FitSugar

STIs Explained: Trichomoniasis

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:30:30 -0700

Since things are heating up everywhere these days, I thought it might be the time to tell you to cool down a little bit and play smart. Yep, it is time to fill you in on a fairly common STI (sexually transmitted infection - it not a disease since it is curable), Trichomoniasis. Tricky to say maybe, but not tricky to prevent!

STIs are considered 100% preventable if you abstain from sex, but let's be reasonable here, that seems pretty unlikely. However you and your partner can both get tested for STIs before you have sex, so you both know you are in the clear.

Since trichomoniasis, also known as trich, is transmitted through genital contact, using latex or polyurethane condoms can greatly reduce your risk in contracting the infection. On the other hand, being in a mutually monogamous relationship is an awesome way to keep yourself safe.

While this may not be a pretty subject, it is good to know what is out there so you can make good decisions and hopefully avoid having to deal with the organ and tissue damage trich can cause. In women, if left untreated trich can cause the fallopian tubes to become inflamed and can also potentially damage your cervix. If your man needs some convincing to get tested tell him that in men, prolonged infection of trich can potentially damage the bladder as well as the prostate. Hopefully that caught your attention!

So for more details about trichomoniasis, then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
Trichomoniasis	Can be asymptomatic yellow-green vaginal discharge Vaginal odor Discomfort during intercourse Painful urination or ejaculation	Samples of vaginal discharge or secretions from the penis are examined under a microscope - these protozoan can be seen swimming (eww).	This parasitic infection can be cured with the prescription drug, metronidazole (a pill you take orally)

Source

STIs Explained: Chlamydia

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Since Spring has arrived and romance is in the air, I thought I'd take the time to talk about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Not your favorite topic, I know, but definitely worth knowing about.

STI stands for "sexually transmitted infection." The reason this term is used instead of STD (sexually transmitted disease) is because the word "infection" is more accurate since many are actually curable (except for Genital Herpes and Genital Warts). Also, the word "infection" carries less of a negative social stigma than the word "disease."

STIs like chlamydia are 100% preventable, so you can either abstain from sex altogether (not realistic), or have you and your partner get tested before you have sex. Chlamydia can be passed through regular sex, and anal and oral sex, so being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone you know who is uninfected is also a great way to keep yourself safe. When latex or polyurethane condoms are used consistently and correctly, that can also reduce the risk of transmitting chlamydia.

Make sure you see your gynecologist annually to get tested because if chlamydia goes untreated, irreversible damage can occur to a woman's reproductive organs, causing infertility.

Want to know about chlamydia? Then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
Chlamydia (The #1 STI in the U.S.)	Frequently asymptomatic (no symptoms) Vaginal or penile discharge Burning during urination Women may experience lower abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, and irregular bleeding between periods Men may experience pain or swelling in the testicles	Samples of the infected fluid must be taken. Urine tests are now available too (which is good news for guys) but because they're more expensive, they're not yet available at all health clinics.	Since Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, antibiotics taken orally can cure most infections, but another round of antibiotics might need to be taken to get rid of it completely.

STI

Symptoms

How do you test for it?

Treatment

Chlamydia (The #1 STI in the U.S.)

Frequently asymptomatic (no symptoms)
Vaginal or penile discharge
Burning during urination
Women may experience lower abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, and irregular bleeding between periods
Men may experience pain or swelling in the testicles

Samples of the infected fluid must be taken.

Urine tests are now available too (which is good news for guys) but because they're more expensive, they're not yet available at all health clinics.

Since Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, antibiotics taken orally can cure most infections, but another round of antibiotics might need to be taken to get rid of it completely.

Source

Trichomoniasis

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:55:49 -0700

Illustrations

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Alternative Names

Trichomonas vaginitis; Trich

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Trichomoniasis is found worldwide. In the United States, the highest number of cases are seen in women between age 16 and 35. Trichomonas vaginalis cannot survive in the mouth or rectum, and therefore must be transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner.

The disease can affect both men and women, but the symptoms differ between the two groups. The infection usually does not cause symptoms in men and goes away on its own in a few weeks. In some cases, a man might have burning, itching, or a discharge. Occasionally, some men with trichomoniasis may develop prostatitis or epididymitis from the infection.

Women with trichomoniasis have a itching and a heavy, foul-smelling, green-white or yellowish vaginal discharge.

