Prostatitis
Because the urethra passes through the prostate on its way from the bladder, bacteria can travel through the urethra to settle in the prostate. The prostate gland is susceptible to both acute infection and to chronic infection or inflammation. An acute infection can cause severe pain and tenderness in the region of the prostate, sometimes extending up into the genitals, pelvis, or back. Other symptoms can include increased urge to urinate, burning during urination, difficulty starting urination, discharge from the penis, and general symptoms such as fever and weakness.
Chronic inflammation of the prostate can develop after an acute infection or on its own. Symptoms are similar to but milder than those of acute infection and tend to come and go over long periods. Vague aching in the region of the prostate, dribbling of urine, trouble starting or maintaining a forceful stream of urine, and discharge of prostatic fluid from the penis after a bowel movement, for instance, are common symptoms. Often it is impossible to identify the bacteria involved in chronic prostatitis; it may well be a self-perpetuating problem that persists even after infecting bacteria have been eliminated.
General Home Care
Home treatment for acute prostatitis includes drinking plenty of fluids, urinating frequently to help wash out the infecting bacteria, getting rest, eating a simple, nutritious diet, and avoiding stress.
Chronic prostatitis is difficult to heal completely. Still, the measures used for acute prostatitis can be helpful. In addition, hot sitz baths may bring some relief. You can also try ìKegel exercisesî as a mild form of self-massage to express excess fluid from the prostate and thereby reduce symptoms: Firmly tighten the muscles you would use to interrupt the flow of urine, repeating 50 to 100 times per day. Some urologists advise their patients to ejaculate regularly to expel some of the prostatic fluid and reduce pressure in the gland.
Homeopathic Medicines
During either acute or chronic prostatitis, homeopathic care can complement conventional medical treatment. In acute cases, you can use homeopathic medicines while you take antibiotics to speed the healing process. If symptoms persist after antibiotic treatment, or in chronic cases that have developed with no acute onset, you may try homeopathy instead of antibiotics (after seeing a health practitioner to rule out dangerous infections such as gonorrhea or Chlamydia). We recommend you see a professional homeopath if one is available, but if not, go ahead and try homeopathy at home.
Unfortunately for the homeopath, the typical case of prostatic trouble gives rise to few distinguishing symptoms that help in remedy selection. If no remedy stands out as a good match for the affected personís symptoms, you can try the ones listed below one at a time.
Casetaking Questions for Prostatitis
Character of the symptoms:
What is the character of the pain or discomfortóis it an ache, a sensation of pressure, or sharp pain like a needle?
Modalities:
How is the pain affected by sitting, standing, walking, and urinating?
Other symptoms:
Describe the color and consistency of any discharge from the penis.
Is there pain in the urethra or bladder?
Remedy Summary for Prostatitis
Give the medicine: During acute symptoms, one dose two times a day for up to five days, less frequently as the symptoms improve. For chronic cases, one dose of the 30th potency per day for five days, or a low potency twice daily for up to two weeks.