Recurrent prostate infection: What are the treatment options?

I've been treated for three prostate infections in three years. What are the treatment options for recurrent prostate infection?

- Ray / No state given

Answer

Recurrent prostate infections are common. This is because antibiotics used to treat prostate infections often are unable to adequately penetrate the prostate tissue in order to destroy all of the bacteria that cause infection. Because some of the bacteria may remain — even after you complete a full course of antibiotics — the infection may return. Your doctor may prescribe a long course of antibiotics, lasting between four weeks and six months, depending on the medication you are prescribed. Because recurrent prostate infections are difficult to treat, your doctor may also focus on alleviating your symptoms and anxiety about your condition.

If you have recurrent prostate infections, you should be evaluated by a urologist to make sure you have no underlying abnormalities of the urinary system — such as kidney or bladder stones or incomplete emptying of your bladder due to an enlarged prostate — that would predispose you to infection.

It's important to know that prostate infection can dramatically increase your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. However, prostate infections do not increase your risk of prostate cancer.

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