What are the bacterial prostatitis causes? Bacteria can find their way up the urethra on their own, they may hitch a ride on a urinary catheter or any other instrument inserted into the urethra, or they can originate in the bladder and make their way to the prostate via the urine. Regardless of their travel method, once bacteria settle into the prostate, they should be treated immediately before they cause bladder infections, abscesses in the prostate, or they completely block the flow of urine. If the bacteria move into the bloodstream, they can rush throughout the body and cause a significant drop in blood pressure, confusion, and possibly even death. Fortunately, in most cases, the right treatment for bacterial prostatitis causes can usually eliminate the bacteria.
Any bacteria that are capable of invading the urinary tract and causing an infection are capable of triggering acute bacterial prostatitis.
The main bacteria is Escherichia coli (E. coli) although there are others that can directly or indirectly trigger the disease. They include:
- Chlamydia trachomatis (they also cause Chlamydia)
- Klebsiella pneumonia
- Neisseria gonorrhea (which causes gonorrhea)
- Proteus mirabilis
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Trichomonas vaginalis (which causes trichomon)
Experts do not know the nonbacterial prostatitis causes. Some propose that it is caused by germs that go undetected, while others suggest it is associated with nerve or muscle function in the area of the prostate, a renegade immune system, substances such as uric acid that move from the blood into the prostate and irritate the gland, pressure exerted on the prostate from nearby diseased tissue, and psychological stress.
One of the nonbacterial prostatitis causes that is getting some attention is associated with nerve or muscle function in the area of the prostate. Some research suggests that chronic squeezing of the pelvic muscles causes chronic irritation of the pelvic floor, which in turn irritates the nerves and other structures in the prostate region. Several studies have also noted that most patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome have significantly more abnormal pelvic floor muscle issues compared with men without pain, and/or poor to absent pelvic floor function. (Segura 1979; Zerman 1999; Hetrick 2003) These findings in turn led to several studies in which researchers have used non-drug approaches, namely biofeedback and myofascial trigger point release therapies, to relieve the tension and stress in the pelvic floor muscles in some men who have symptoms of nonbacterial prostatitis.
Over time, chronic nonbacterial prostatitis can cause semen abnormalities, infertility, and a poorer quality of life.
Hetrick DC et al. Musculoskeletal dysfunction in men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome type III: a case control study. J Urol 2003; 170: 828
Segura JW et al. Prostatosis, prostatitis or pelvic floor tension myalgia? J Urol 1979; 122: 168
Zermann DH et al. Neurological insights into the etiology of genitourinary pain in men. J Urol 1999; 161: 903