Prostate Infection

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder, in front of the rectum. About the size and shape of a walnut, the prostate weighs only about one ounce. The prostate wraps around the urethra, a tube that carried urine from the bladder and out through the penis. The main purpose of the prostate is to produce semen, which is squeezed out through the prostate during orgasm. The prostate gland works in conjunction with the male urethra. The urethra is responsible for carrying urine from the bladder to the tip of the penis during urination as well as carrying semen during ejaculation. Part of the seminal fluid that is ejaculated during orgasm is produced by the prostate gland, while the remaining fluid is produced by two seminal vesicles. Smooth muscle tissue is also present in the prostate gland which serves to assist with expelling semen during ejaculation. Androgens, also known as male hormones, help the prostate to function properly. The main male hormone, testosterone, is produced by the testicles and is critical to healthy prostate gland function. At varying points throughout a man's life he may experience issues with his prostate and one of those involves prostate infection.

At times the prostate gland may become inflamed. This health condition is known as prostatitis and the inflammation can be classified in three different manners. Acute inflammation of the prostate gland, which is caused by bacteria and may be accompanied by chills and fever, is known as acute bacterial prostatitis. Other symptoms of this form of prostate infection include pains in the lower back and rectum. A recurrent prostate infection, which is often associated with chronic urinary infection, is known as chronic bacterial prostatitis. Painful urination and genital pain may also accompany this form of prostate infection. A type of prostate disease in which there is no apparent bacterial infection, but there is inflammation, is known as nonbacterial prostatitis. The most common symptom of nonbacterial prostatitis is difficult or painful urination. Patients who experience this prostate infection related symptoms should seek medical attention. The doctor will usually perform a rectal exam, by which the prostate can be felt. A rectal exam may make it possible for the doctor to determine whether there is a prostate infection present. If it is determined that the patient does suffer from prostate infection, antibiotics are the most common form of treatment for all three types of prostate disease.

Besides antibiotic treatments, patients may also find some relief of prostate infection using a technique known as prostate massage. Prostate massage is a rather controversial technique that is considered to be quite helpful by some patients and medical authorities although others consider it to be highly dangerous and morally wrong.

The purpose of a prostate massage is to excrete fluid from the inflamed prostate, which is believed to relieve the prostate infection and inflammation. A prostate massage can be performed by medical personnel or at home; however considering the delicate nature of the procedure, it is best to proceed with caution as an inexperienced prostate massage can cause significant damage. A prostate massage is performed by massaging the prostate and can be accomplished in more than one way. The most common way in which a prostate massage is performed is by direct contact through the anus.

In some cases a doctor will perform a prostate massage in order to obtain a sample of prostate fluid for testing purposes, especially when it appears that an enlarged prostate or prostate infection are present. Men who are not accustomed to this procedure may feel uncomfortable with a prostate massage. The procedure can also be performed at home and can either be performed alone or with the assistance of another person. Devices are marketed for the sole purpose of assisting an individual with performing his own prostate massage and are commonly called prostate massagers. In some cases, a spouse or significant other may wish to assist with a prostate massage. For this type of procedure the other person inserts their finger into the anus of the male, finds the prostate gland and massages gently. The prostate gland is located about two inches inside the rectum on the front wall, close to the penis. The prostate gland itself is about the size of a walnut, so it is usually fairly easy to find. It is best for a lubricant to be used. Many physicians also recommend that a condom be used to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria to the prostate gland. Latex medical gloves are also recommended as a guard against bacteria introduction. A rolling motion of the finger or massaging device is used to excrete the fluid from the prostate gland.

A gentle touch is best used to avoid serious internal injury and to prevent pain from the prostate infection. It should be noted that a vigorous prostate massage can lead to serious internal damage and injury and some injuries related to prostate massage have been fatal.

Although not all cases of prostate infection lead to the development of prostate cancer, it is always best to have symptoms checked out if they become apparent. The doctor will usually perform blood tests such as a PSA to determine whether there is any possibility of prostate cancer present along with prostate infection. A high level of PSA may indicate that prostate cancer is present, but it can also simply be indicative of the presence of prostate infection or of an enlarged prostate. If the levels appear to be high, it may be necessary for the doctor to perform further tests to make a conclusive diagnosis regarding the presence of prostate cancer.