One of the most common prostate problems men encounter is one you seldom hear about. According to some estimates, up to a quarter of all visits men make to a doctor for genital or urinary problems are related to prostatitis. Not only is this condition common, it can also be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Prostatitis is a general term for inflammation of the prostate gland � an organ about the size and shape of a walnut, located just below the bladder in males. The prostate gland's main function is to produce semen, the fluid that helps nourish and transport sperm. An inflamed prostate can cause a variety of symptoms, including a frequent and urgent need to urinate and pain or burning when urinating (dysuria) � often accompanied by pelvic, groin or low back pain.
Prostatitis can appear in several forms. The acute form is the least common, but is also the most severe. Symptoms are often sudden, and the condition may require hospitalization. Symptoms of chronic prostatitis tend to develop more slowly and aren't as severe as those of acute prostatitis.
It's not always possible to completely eliminate prostatitis, but in many cases your symptoms can be controlled. In addition to medication, treatments such as heat therapy, biofeedback and sometimes just drinking a lot of water or avoiding certain foods can provide relief.
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