Prostatitis is a common problem that affects most men. It manifests in the form of inflammation of the prostate gland, whose cause can differ from one patient to another. When diagnosing prostatitis, the doctor carries out various tests using imaging tests, post-prostatic massage, blood tests, urine tests, or even digital rectal examination. Based on the examination, the doctor might conclude that you have acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, a chronic pelvic pain syndrome, or asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.

Prostatitis treatment aligns with the type of prostatitis you are diagnosed with, and every individual responds to the treatment differently. However, if one treatment option doesn't work, you should try out other options to identify what works for you, and there are various things you can do to alleviate the symptoms of prostatitis. You will probably have to try some of the following complementary therapies.

Medicines

Some of the drugs your doctor may prescribe include antibiotics, alpha-blockers, and anti-inflammatory agents. Antibiotics are the most common prescription drugs for managing prostatitis, and the doctor chooses your medication depending on the bacteria causing your infection. Men with severe symptoms require IV antibiotics, but more extended treatment periods are needed to treat recurring or chronic prostatitis. Alpha-blockers help ease prostatitis symptoms such as painful urination, while anti-inflammatory agents reduce the inflammation to make you more comfortable.

Alternative medicines

There are alternative medicines that have shown promising results in dealing with the symptoms of prostatitis. They include herbal remedies and supplements which reduce the pain associated with prostatitis enabling one to live a comfortable life. Depending on your situation, the doctor can also prescribe anti-depressants to treat long-term pain in chronic prostatitis, which some men find very helpful.

Prostate massage

Doctors use prostate massage to manage prostatitis symptoms. This might involve using anesthesia if the prostate gland is too painful or tender, so you will not experience any pain.

Treatment for sexual problems

If prostatitis interferes with your sexual life, such as difficulty getting or keeping an erection, the doctor can prescribe medicines such as sildenafil to deal with the problem.

Exercises and physical activity

Suppose your diagnosing doctor concludes that your prostatitis may be due to problems with your pelvic muscles; in that case, they may refer you to a physiotherapist to help you reduce the pain through physical exercise. The physiotherapist can massage tender areas of your pelvic floor muscles or train you on specific relaxation techniques to ease your pain. But most importantly, a physiotherapist teaches you how to do pelvic floor muscle relaxation exercises. The pelvic floor muscle supports your bladder and bowel and helps you with control when urinating. Such exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles to help you control urinary symptoms resulting from prostatitis.

Counseling therapy

Prostatitis can affect the mood and cause depression or anxiety. Your doctor can prescribe anti-depressant tablets to manage your moods or refer you to a counselor. Many men suffering from prostatitis experience low moments and have found counseling therapies to be beneficial. Joining a support group can also help you in dealing with emotional problems caused by prostatitis.

Lifestyle and home remedies

• Avoid activities that irritate your prostrate such as sitting or cycling for prolonged periods.

• Limit foods that irritate your bladder, such as alcohol and acidic drinks.

• Soaking in warm baths.

key takeaway

Always consult your doctor about alternative prostatitis treatments to determine if they are suitable for you.