Prostate And Urinary Tract Infection

Are Any Tests Needed

A urine sample can confirm the diagnosis and identify the germ causing the infection. Further tests are not usually necessary if you are otherwise well and have a one-off infection. However, your doctor may advise tests of your kidney, prostate gland, or bladder if an underlying problem is suspected.

An underlying problem is more likely if the infection does not clear with an antibiotic medicine, or if you have:

• Symptoms that suggest a kidney is infected .
• Recurring urine infections. For example, two or more in a three-month period.
• Had problems with your kidney in the past, such as kidney stones or a damaged kidney.
• Symptoms that suggest an obstruction to the flow of urine.
• Blood-stained urine which persists after treatment with antibiotics.

Tests may include:

• An examination of your prostate gland by examination of your back passage .
• Tests to see how well your bladder is working, called urodynamic tests.

In Men Over : Bph May Be The Cause Of High Psa

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlargement of the prostate gland, but its not prostate cancer. “BPH means more cells, so that means more cells making PSA,” explains Dr. Castle.

BPH is the most common prostate problem in men over age 50. It may not need to be treated unless its causing frequent or difficult urination.

Your primary care doctor may be able to tell the difference between BPH and prostate cancer by doing a digital rectal exam, but commonly this will require evaluation by a urologist and further testing, such as a biopsy or imaging studies.

Diagnosis Of Enlarged Prostate Gland And Urinary Problems

If you are troubled by urination problems, see a doctor no matter what your age. If your doctor agrees that your symptoms need further evaluation and treatment, you may need to undergo a few tests.These may include:

• general examination medical history and review of any health conditions including obesity, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, depression and erectile dysfunction. A rectal examination may be done to check the size and shape of your prostate gland
• a urine check to ensure the prostate is not infected
• a flow-rate check to estimate the speed with which you pass urine
• an ultrasound examination to assess if the bladder is emptying completely and to examine your kidneys
• urodynamics a series of tests on the bladder to see how your urinary system is functioning may be recommended in some circumstances.

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Ejaculation Is A Potential Cause Of Mildly Elevated Psa

“Ejaculation can cause a mild elevation of your PSA level, and so can having a digital rectal exam,” says Milner. “These types of PSA elevations are usually not enough to make a significant difference unless your PSA is borderline. PSA should return to normal in two to three days.”

To avoid this type of elevation, doctors will usually draw blood for a person’s PSA level before doing a rectal exam. Ask your doctor if you should avoid ejaculation for a few days before a PSA test.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Urine Infection

• Infection in the bladder usually causes pain when you pass urine, and you pass urine more frequently. You may also have pain in your lower tummy . Your urine may become cloudy, bloody or smelly. You may have a high temperature .
• Infection in the kidneys may cause pain in a loin and a high temperature . It may cause you to feel sick or be sick . You may feel generally unwell.

In some elderly men, the only symptoms may be a recent onset of confusion or just feeling generally unwell, even without any actual urinary symptoms.

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• The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ that produces fluids to feed and protect sperm cells.
• Many men experience urinary changes as they age. In many cases, these changes do not need specific treatment.
• When urinary changes cause problems, they can be treated successfully by lifestyle changes, medication, surgery or a combination of the three.
• For problems such as blood in the urine, pain on urination, inability to urinate or uncontrollable urine flow, see your doctor promptly.

Problems After Prostate Cancer Treatment

Many men get urinary problems as a side effect of their treatment. This is because prostate cancer treatment can damage the nerves and muscles that control when you urinate .

If youre starting treatment for prostate cancer, ask your doctor about the possible side effects. Each treatment can cause different urinary problems. Your chances of getting each side effect will depend on the treatment youre having, and on whether or not you had urinary problems before starting treatment.

If youve already had prostate cancer treatment and you have urinary problems, tell your doctor or nurse. They can suggest treatments and lifestyle changes to help manage them.

Depending on the type of problems youre having, ways to manage them can include lifestyle changes, pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder retraining, medicines or surgery. For practical tips read our How to manage urinary problems guide.

Watch Paul’s story below for one man’s experience of managing urinary problems after prostate cancer treatment.

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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor

You may want to ask your healthcare provider:

• What type of prostatitis do I have?
• What is the best treatment for this type of prostatitis?
• What are the treatment risks and side effects?
• How can I avoid getting prostatitis again?
• What type of follow-up care do I need after treatment?
• Should I look out for signs of complications?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Prostatitis is a common problem that affects many men. Unfortunately, theres a lot of confusion about the disease. People use the word prostatitis to describe four different conditions. There isnt a one-size-fits-all treatment for prostatitis, which is why an accurate diagnosis is so important.

