopy to assess the prostate's size, identify any obstructions, or rule out other conditions. Cystoscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the urethra and bladder.
In addition, doctors will examine your medical history. They'll inquire about symptoms, how long they've been present, and any potential factors that might be linked to the condition, like recent infections or urinary tract problems.
The diagnostic process may differ depending on individual situations, and further tests might be required.
Remember, it’s crucial to seek advice from a healthcare provider for a thorough assessment and precise diagnosis of prostatitis or BPH.
Treatment varies on the type:
Acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis often requires antibiotics tailored to the infection's bacteria. Longer courses may be needed for chronic cases, guided by urine and prostate fluid cultures.
Treatment for chronic prostatitis or pelvic pain syndrome may involve pain relievers, alpha-blockers to relax muscles, physical therapy, lifestyle changes like stress reduction and diet, and sometimes anti-inflammatory drugs or prostate massage.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: Does not usually require specific treatment.
Watchful waiting: For mild symptoms, regular monitoring is advised.
Medications: Alpha-blockers relax prostate and bladder muscles, improving urine flow, while 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can shrink the prostate over time. Some cases may require a combination of both.
Minimally invasive procedures: These can help relieve moderate to severe symptoms and may involve techniques like transurethral incision to reduce excess prostate tissue, laser therapy,TURP or prostate artery embolization (PAE)
Surgery: Advanced cases may require procedures like open or robotic prostatectomy to remove part or all of the prostate gland.
The choice of treatment depends on factors such as symptom severity and prostate size, which your healthcare provider will consider when making recommendations.
If any symptoms related to the prostate arise, it's important to consult a doctor promptly.
A healthcare professional can offer accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and personalized guidance. They will assess symptoms, conduct necessary tests, and provide tailored advice based on individual circumstances.
You should contact a doctor if your are experiencing:
Prostatitis and BPH are separate conditions that impact the prostate gland.
Prostatitis entails inflammation of the prostate, stemming from infection or other causes. Conversely, BPH involves the noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
Distinguishing between the two conditions can be challenging. If experiencing any prostate-related symptoms, it's advisable to seek medical attention.
If you are suffering from the symptoms of BPH why not schedule a consultation with the highly experienced team at MINT STL. We offer PAE on an outpatient basis, with minimal downtime, so you’ll soon be feeling back to normal.