Symptoms

Women:

Discomfort with intercourse
Vaginal itching
Greenish-yellow, frothy or foamy, vaginal discharge with a foul or strong smell
Labial swelling or vulvar itching
Itching of the inner thighs

Men:

Burning after urination or ejaculation
Itching of urethra
Slight discharge from urethra

Signs and tests

In women:

A pelvic examination reveals red blotches vaginal wall or cervix. A wet prep (microscopic examination of discharge) shows the infection-causing organisms in vaginal fluids. A pap smear may also detect the presence of the organism.

In men:

The disease can be hard to diagnose in men. Men are treated if the infection is diagnosed in any of their sexual partners. Men may also be treated if they have ongoing symptoms of urethral burning or itching despite treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Treatment

The antibiotic metronidazole is commonly used to cure the infection. You should not drink alcohol while taking the medicine and for 48 hours after the antibiotics are completed.Use of alcohol with metronidazole can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment has been completed.

Sexual partners should be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)

With proper treatment, the outcome is likely to be excellent.

Complications

Long-term infection may cause changes in the tissue on the cervical surface. These changes may be seen on a routine Pap smear. In such cases, treatment should be started and the Pap smear repeated 3 to 6 months later.

Treatment of trichomoniasis helps prevents the spread of the disease to sexual partners. Trichomoniasis can also increase the chance of getting HIV from an infected partner.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any unusual vaginal discharge or irritation is noted.

Also call for an appointment if you suspect that you have been exposed to the disease.

Prevention

A monogamous sexual relationship with a known healthy partner can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including trichomoniasis.

Other than total abstinence, condoms remain the best and most reliable protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms must be used consistently and correctly.

Review Date: 10/9/2006

Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Source Doc: 1_001331

Vaginal discharge

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:06:28 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office
References

Illustrations

Female reproductive anatomy

Vaginal discharge

Uterus

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Vaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. Such discharge can vary in:

Consistency (thick, pasty, thin)
Color (clear, cloudy)
Smell (normal, odorless, bad odor)

Alternative Names

Discharge from the vagina

Considerations

Having some amount of vaginal discharge is normal, especially if you are of childbearing age. Glands in the cervix produce a clear mucus. These secretions may turn white or yellow when exposed to the air. These are normal variations.

The amount of mucus produced by the cervical glands varies throughout the menstrual cycle. This is normal and depends on the amount of estrogen circulating in your body.

Vaginal discharge that suddenly differs in color, odor, or consistency, or significantly increases or decreases in amount, may indicate an underlying problem like an infection.

Common Causes

The following situations can increase the amount of normal vaginal discharge:

Emotional stress
Ovulation (the production and release of an egg from your ovary in the middle of your menstrual cycle)
Sexual excitement

These conditions can lead to abnormal vaginal discharge:

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) -- Bacteria that normally live in the vagina overgrow, causing a grey discharge and fishy odor that worsen after sexual intercourse. BV is not sexually transmitted.
Cervical or vaginal cancer (rarely a cause of excess discharge)
Chlamydia
Forgotten tampon or foreign body
Gonorrhea
Other infections and sexually transmitted diseases
Trichomonas
Vaginal yeast infection

Home Care

To help prevent and treat vaginal discharge:

Keep your genital area clean and dry.
Avoid douching. While many women feel cleaner if they douche after menstruation or intercourse, it may actually worsen vaginal discharge because it removes healthy bacteria lining the vagina that are there to protect you from infection.
Use an over-the-counter cream or vaginal suppository, IF you know that you have a yeast infection.
Try to reduce stress.
Eat yogurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when on antibiotics to avoid a yeast infection.
Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
Keep your blood sugars under good control if you have diabetes.

If the discharge is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, your sexual partner (or partners) must be treated as well, even if they have no symptoms. Failure of partners to accept treatment can cause continual reinfection which may lead to a serious problem like infertility.

Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor right away if:

Your discharge is associated with fever or pain in your pelvis or abdomen.
You have been exposed to a sexual partner with gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other sexually transmitted disease.
You have increased thirst or appetite, unexplained weight loss, increased urinary frequency, or fatigue -- these may be signs of diabetes.

Also call if:

A child who has not reached puberty has vaginal discharge.
You think that your discharge may be related to a medication.
You are concerned that you may have a sexually transmitted disease or you are unsure of possible exposure.
Your symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 week despite home care measures.
You have blisters or other lesions on your vagina or vulva (exterior genitalia).
You have burning with urination or other urinary symptoms -- you may have a urinary tract infection.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination including a pelvic exam.