Symptoms Of A Urinary Tract Infection

As with any infection, the body responds rapidly and predictably. However, symptoms of a UTI can mimic those of other conditions, so visit a qualified physician at the first signs or urinary trouble.

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Urgency and/or frequency in urination
• Feverish feeling
• Strange smelling urine

A diagnosis begins with a visit to a qualified physician or urologist who will perform a simple urine test. This, combined with a medical history, should yield a cause of the symptoms. If there are any questions or uncertainties as to the origin of symptoms, additional tests will be performed.

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How Is It Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You may have lab tests of your urine and discharge from the urethra and prostate gland.

For serious or repeated infections, you may need:

• An intravenous pyelogram . An IVP is a special type of X-ray of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
• An ultrasound scan to look at the urinary tract.
• A cystoscopy. This is an exam of the inside of the urethra and bladder with a small lighted instrument. It is usually done by a specialist called a urologist.

What Is The Treatment Of A Urine Infection

• A course of an antibiotic medicine will usually clear the infection quickly. This is usually for seven days. You should see a doctor if your symptoms are not gone, or nearly gone, after a few days.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen will usually ease any pain, discomfort, or high temperature .
• Have plenty to drink to help prevent a lack of fluid in the body if you have a fever and feel unwell.

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Confusing An Enlarged Prostate A Uti And Other Issues

The main symptoms of an enlarged prostate can often be confused with other conditions, including urinary tract infections. It is also a possibility that a man may suffer from more than one condition at a time. That is why a doctors diagnosis is a necessity. Tests will indicate which condition or conditions are present. The man can then be treated for any one or more that are occurring. Several conditions intertwine and may cause one of the others.

An enlarged prostate gives men an increased feeling of urgency to urinate. It will add to the trips men take to the restroom during the nighttime hours. Men may have difficulty beginning to urinate, and once theyve begun the stream may stop and start several times. There could be some dribbling at the end of urination, along with the inability to completely empty the bladder.

What Can You Do To Prevent Infections

• For recurring bladder infections: Have your bacterial flora tested by a doctor or alternative practitioner. Again, there is a close relationship between the vaginal and intestinal flora and healthy intestinal and vaginal flora provide good protection against infections.
• Always drink plenty so that no pathogens can establish in the urinary tract.
• To protect the vaginal flora, you should avoid underwear made of synthetic fibres, tampons and constant use of panty liners.
• Symptoms in the urinary tract may also have a psychological component. This is reflected in idioms such as “it gets me down” or in the term “largest teardrop in the body” for the bladder. Continuously recurring urinary tract infections are commonly associated with a psychological toll: Learn and practice relaxation techniques!
• Pay attention to personal hygiene: – Wash the genitals: from the front to the back!- Avoid use of fragrances in personal care products in the genital area- Use breathable underwear made from cotton
• Try to pass urine within 15 minutes of having sex

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Does An Enlarged Prostate Gland Put Men At Risk Of Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection is usually caused by the bacteria E. coli finding their way into the urethra, but it can also be the result of stagnant urine left sitting in the bladder allowing bacteria normally found in the urinary tract to multiply. It is possible for an enlarged prostate to obstruct the complete emptying of a males bladder, thus adding to his chances of getting a UTI.

However, it is also possible for a urinary tract infection to cause prostatitis a temporary swelling and inflammation of the prostate. The two share most of the same symptoms which may confuse the sufferer even more, especially if he has both issues simultaneously.

An enlarged prostate is not the same as prostatitis. Benign prostatic hyperplasia , also referred to as an enlarged prostate, is a common result of aging rather than an illness. A mans prostate is located near the bladder, and his urethra passes through the middle of it. A prostate keeps growing throughout a mans life, but it isnt quite clear why it often enlarges after the man is older. One third of males have an enlarged prostate by their sixties, and one half by their eighties. It is thought to be an imbalance in hormones.

Since the urethra is centered in the prostate, an enlarged prostate can easily cause difficulties.

Uti Causes And Risk Factors

The most common cause of a UTI in the urethra is a sexually transmitted disease. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two STDs that can cause a UTI. STDs are also the most common cause of UTIs in younger men.

Prostate problems can also cause UTIs. An enlarged prostate is common in older men and can block the flow of urine. This can increase the odds that bacteria will build up and cause a UTI.

Prostatitis, which is an infection of the prostate, shares many of the same symptoms as UTIs.

Diabetes and other medical issues that affect your immune system can also make you more likely to get a UTI.

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How Is Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Managed Or Treated

Prostatitis treatments vary depending on the cause and type. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis doesnt require treatment.

For chronic pelvic pain syndrome , your healthcare provider may use a system called UPOINT to classify symptoms into six categories. Your provider uses multiple treatments at the same time to treat only the symptoms youre experiencing.

