Question

I've had several attacks of prostatitis, and my wife is convinced it's because I've been unfaithful ­ but I haven't. How can I convince her that she's wrong?

Answer

We do not know you or your wife but you should know each other, and trust between a couple and good communication is so very important. Perhaps if your wife understands more about your prostatitis she will believe what you tell her, although some doctors even are at a loss sometimes to find a cause for prostatitis. Your wife has probably heard that some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) increase the risk for developing bacterial prostatatis. However, the important thing for your wife to understand is that there are different types of prostatitis and several other risk factors than she has obviously heard about Sometimes prostatitis is caused by a sexually transmitted organism, such as chlamydia. Most cases though are caused by infections that are Not sexually transmitted. These infections can't be passed on to sexual partners. Some kinds of prostatitis might be caused when the muscles of the pelvis or the bladder don't work correctly.

Prostatitis is common and affects many men at some time. Prostatitis is a general term for inflammation of the prostate gland - an organ about the size and shape of a walnut, located just below the bladder in males. The prostate gland's main function is to produce semen, the fluid that helps nourish and transport sperm. An inflamed prostate can cause a variety of symptoms, including a frequent and urgent need to urinate and pain or burning when urinating - often accompanied by pelvic, groin or low back pain. It's not always possible to cure prostatitis, but in many cases symptoms can be controlled. A variety of treatments as well as self-care measures can provide relief.

As we have said, prostatitis is a term used to describe inflammatory conditions of the prostate gland. It is thought that most cases of prostatitis result from bacterial infection, but evidence of infection is not always found. Risk factors include bladder outlet obstruction (e.g., stone, tumor, enlarged prostate (BPH)), diabetes mellitus, a suppressed immune system, and urethral catheterization (i.e., small tube inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine). Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs; e.g., nongonnococcal urethritis, gonorrhea) increase the risk for developing bacterial prostatitis. Bacterial prostatitis is caused by the growth of bacteria that are normally found in prostatic fluid, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella. Urine that flows back into the urethra (urine reflux) that enters the prostate can also cause the condition. There is no known cause for nonbacterial prostatitis or prostatodynia.

Although prostate problems occur most often in men age 60 or older, they can affect men of any age, particularly those older than 40. However, you're more likely to develop prostatitis when you're younger, even before age 40. You may also be at increased risk if you: Recently had a bladder infection or an infection of your urethra - Recently had a urinary catheter inserted during a medical procedure - Stop and start while urinating - Have a job that subjects you to strong vibrations, such as driving a truck or operating heavy equipment - Jog or bicycle on a regular basis.

Because traditional treatments aren't always effective for prostatitis, many men experiment with various lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Although no scientific evidence proves these practices are beneficial, you may want to try one or more of the following suggestions: Drink plenty of water- Limit or avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods - Urinate at regular intervals - Have regular sexual activity with your wife.-.If you're a cyclist, use a "split" bicycle seat, which reduces the pressure on your prostate. Eventually, many men with prostatitis learn to live with the disease by limiting the things that make their symptoms worse and emphasizing the things that make them feel better.
 

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