Medical history questions may include:

When did the changed or abnormal vaginal discharge begin?
Do you have the same amount and type of vaginal discharge throughout the month?
What does the discharge look like (color and consistency)?
Is there an odor?
Do you have pain, itching, or burning?
Does your sexual partner have a discharge as well?
Do you have multiple sexual partners or sexual partners that you do not know very well?
What type of birth control do you use?
Do you use condoms?
Is there anything that relieves the discharge?
Have you tried over-the-counter creams? Have they helped?
Do you douche? What kind of douche do you use?
Do you have any other symptoms like abdominal pain, vaginal itching, fever, vaginal bleeding, rash, genital warts or lesions, or changes in urination like difficulty, pain, or blood?
What medications do you take?
Do you have any allergies?
Have you recently changed the detergents or soaps that you use?
Do you frequently wear very tight clothing?
When was your last Pap smear? Have you ever had an abnormal Pap smear?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Cultures of your cervix.
Examination of vaginal discharge under the microscope.
A Pap smear.

Treatment depends on the underlying condition. Suppositories or creams may be ordered and antibiotics may be prescribed. Oral medication for fungus or Trichomonas may be used in difficult cases. Your sexual partner(s) may also need treatment.

References

Anderson M, Karasz A, Friedland S. Are vaginal symptoms ever normal? A review of the literature. MedGenMed. 2004; 6(4): 49.

Melville C, Nandwani R, Bigrigg A, McMahon AD. A comparative study of clinical management strategies for vaginal discharge in family planning and genitourinary medicine settings. J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care. 2005; 31(1): 26-30.

French L, Horton J, Matousek M. Abnormal vaginal discharge: what does and does not work in treating underlying causes. J Fam Pract. 2004; 53(11): 890-894.

Review Date: 8/17/2007

Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003158

Leukocyte esterase

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:12:35 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
How the test is performed
How to prepare for the test
How the test will feel
Why the test is performed
Normal Values
What abnormal results mean
What the risks are
Special considerations

Illustrations

Male urinary system

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Leukocyte esterase is a urine test to look for white blood cells and other signs associated with infection.

Alternative Names

WBC esterase

How the test is performed

A clean catch urine sample is needed. See: Urine specimen - clean catch

How to prepare for the test

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How the test will feel

The test will involve only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed

Leukocyte esterase is a screening test used to detect a substance that suggests there are white blood cells in the urine, which likely means a urinary tract infection.

This test is part of the routine urine dipstick test. If this test is positive, the urine should be examined under a microscope for white blood cells and other abnormalities associated with infection.

Normal Values

A negative test result is normal.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean

An abnormal result indicates a possible urinary tract infection.

What the risks are

There are no risks.

Special considerations

The following may create a false positive result:

Vaginal secretions (such as blood or heavy mucus discharge)
Trichomonas infection (such as trichomoniasis)

False negative tests can be caused by:

High levels of protein
High levels of vitamin C

Review Date: 8/28/2007

Reviewed By: Daniel R Alexander, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003584

Vulvovaginitis

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:52:51 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention

Illustrations

Female perineal anatomy

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Vulvovaginitis is inflammation or infection of the vulva and vagina.

Alternative Names

Vaginitis; Vaginal inflammation; Inflammation of the vagina

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Vulvovaginitis can affect women of all ages and is extremely common. It can be caused by bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and other parasites. Some sexually transmitted diseases can also cause vulvovaginitis, as can various chemicals found in bubble baths, soaps, and perfumes. Environmental factors such as poor hygiene and allergens may also cause this condition.

Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections, is one of the most common causes of vulvovaginitis in women of all ages. Antibiotic use can lead to yeast infections by killing the normal antifungal bacteria that live in the vagina. Yeast infections typically cause genital itching and a thick, white vaginal discharge.

Another cause of vulvovaginitis is bacterial vaginosis, an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis may cause a thin, grey vaginal discharge and a fishy odor.

A sexually transmitted disease called Trichomonas vaginalis infection is another common cause. This infection leads to genital itching, a vaginal odor, and a heavy vaginal discharge, which may be yellow-grey or green in color.

Bubble baths, soaps, vaginal contraceptives, feminine sprays, and perfumes can cause irritating itchy rashes in the genital area, while tight fitting or nonabsorbent clothing sometimes cause heat rashes.

Irritated tissue is more susceptible to infection than normal tissue, and many infection-causing organisms thrive in environments that are warm, damp, and dark. Not only can these factors contribute to the cause of vulvovaginitis, they frequently prolong the recovery period.

A lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women can result in vaginal dryness and thinning of vaginal and vulvar skin, which may also lead to or worsen genital itching and burning.

