Prostatitis is divided into categories based on cause. Although not technically part of your urinary system, the prostate gland is important to your urinary health. That's because the prostate surrounds the top portion of the tube that carries urine from your bladder (urethra). Normally, the location of the prostate gland isn't a problem. But infection or inflammation can cause the gland to swell, squeezing the urethra and affecting your ability to urinate. That's exactly what happens in prostatitis, although the cause of the inflammation depends on the type of prostatitis you have.
Acute bacterial prostatitis: Bacteria normally found in your urinary tract or large intestine cause this type of prostatitis. Most commonly, acute prostatitis originates in the prostate, but occasionally the infection can spread from a bladder or urethral infection.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis: It's not entirely clear what causes a chronic bacterial infection. Sometimes bacteria remain in the prostate following acute prostatitis. Catheter tubes used to drain the urinary bladder, trauma to the urinary system or infections in other parts of the body can sometimes be the source of the bacteria.
Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis: Researchers don't know the exact cause of the two types of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, although they have a number of theories about possible triggers of the conditions, including:
Other infectious agents: Some experts believe nonbacterial prostatitis may be caused by an infectious agent that doesn't show up in standard laboratory tests. Lifting heavy objects when your bladder is full may cause urine to back up into your prostate. Occupations that subject your prostate to strong vibrations, such as driving a truck or operating heavy machinery, may play a role. Although regular exercise, especially jogging or biking, is great for the rest of your body, it may irritate your prostate gland. Urinating in an uncoordinated fashion with the sphincter muscle not relaxed may lead to high pressure in the prostate and subsequent symptoms. Narrowings (strictures) of your urethra may elevate pressure during urination and cause symptoms.
XueFeng TCM Prostatitis Research Institute, 192 HongQi Road PingLiang City GanSu Province 744000 Tel: 0086-135-040-473-52 Fax: 0086-139-988-62461 Email: CONTACT US