Approximately 80% of men with CPPS improve with the UPOINT system. The system focuses on these symptoms and treatments:

• Urinary: Medications, such as tamsulosin and alfuzosin , relax muscles around the prostate and bladder to improve urine flow.
• Psychosocial: Stress management can help. Some men benefit from counseling or medications for anxiety, depression and catastrophizing .
• Organ: Quercetin and bee pollen supplements may relieve a swollen, inflamed prostate gland.
• Infection:Antibiotics kill infection-causing bacteria.
• Neurologic: Prescription pain medicines, such as amitriptyline and gabapentin , relieve neurogenic pain. This pain can include fibromyalgia or pain that extends into the legs, arms or back.
• Tenderness: Pelvic floor physical therapy may include myofascial release . This therapy can reduce or eliminate muscle spasms.

How Do You Get A Uti

Urinary tract infections are one very troublesome complication of an obstructing benign prostatic hyperplasia that can cause patients significant symptoms.

There are two main ways in which BPH cause urinary infections:

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What Is The Prognosis For People Who Have Prostatitis

Antibiotics can cure acute bacterial prostatitis. These medications also ease chronic bacterial prostatitis symptoms in approximately 30% to 60% of men. Up to 80% of men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome feel better after receiving appropriate treatments for their symptoms using the UPOINT system. Men with asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis dont need treatment.

Apply A Poultice To Relieve Lower Abdominal Pain

How about trying a traditional remedy to obtain some relief? Our grandmothers used to swear by a soothing leek poultice for relieving the pain of lower urinary tract infections.

How do you make one? Cook the leeks in a large pan of salted, boiling water and allow to cool to a lukewarm temperature. Then layer the cooked leeks onto the painful area and leave for at least 15 minutes or until cold. Repeat 3 times day depending on the pain intensity.

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Who Is More Likely To Develop Prostatitis

The factors that affect a mans chances of developing prostatitis differ depending on the type.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Men with nerve damage in the lower urinary tract due to surgery or trauma may be more likely to develop chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Psychological stress may also increase a mans chances of developing the condition.

Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis. Men with lower UTIs may be more likely to develop bacterial prostatitis. UTIs that recur or are difficult to treat may lead to chronic bacterial prostatitis.

Can Treating Your Enlarged Prostate Help

If your UTI is indeed the result of an enlarged prostate, then taking steps to treat this condition may help to prevent further infections.

The traditional herbal treatment for an enlarged prostate is Saw Palmetto, which you can find in our Prostasan capsules. This remedy is used to reduce the symptoms of your enlarged prostate.

Aside from Prostasan, you should also reduce your intake of inflammatory foods red meat, dairy, sugar, processed foods and alcohol and fill up on lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, complex carbohydrates, nuts and seeds. Pumpkin seeds have been found to be particularly effective in helping BPH symptoms, so give these a go! I love them toasted in the oven with a sprinkle of paprika.

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Risk Factors Of Enlarged Prostate Or Uti

The risk factors of having an enlarge prostate are:

• Patients age one third of men over 60 and one half over 80 are diagnosed with BPH.
• Family history a blood relative, such as a father or brother, has BPH.
• The patient suffers from diabetes or heart disease.
• The patients lifestyle obesity plays a role in BPH, exercise may help lower the risk.

Urinary Tract Infection In Men

The typical symptoms of bladder infection are frequent urination, painful urination, and urgency which is the feeling of the need to urinate immediately. Enlargement of the prostate, a condition which affects most men over age 40, may predispose to infection. Many men can tell when they get infection.

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About Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are common infections that can affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes connected to them.

Anyone can get them, but they’re particularly common in women. Some women experience them regularly .

UTIs can be painful and uncomfortable, but usually pass within a few days and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

This page is about UTIs in adults. There is a separate article about UTIs in children.

This page covers:

Acute Urinary Tract Infection In Patients With Underlying Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia And Prostate Cancer

Musliu Adetola Tolani, Aisha Suleiman, Mudi Awaisu, Muhammad Mukhtar Abdulaziz, Ahmad Tijjani Lawal, Ahmad Bello

Corresponding author: Musliu Adetola Tolani, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University and Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Received: 20 Nov 2019 – Accepted: 25 Jun 2020 – 09 Jul 2020

Domain: Microbiology,Urology

Keywords: Benign prostatic hyperplasia, catheter-associated infections, prostate cancer, urinary tract infection

©Musliu Adetola Tolani et al. Pan African Medical Journal . This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution International 4.0 License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Cite this article: Musliu Adetola Tolani et al. Acute urinary tract infection in patients with underlying benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Pan African Medical Journal. 2020 36:169.

Available online at:

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