Nonspecific vulvovaginitis (where no causative organism or irritant can be identified) can be seen in all age groups, but it occurs most commonly in young girls before puberty. Once puberty begins, the vagina becomes more acidic, which tends to help prevent infections.

Nonspecific vulvovaginitis can occur in girls with poor genital hygiene and is characterized by a foul-smelling, brownish-green discharge and irritation of the labia and vaginal opening. This condition is often associated with an overgrowth of a type of bacteria that is typically found in the stool. These bacteria are sometimes spread from the rectum to the vaginal area by wiping from back to front after using the bathroom.

Sexual abuse should be considered in children with unusual infections and recurrent episodes of unexplained vulvovaginitis. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the organism that causes gonorrhea, produces gonococcal vulvovaginitis in young girls. Since gonococcal vaginitis is considered a sexually transmitted disease, young girls with culture-proved gonococcal vaginitis should be evaluated for sexual abuse.

Symptoms

Irritation and itching of the genital area
Inflammation (irritation, redness, and swelling) of the labia majora, labia minora, or perineal area
Vaginal discharge
Foul vaginal odor
Discomfort or burning when urinating

Signs and tests

A pelvic examination may reveal red, tender vulvar or vaginal skin. Any lesions or sores should be inspected. A wet prep (microscopic evaluation of vaginal discharge) is usually done to identify a vaginal infection or overgrowth of yeast or bacteria. In some cases, a culture of the vaginal discharge may identify the organism causing the infection.

Trying to diagnose the condition by symptoms alone is very inaccurate in determining the cause of vulvovaginitis. Furthermore, self-diagnosis and treatment with over-the-counter medications (such as yeast infection creams) is unwise and may lead to incorrect and ineffective use of these products. For this reason, vulvovaginitis should be diagnosed by a health care provider.

Treatment

The cause of the infection determines the appropriate treatment. It may include oral or topical antibiotics and/or antifungal creams, antibacterial creams, or similar medications. A cream containing cortisone may also be used to relieve some of the irritation. If an allergic reaction is involved, an antihistamine may also be prescribed. For women who have irritation and inflammation caused by low levels of estrogen (postmenopausal), a topical estrogen cream might be prescribed.

Improved perineal hygiene is necessary to help healing and to prevent future reinfection for those whose infections are caused by bacteria normally found in stool. Sitz baths may be recommended. It is often helpful to allow more air to reach the genital area. Wearing cotton underwear (rather than nylon) or underwear that has a cotton lining in the crotch area allows greater air flow and decreases the amount of moisture in the area. Removing underwear at bedtime may also help.

Note: If a sexually transmitted disease is diagnosed, it is very important that your partner(s) receive treatment also, even if there are no symptoms. Many organisms don't produce noticeable symptoms. Failure of the partner(s) to accept treatment can cause continual reinfection, which may eventually (if not taken care of) lead to more extensive problems, possibly limiting fertility and affecting overall health.

Expectations (prognosis)

Proper treatment of an infection is usually very effective.

Complications

Discomfort that does not go away
Skin infection (from scratching)
Complications due to the cause of the condition (such as gonorrhea and candida infection)

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if vulvovaginitis symptoms are present or if known vulvovaginitis does not respond to treatment.

Prevention

Use of a condom during sexual intercourse can prevent most sexually transmitted vaginal infections. Proper fitting and adequately absorbent clothing, combined with good hygiene of the genital area also prevents many cases of non-infectious vulvovaginitis.

Children should be taught how to properly clean the genital area while bathing or showering. Proper wiping after using the toilet will also help (girls should always wipe from the front to the back to avoid introducing bacteria from the rectum to the vaginal area).

Hands should be washed thoroughly before and after using the bathroom.

Review Date: 9/19/2006

Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000897

Prostatitis - acute

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:50:17 -0700

Overview

Definition
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Acute prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that develops suddenly.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Acute prostatitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection of the prostate gland. Any organism capable of causing an urinary tract infection (UTI) is also capable of causing acute bacterial prostatitis, including enterococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause acute prostatitis, typically seen in men younger than 35. These include gonorrhea, chlamydia, urealyticum, and trichomonas. Prostatitis from an STD typically closely follows sexual contact with an infected partner.

In men older than 35, E. coli and other common bacteria are more often the cause of prostatitis. E. coli prostatitis may follow urinary tract infections, urethritis, or epididymitis.

