Half of U.S. males will get prostatitis

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 22 (UPI) -- As many as half of U.S. males experience prostatitis -- an infection or inflammation of the prostate gland -- during their lifetimes.

Urologic disease experts estimate from 5 percent to 10 percent of males are experiencing prostatitis at a particular time, making it one of the most common urologic diseases in the United States, the Prostatitis Foundation said.

Prostatitis can result in four significant symptoms: pain, urination problems, sexual dysfunction and general health problems, such as feeling tired and depressed.

Acute bacterial prostatitis can be the result of bacteria, a virus, or a sexually transmitted disease and symptoms may include fever and chills, low back pain, frequent and painful urination, weak stream urination and infrequent urination, said Dr. Leroy Nyberg, Jr., director of Urology Programs at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.

These infections are treated with antibiotics, bed rest, stool softener and increased fluid intake.

Chronic prostatitis may be bacterial or the result of an inflammation of the prostate and symptoms may include frequent bladder infections, frequent urination and persistent pain in the lower abdomen or back. It is often treated with medications, changes in the diet, biofeedback and nonprescription supplements, Nyberg said.