Possible causes of prostatitis

The mechanism trough which the prostate becomes infected is still not completely understood. It is known that the bacterial prostatitis is caused by bacteria such as E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Serratia, and Staphylococcus aureus. Most of the experts believe that the bacteria that cause prostatitis may get into the prostate from the urethra by backward flow of infected urine or stool from the rectum.

There is also a theory that claims that prostatitis is a sexually transmitted disease, but more recent research suggests that only a small number of cases it is passed on through sex. Other causes may include autoimmune disease.

Causes of non-bacterial prostatitis are much more difficult to determine. Most experts believe that it could be some of the following things:

Other infectious agents
Some experts believe nonbacterial prostatitis may be caused by an infectious agent that doesn't show up in standard laboratory tests.

Heavy lifting
Lifting heavy objects while your bladder is full may cause urine to back up into your prostate.

Certain occupations
Occupations that subject your prostate to strong vibrations, such as driving a truck or operating heavy machinery, may play a role.

Physical activity
Although regular exercise, especially jogging or biking, is great for the rest of your body, it may irritate your prostate gland.

Pelvic muscle spasm
Urinating in an uncoordinated fashion with the sphincter muscle not relaxed may lead to high pressure in the prostate and subsequent symptoms.

Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract
Narrowing of urethra may elevate pressure during urination and cause symptoms.

Risk factors for developing prostatitis

Certain conditions and medical procedures increase the risk of developing prostatitis. You are at higher risk for getting prostatitis if you:

• Recently have had a medical instrument, such as a urinary catheter (a soft, lubricated tube used to drain urine from the bladder) inserted during a medical procedure
• Engage in rectal intercourse
• Have an abnormal urinary tract
• Have had a recent bladder infection
• Have an enlarged prostate

Prostatitis, sex and sexual transmission

Sexual transmission

Several studies have shown that the chronic bacterial form of prostatitis is sometimes experienced by men whose sex partners have a bacterial infection of the vagina. This means that prostatitis is a sexually transmitted disease. Gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted disease, may sometimes cause prostatitis. Tuberculosis may also spread to the prostate. Other parasites and fungi may infect the prostate gland. Sometimes, a formation called granuloma in the prostate tissue can cause prostatitis. It is still not wether viruses can cause prostatitis.

Effects on sex life

The most common symptoms are discharge from the penis after sex and the widespread distribution of the pain. Men may also complain of pelvic pain, pain during ejaculation, and pain with sexual intercourse. This is making sex almost impossible. The good news is that patient will not lose sex drive altogether, and that with specialist help patient’s sex life may still be enjoyed.

Sex during the treatment

It is best to avoid sex during any treatment. If a sexually transmitted infection is found to be the cause, all sexual partners will need to be treated at the same time or the infection will just keep coming back.