Acute prostatitis may also develop as a result of procedures involving the urethra, such as:

Catheterization or cystoscope
Trauma
Bladder outlet obstruction
An infection elsewhere in the body. Prostatitis is rare in young boys.

Prostatitis is diagnosed in approximately 2 of every 10,000 outpatient visits. Men between the ages of 20 and 35 who have multiple sexual partners are at an increased risk. Also at high risk are those who engage in anal intercourse, especially without using condoms.

Men age 50 or older who have an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), are at increased risk for prostatitis due to their risk of urinary tract infection.

Symptoms

Acute prostatitis often begins with chills and fever, lower abdominal discomfort, perineal pain (pain in the area between the genitals and the anus), and burning with urination. Symptoms of more advanced prostatitis include a diminished urine stream and difficulty urinating.

Prostatitis may occur in conjunction with epididymitis or orchitis, especially if caused by an STD, in which case symptoms of the accompanying condition may also be present.

Symptoms of acute prostatitis include the following:

Fever
Chills
Low back pain
Abdominal pain (above the pubic bone)
Perineal pain (pelvic floor)
Pain and burning with urination (dysuria)
Urinary retention (inability to completely empty bladder)
Pain with ejaculation
Pain with bowel movement

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this condition:

Blood in the urine
Increased urinary frequency or urgency
Difficulty urinating
Decreased force of urinary stream
Testicle pain
Blood in the semen
Foul-smelling urine

Signs and tests

Your health care provider may perform a physical examination to assess the prostate (warm, soft, swollen, or tender), the groin lymph nodes (enlarged or tender), the scrotum (swollen or tender), and the urethra (discharge).

Triple-void urine specimens may be collected for urinalysis and urine culture:

#1 initial stream
#2 mid-stream
#3 after prostatic massage by examiner

Note: Your health care provider may choose not to perform prostatic massage if the prostate is obviously swollen and tender, because massage may potentially spread the infection and cause bacteremia or sepsis. These are potentially life-threatening infections in which bacteria are present in the bloodstream, rather than localized to one part of the body.

Urinalysis may reveal increased white blood cells (WBCs) and bacterial growth. Examination of prostatic secretions may also show increased levels of WBCs and concentrated bacterial growth upon culture.

Acute prostatitis may also alter the results of the following tests:

CBC
Urine analysis
PSA
Semen analysis

Treatment

Most cases of acute prostatitis clear up completely with medication and slight modification of diet and behavior.

MEDICATIONS:

Prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, most often trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), fluoroquinolones (Floxin or Cipro), and tetracycline derivatives.

For men with prostatitis caused by an STD, a 250 mg shot of ceftriaxone followed by a 10-day course of doxycycline or ofloxacin. For other bacterial causes, a standard course of treatment consists of Bactrim, Cipro, or Floxin for at least 4 weeks.

Because recurrence is common, some health care providers recommend even longer therapies -- 6 to 8 weeks -- to eliminate the infection. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be required .

Stool softeners may reduce the discomfort associated with bowel movements.

SURGERY:

Surgery or urethral instrumentation (urinary catheterization or cystoscopy) are not recommended for patients with acute prostatitis.

OTHER THERAPY:

Frequent and complete urination is recommended to decrease the symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency.

If the swollen prostate restricts the urethra, it may be difficult to completely empty the bladder, and insertion of a suprapubic catheter (a drain that empties the bladder through the abdomen) may be necessary.

Warm baths may provide some relief of the perineal and lower back pain associated with acute prostatitis.

DIET:

Avoid substances that irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, caffeinated food and beverages, and citrus juices, and hot or spicy foods.

Increasing the intake of fluids (64 to 128 ounces per day) encourages frequent urination that will help flush the bacteria from the bladder.

MONITORING:

Follow-up should include an examination at completion of antibiotic therapy to ensure that infection is no longer present.

Expectations (prognosis)

The majority of men who are accurately diagnosed with acute prostatitis become symptom-free after treatment.

Patients who have had acute prostatitis are prone to recurrence and are likely to develop chronic prostatitis.

Complications

Chronic prostatitis can develop. Urinary retention may occur as a result of the swollen prostate occluding the urethra.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms of prostatitis occur.

Prevention

Not all types of prostatitis are preventable. Thorough hand-washing after a bowel movement and prior to handling the penis may prevent the transfer of bacteria from the rectal area to the genitourinary tract.

Infections that are associated with STDs can be prevented by practicing safer-sex behaviors.

Review Date: 6/13/2006

Reviewed By: Neil D. Sherman, MD, Urologist, Essex County, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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Source Doc: 1_000519