Prostatitis (also called a prostate infection) is an inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland. Prostatitis is not uncommon and can be painful. The most common type of prostatitis is acute prostatitis, an isolated incidence of the infection that does not linger on and can be easily treated through antibiotic therapy.
2. Prostate Structure, Function and Location
The prostate is a walnut sized gland that can be found near the urethra. The urethra is small tube that connects to your bladder. In fact, the prostate gland is wrapped around the beginning of the urethra, in such close proximity that the two structures often affect each other. Even though the prostate is heavily affected by the urethra, it is actually a part of the reproductive system. Although not all of the functions of the prostate gland are completely understood, its main function seems to be to secrete protein-based nutrients during ejaculation. This helps the semen stay healthy as it performs its own function.
3. Acute Prostatitis
There are two types of prostate infections: chronic prostatitis and acute prostatitis. The difference between the two is that acute prostatitis occurs in separate isolated short-term incidents, while chronic prostatitis is one long, lingering incident. Of the two, acute prostatitis is the more easily understood and treated. Most of the time, acute prostatitis can be treated through a short course of antibiotic therapy because it is most often caused by a bacterial infection.
4. Catheterization
One such cause of acute prostatitis is catheterization. Catheters are small flexible tubes that are inserted into your urethra and pushed through it into the bladder. They are used to drain urine from the bladder when you are unable to urinate on your own. Although the catheter and the entrance to the urethra are both sterilized before the procedure is done, it still gives bacteria that is normally found on your skin the opportunity to colonize your urethra. With your urethra being so closely located near your prostate, any bacterial infections that affect the urethra are easily able to travel over to the prostate.
5. Anal Sex
Heterosexual or homosexual anal sex can also lead to acute prostatitis. There are certain types of bacteria, such as E. coli that live in your lower intestinal tract, in your anus or in your stool that can cause urinary tract infections when introduced to the urinary system. The male urethra runs along to the penis and not only expresses urine but semen as well. Anal sex can allow those bacteria to enter to urethra, which can cause urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections, especially urethritis, can lead to acute prostatitis because the infection can easily spread to the prostate.
6. Enlarged Prostate
Your prostate naturally grows until the age of twenty, encouraged by the production of male hormones, including testosterone. Your prostate will experience another growth spurt after the age of forty. This is when most men experience enlarged prostates. It often leads to cystitis. Cystitis is a type of urinary infection that affects the bladder. The prostate is wrapped around the urethra and when it is in enlarged, it can prevent the urethra from draining urine from the bladder. As the urine stagnates in the bladder, it becomes a breeding ground for toxicity and bacteria. As the infection progresses, it can spread into the urethra, and into the prostate, causing acute prostatitis.
Keywords: acute prostatitis ; cause of acute prostatitis ; what is prostatitis ; enlarged prostate ; types of prostatitis
