Treatment Overview

Treatment for prostatitis usually begins with taking an antibiotic for several weeks. If you begin to feel better, you may have to take the medication for 2 to 3 months. If you do not get better while taking antibiotics, more tests may be done.

Acute prostatitis

Treatment for acute prostatitis is aimed at curing the infection and preventing complications. Acute bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, pain and fever medication, stool softeners, fluids, and rest.

• If you are unable to urinate or need intravenous antibiotics, you may be admitted to a hospital for treatment.
• Most men recover quickly with treatment, which lasts for 4 to 6 weeks.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Treatment for chronic bacterial prostatitis is aimed at curing the infection and preventing complications. Antibiotics are given for 6 to 12 weeks. Long-term antibiotic treatment may be needed if the infection returns.

• Infected prostate stones (prostatic calculi) can make the infection more difficult to cure. If present, they may need to be surgically removed.
• Surgery may be needed if urinary tract problems, such as narrowing of the bladder neck or urethra, are causing the prostatitis.
• Surgical removal of the prostate (prostatectomy) for repeated infections is rarely used, and only as a last resort.

Chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome, inflammatory

Treatment of chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome, inflammatory, may be difficult.

• Antibiotics are tried first. If your symptoms do not improve, treatment with these medications is usually stopped.
• Muscle relaxants and alpha-blockers may be used if muscle spasms are causing pain or problems urinating. Medications to reduce inflammation may relieve pain.
• Finasteride, a medication that slows the growth of the prostate, may be used.
• Massaging the prostate 3 or 4 times a week may help relieve symptoms.
• Counseling, biofeedback, or relaxation techniques may help reduce stress that is contributing to the pain.

Chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome, noninflammatory

Chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome, noninflammatory, is difficult to treat because it is not clear what causes this form of prostatitis. The primary goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Nonnarcotic pain medications, muscle relaxers, and alpha-blockers are used.

Physical therapy, medications to reduce anxiety, exercise, massage therapy, biofeedback, or stress reduction may help some men. It may be helpful to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods such as hot peppers, chili, pickles, and salsa, especially if they make your symptoms worse.