|
Prostatitis:
Young Men and Old Men Battling An Often Mysterious
Foe
|
Prostate cancer
is
the second leading cause of death for men in the
United States, and over ninety percent of men between the ages of
seventy and ninety years of age suffer with their prostate gland. Most
men in this country in particular and worldwide in general have gotten
the message over the years about prostate awareness and prostate
problems. Men are encouraged to seek out medical care regarding their
prostate no later than their fortieth birthday. Each year thereafter
men should schedule an appointment to be examined by their primary care
giver to undergo a digital exam and/or PSA exam that can determine if
their prostate
has grown any larger, and for most men they understand the importance
of the exam and their need to establish an ongoing relationship
throughout the year with their doctor to avoid being blind sided by a
disease that for many is a death sentence.
However, there exists a deep dark mysterious foe that is
nefarious, deceptive, duplicitous, alien, and tragically misunderstood.
It attacks young men in their prime and old men in the sunset of their
lives. It can be terribly elusive in its presentation and so sinistrous
in character. It leaves epidemiologist, etiologist, pathologists,
surgeons, and urologists baffled and perplexed; for men who are
attacked by this foe it can be traumatic, often leaving them
disillusioned and defeated.
Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland. There are four
categories of prostatitis:
1) Acute
prostatitis: First
Category or Acute prostatitis is the
bacterial infection of the prostate gland, it comes on suddenly without
any notice and it must be medically treated immediately; it can cause
unbearable pain, fevers and chills. It occurs less frequently than any
other type or form of prostatitis and is easily recognized by most
physicians; usually it can be successfully treated with antibiotics for
a short period of time.
2) Chronic
prostatitis:
2nd Category or Chronic bacterial
prostatitis is the reoccurring of bacterial infection of the prostate.
Chronic bacterial
prostatitis last much longer than acute prostatitis
and it is for more difficult to identify and treat. It can present a
long term problem for many that can be painful and extremely
discomforting. Many physicians can become bewildered trying to
successfully treat this type of infections. Many men suffer with this
condition for years and years without a cure.
3) Chronic prostatitis:
3rd Category or Chronic
Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic
Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is also
inflammation of
the prostate but without bacterial infection; however, it is distinctly
known for creating pain in the pelvic region as well as the perineurim.
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) can last from several months to
several years or more. For many men who has suffered with CPPS the pain
has been reported as being cyclical or transient in nature and yet
lasting for years and years. The intensity of pain associated with CPPS
has been reported as ranging from reasonable discomfort to impossible
to endure, and for some desperate suffers death was viewed as a welcome
alternative as opposed to being subjected to endless suffering without
a cure.
Chronic
prostatitis or Chronic Pelvic
Pain
Syndrome (CPPS)
is
the
mysterious condition that has baffle many doctors for decades, and to
make matters worst it is believed that as many as 50% of all men will
be affected by this dreadful condition. Sufferers have reported of
being unable to even sit down due to chronic back pain as well as being
brought down on their knees with excruciating stomach pains. Sexual
dysfunction in the form of premature seminal discharge juxtaposed with
non-erectile accounting is more the norm than not. It is not uncommon
for some patients to even contemplate thoughts of suicide. The
unrelenting cycles of pain and discomfort along with counter-productive
medical procedures leave many sufferers bewildered and hopeless.
4)
Prostatitis Category
4th or Asymptomatic
inflammatory
prostatitis: presents no
symptoms and is painless. It creates no
pain
and can only be identified by the presence of white blood cells in the
urine; it is not treated at all and is discovered incidentally.
In conclusion, prostatitis is a condition that is caused by a swollen
prostate. It is a condition that is still largely misunderstood and
misdiagnosed. Although new procedures and new discoveries are making
noticeable progress, there is much to be learned. With prostatitis
affecting about 50% of the male population at some point in their
lives; scientists continue day and night researching steadfastly to
help bring about better treatments and even a cure for a very
mysterious condition.
|
|
|