Prostatitis is a condition that results when the prostate gland becomes inflamed, sometimes due to an infection. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder in men. It’s important for sexual function as it helps produce semen. When inflamed, it can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, although prostatitis symptoms vary depending on the different types. 

If you have prostatitis, you’re not alone. This condition affects millions of men of all ages around the world. While many different medical treatments are available, shock wave treatment is becoming increasingly popular. 

Health Expressions is a world-class health spa helping people deal with pain in Rochester, NY, Rockville, MD, Washington, DC, and the South Eastern Maryland areas. If you are searching for shock wave therapy in Rochester, shock wave therapy in Rockville, DC metro area, or Northern Virginia, schedule an appointment for a free consultation. Call (301) 244-4717 to book an appointment or complete the online booking form.

TYPES OF PROSTATITIS

There are four different types of prostatitis.

1. Acute bacterial prostatitis
2. Chronic bacterial prostatitis
3. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (chronic prostatitis)
4. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis

Acute bacterial prostatitis is the least common, accounting for only 2% of all cases. It’s also the most serious as it can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by infection-fighting chemicals in the blood. 

Sepsis occurs when an infection spreads throughout the body and triggers a widespread inflammatory response. This is known as septic shock and can be fatal. While this is the most serious type of prostatitis, it is also the easiest to treat as it is caused by bacteria.

Symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis include: 

• Fever
• Chills
• Urinary frequency
• Difficulty urinating
• Pain in the lower back and genital area 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor immediately, as acute bacterial prostatitis is a severe condition.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

Chronic abacterial prostatitis is a recurrent condition caused by bacteria. It’s similar to acute bacterial prostatitis, but the symptoms are milder and don’t last as long. Symptoms can come and go, but some common symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis include:

• Urinary frequency
• Difficulty urinating
• Pain in the lower back and genital area
• Pain after ejaculation
• Rectum pain 

This type of prostatitis is more common in older men or men who recently had a urinary tract infection (UTI) or sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (Chronic Prostatitis)

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, also known as chronic prostatitis, is the most common type of prostatitis. It’s estimated that up to 90% of all prostatitis cases are chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The cause of this condition is unknown, but things like stress, anxiety, and muscle spasms are thought to play a role. This condition can be difficult to treat as the symptoms are often vague and can come and go over time. 

Symptoms of chronic pelvic pain syndrome include: 

• Chronic pain in the pelvis, lower back, and genital area
• Urinary frequency
• Difficulty urinating
• Pain after ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is also linked to certain immune system disorders like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis

As the name suggests, asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis doesn’t cause any symptoms. It’s often discovered during a medical exam or when testing for another condition. While it doesn’t cause symptoms, asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis can still lead to inflammation over time. 

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is the most difficult type of prostatitis to diagnose. That’s because it doesn’t cause any symptoms that might lead you to see your doctor. It is usually discovered during a medical exam or testing for another condition.

WHAT IS BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH)?

BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia. It’s a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH is very common, affecting up to 50% of all men by age 60. The cause of BPH is unknown and doesn’t put you at risk for prostate cancer. It’s thought to be linked to hormone changes as men age. For men with BPH, symptoms vary depending on if you have pressure on your bladder or an obstruction of your urinary tract. 

If you have pressure on the bladder, you may have symptoms such as: 

• Urinary frequency (more than eight times a day)
• Urinary urgency (if you suddenly have a strong feeling of needing to urinate)
• Nocturia (waking up at night to urinate)

On the other hand, symptoms of an obstructed urinary tract are:

• Weak urinary stream
• Having to push to urinate
• Dribbling after urination
• Stopping and starting while urinating

If you have BPH, you may also experience various urinary symptoms like urinary retention. This is when your bladder can’t empty properly, and urine backs up. Urinary retention is a serious condition that can lead to kidney damage, so it’s important to see your healthcare provider if you have any of the above symptoms.

SHOCKWAVE THERAPY FOR PROSTATITIS AND BPH

If you have prostatitis or BPH, you may wonder what medical treatment options are available. For chronic prostatitis, treatment typically involves antibiotics, minimally invasive treatments, alpha-blockers, and pain relief medication. However, these treatments don’t work for everyone or may only have limited benefits. 

Shock wave therapy for an enlarged prostate is a new treatment option for chronic prostatitis and BPH. It’s a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to break down calcified tissue in the prostate. This helps to improve urinary flow and relieve symptoms. In several clinical studies, men with chronic prostatitis reported improving symptoms after shock wave therapy.

How Does Shockwave Therapy for Prostatitis Work?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a clinically proven and highly successful treatment that has been used for many years to treat various conditions. It is now used to address BPH or Prostate Enlargement. Shock wave therapy for enlarged prostate / BPH involves the application of acoustic pressure waves to the prostate using a transducer device. 

This therapy works well on several levels, including: 

• Breaking up scarred tissue in the prostate
• Reducing spasticity (muscle stiffness)
• Restoring elasticity of the tissue in the prostate
• Dissipating calcification
• Restoring normal blood flow to the prostate
• Decreasing Inflammation

Is It Safe?

Yes. Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy is a non-invasive procedure with no adverse effects. Because it’s non-invasive, there’s no need for anesthesia or sedation, meaning no downtime or bed rest. The procedure is quick, taking less than 20 minutes per session.

OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS

There are other treatment options available for prostatitis and BPH. These include:

• Alpha-blockers: These drugs help relax the prostate muscles and improve urinary flow.
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: These drugs help to shrink the prostate by blocking the production of a hormone that leads to prostate growth.
• Antibiotics: These are used to treat bacterial infections of the prostate.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the prostate. This is typically only done if other treatments haven’t worked.

WHEN TO SEE A UROLOGIST

If you are experiencing persistent pain or long-lasting symptoms of prostatitis or BPH, it’s important to see a urologist. A urologist is a doctor who specializes in the urinary system.

They can rule out other serious conditions like prostate cancer. Once you have been diagnosed with chronic prostatitis or BPH, shock wave therapy can be a great alternative treatment option.

DON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE. WE CAN HELP!

If you’re experiencing symptoms of prostatitis or BPH, don’t suffer in silence. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Miller and her team at Health Expressions have the expertise and understanding you are looking for. They will pay close attention to your needs and offer state-of-the-art procedures, like shock wave therapy for prostatitis or BPH and other noninvasive treatments to improve health, general well-being, and quality of life. 

If you are looking for shock wave therapy in Rochester, NY, or Pittsford, NY, or shock wave therapy in Rockville, MD or the Washington DC area, call (301) 244-4717 to schedule an appointment or complete the online booking form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Despite being a clinically validated and successful treatment, extracorporeal shock wave therapy is not covered by health insurance. However, we offer many payment plans and finance options.