Prostatitis
Is prostatitis contagious? Information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for an inflamed prostate.
Symptoms and Causes
When the prostate gland becomes inflamed, usually due to an infection, prostatitis occurs. This condition causes discomfort, difficulty urinating, and pain in both the pelvic area and the genitals.
Prostatitis can be classified into three different types:
- Chronic prostatitis: The infection lasts for more than three months and, after being treated, recurs periodically. In its early stages, it often presents no symptoms.
- Acute prostatitis: This type appears suddenly and with severe symptoms.
- Prostatodynia or asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: There are no noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. It is confirmed when high levels of white blood cells are detected in the semen.
In general, prostatitis resolves after appropriate pharmacological treatment and does not pose a serious health risk. However, when it recurs frequently, it can significantly reduce patients' quality of life.
Prostatitis is not a contagious disease, meaning there is no risk of transmitting it during sexual intercourse. However, it is advisable to abstain from sexual activity until a sexually transmitted infection (STI) has been ruled out as the cause.
Symptoms
The most characteristic symptoms of prostatitis include:
- Dysuria, or painful urination.
- Hematuria, or blood in the urine.
- Urinary retention.
- Urgency to urinate.
- Painful ejaculation.
- Increased frequency of urination during the day.
Causes
Prostatitis can be triggered by various causes, such as:
- Bacterial infection.
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
- Obstruction of the urethra or bladder neck.
- Urine reflux into the prostate.
- Autoimmune disorders.
Risk Factors
Some factors that increase the risk of developing prostatitis include:
- Having a urinary tract infection.
- Engaging in unprotected sex.
- Using a urinary catheter.
- Having a history of prostatitis.
- Experiencing high levels of stress.
Complications
If left untreated, prostatitis can lead to complications such as bloodstream infections, anxiety, infertility, erectile dysfunction, and social difficulties due to increased urinary urgency.
Prevention
Although complete prevention of prostatitis cannot be guaranteed, the likelihood of developing it is reduced by:
- Attending regular urological check-ups.
- Avoiding high-risk sexual behaviors.
- Maintaining proper hygiene.
- Following a diet rich in red fruits and antioxidants.
Which doctor treats prostatitis?
Urologists are the specialists responsible for diagnosing and treating prostatitis. When necessary, they may refer the patient to a psychologist.
Diagnosis
To confirm a diagnosis of prostatitis—usually suspected based on the patient's reported symptoms—the following tests are performed:
- Physical examination: A rectal exam to check for prostate inflammation.
- Urine and blood tests to determine if a bacterial infection is present.
- Semen culture to detect microorganisms or white blood cells in the semen.
- Prostate ultrasound to assess the size of the prostate and identify any abnormalities or tumors.
- Prostate biopsy: A tissue sample is analyzed for tumor markers.
Treatment
Since prostatitis is most often caused by an infection, antibiotics are the most effective treatment for curing it. Additionally, other medications help alleviate symptoms. For instance, pain relievers reduce discomfort, while alpha-blockers help with urinary issues.
When the condition stems from psychological factors, psychotherapy is the best course of action.
