Chronic prostatitis is a condition affecting the prostate gland, which means that it can only affect men. It could manifest itself as pain in regions that could include the urethra, the area between the rectum and the testicles, the tip of the penis, below the waist, the bladder or pubic area and the testicles. Other possible signs are pain or burning during urination, pain or discomfort during ejaculation, pain in the lower back and upper legs, a lowering of sexual libido or desire and a feeling of not emptying the bladder after urination.

Men who suffer from prostatitis can also experience symptoms such as fatigue, discoloration in the semen, impaired memory, pain in the lymph nodes and susceptibility to colds. Prostatitis is generally categorized as either acute, chronic bacterial, chronic prostatitis (CP)/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) or asymptomatic inflammatory.

Throughout the years, treatment methods and strategies have been developed for prostatitis. The first option for any urologist in terms of prostatitis treatment is to recommend antibiotics. The most common type used, particularly for men who suffer from the chronic bacterial type, is Ciprofloxacin. This drug is taken to eliminate or eradicate infection. For CP/CPPS, the treatment strategy called the Stanford Protocol is often used. This method combines several medications including tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, paradoxical relaxation and physical therapy.

CP/CPPS accounts for majority of diagnosed prostatitis. Because of this, more therapeutic options have been designed to target this category. This type of prostatitis is said to be triggered, more often than not, by anxiety. Treatment protocols for CPPS often focus on stretches to relax muscles in the pelvic or anal area, physical therapy and progressive relaxation therapy. An immunomodulator called suplatast tosilate has also been found to be effective in managing CPPS.

Aside from antibiotics, alpha blockers like tamsulosin and alfuzosin also help in managing the condition. The mast cell blocker, Quercetin, is also effective in treating CP. Several studies have shown that this formulation reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate gland. Bee pollen or Cernilton is also considered an effective therapeutic for the condition.

In addition to these treatment protocols, men can also narrow their chances of developing CP/CPPS by strengthening their immune system and by subduing inflammation. Some materials that can help include chondroitin sulfate, calcium with vitamin D, Ester C, vitamin E with selenium, zinc cellmins and flax seed oil. In terms of trigger factors, men should avoid the excessive intake of certain foods like spices, vinegar, chocolate and other sugary foods, caffeine, alcohol, milk products, acidic foods and sodium benzoate.

Other things that need to be minimized or eradicated totally include the use of marijuana, psychological stress, strenuous exercise, too much use of antihistamines and decongestants, sitting for prolonged periods of time and Tantric sexual practices. Tantric sex involves the grasping of the penis tightly to control ejaculation and some men have reported that their prostate troubles started after engaging in Tantric sex.

Numerous treatment protocols and management strategies for chronic prostatitis have been developed by scientists during the last century and they are hopeful that eventually, methods for the eradication of the condition will be developed.