Treatment:

Most cases of acute prostatitis clear up completely with medication and slight changes to the diet and behavior.

MEDICATIONS:

• Antibiotics, most often trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), fluoroquinolones (Floxin or Cipro), or tetracycline derivatives such as doxycycline -- for at least 4 weeks
• A shot of ceftriaxone followed by a 7-day course of doxycycline (for men with prostatitis caused by an STD)
• A hospital stay and antibiotics given through a vein (IV) (for severe cases)

Because it is common for the infection to return, some health care providers recommend even longer courses of medication -- 6 to 8 weeks -- to get rid of the infection.

Stool softeners may reduce the discomfort that occurs with bowel movements.

SURGERY:

Surgery, urinary catheterization, or cystoscopy are not recommended for patients with acute prostatitis.

OTHER THERAPY:

• Urinate often and completely to decrease the symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency.
• A suprapubic catheter (a drain that empties the bladder through the abdomen) may be needed if the swollen prostate tightens the urethra and makes it diffcult to empty the bladder.
• Warm baths may relieve some of the perineal and lower back pain.

DIET:

• Avoid substances that irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, caffeinated food and beverages, citrus juices, and hot or spicy foods.
• Increase fluid intake (64 - 128 ounces per day) to urinate often and help flush bacteria from the bladder.

MONITORING:

After you finish antibiotic treatment, get examined by your health care provider to make sure the infection is gone.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most men who are accurately diagnosed with acute prostatitis become symptom-free after treatment.

Patients who have had acute prostatitis are likely to have the infection come back, and to develop chronic prostatitis.

Complications:

Chronic prostatitis or prostatic abscess can develop. Urinary retention may occur as the swollen prostate tightens the urethra.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of prostatitis.