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What Causes Burning Sensation During Urination And Lower Back Pain While Treating Prostatitis?
Question: Hi there,
For a several years I've struggled with occasional bouts of prostatitis. I have gone to a urologist a few times, and he tested my urine, which came back clear, so he concluded it's non-bacterial prostatitis and aside from courses of antibiotics (which I'd rather not take if I don't have to - I tried it the first time, and it simply took the condition away until I stopped taking it; I don't feel it makes sense to repeatedly take so many antibiotics), there's not much I can do. It's manageable most of the time, but can be frustrating. My most frequent symptoms are slight burning when I urinate (usually first thing in the morning especially) and some minor lower back/flank pain. I have a few questions.
1.) I found a supplement that seems to help clear things up when I get bouts. I only take it as needed, but it's called Prosta-Q from Farr Labs, and it contains Zinc, Quercetin, Cranberry, Saw Palmetto, Bromelain, and Papain. I'm comfortable with all of these, but have a concern about the Saw Palmetto. While I don't have high blood pressure, it's been borderline before, so I've been trying to get that down. Is temporary use of Saw Palmetto a concern for raising my blood pressure?
2.) Assuming I don't otherwise treat the prostatitis, are there long-term concerns because of it? If I'm having the slight back/flank pain, am I doing any damage to my body if it continues for a while, or are those unpleasant symptoms really the only concern with nothing being harmed long-term?
3.) Does having chronic prostatitis increase my risk of prostate cancer later on, or increase my need to screen for it (I'm 35)?
Thanks for your help, doc!
For a several years I've struggled with occasional bouts of prostatitis. I have gone to a urologist a few times, and he tested my urine, which came back clear, so he concluded it's non-bacterial prostatitis and aside from courses of antibiotics (which I'd rather not take if I don't have to - I tried it the first time, and it simply took the condition away until I stopped taking it; I don't feel it makes sense to repeatedly take so many antibiotics), there's not much I can do. It's manageable most of the time, but can be frustrating. My most frequent symptoms are slight burning when I urinate (usually first thing in the morning especially) and some minor lower back/flank pain. I have a few questions.
1.) I found a supplement that seems to help clear things up when I get bouts. I only take it as needed, but it's called Prosta-Q from Farr Labs, and it contains Zinc, Quercetin, Cranberry, Saw Palmetto, Bromelain, and Papain. I'm comfortable with all of these, but have a concern about the Saw Palmetto. While I don't have high blood pressure, it's been borderline before, so I've been trying to get that down. Is temporary use of Saw Palmetto a concern for raising my blood pressure?
2.) Assuming I don't otherwise treat the prostatitis, are there long-term concerns because of it? If I'm having the slight back/flank pain, am I doing any damage to my body if it continues for a while, or are those unpleasant symptoms really the only concern with nothing being harmed long-term?
3.) Does having chronic prostatitis increase my risk of prostate cancer later on, or increase my need to screen for it (I'm 35)?
Thanks for your help, doc!
Brief Answer:
You need further tests to establish diagnosis
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for your query
I have read your query and understand your concern
Based on the facts that you have posted it appears that you have been diagnosed to have
Non Bacterial Prostatitis .
I shall be happy if you can post me few more details to help me in making comments on your problem.
1) Have you ever done Semen Examination and culture ?
2) Was microscopic examination and culture of a discharge from the urethra obtained after prostate massage done ?
After going through your history I have observed that you were not investigated completely before being labeled to be Non Bacterial Prostatitis .
I normally do following tests before coming to conclusion of Non Bacterial prostatitis
1) Microscopic examination of semen and semen culture .
2) Swab test and culture of a discharge from the urethra getting after doing a gentle prostate massage .This helps to get the material (Prostatic secretions ) directly from prostate and helps to establish precise diagnosis .
I would suggest you to consult XXXXXXX Urologist and discuss about these tests with him.
Here are answers to your questions .
1) The Herbabl preparation that you have been taking is being used since decades and it has no side effect of raising blood pressure .
2) The back pain that you have may not be due to Prostatitis and will not get aggravated even though you do not take treatment.Rule out any local cause for back ache .
3) There is no scientific data that suggests that untreated Prostatitis can lead to cancer of the prostate .
Hope I have answered your query ,please feel free to ask if you have more questions ,I shall be happy to help you
Thanks and Regards.
Dr.Patil
You need further tests to establish diagnosis
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for your query
I have read your query and understand your concern
Based on the facts that you have posted it appears that you have been diagnosed to have
Non Bacterial Prostatitis .
I shall be happy if you can post me few more details to help me in making comments on your problem.
1) Have you ever done Semen Examination and culture ?
2) Was microscopic examination and culture of a discharge from the urethra obtained after prostate massage done ?
After going through your history I have observed that you were not investigated completely before being labeled to be Non Bacterial Prostatitis .
I normally do following tests before coming to conclusion of Non Bacterial prostatitis
1) Microscopic examination of semen and semen culture .
2) Swab test and culture of a discharge from the urethra getting after doing a gentle prostate massage .This helps to get the material (Prostatic secretions ) directly from prostate and helps to establish precise diagnosis .
I would suggest you to consult XXXXXXX Urologist and discuss about these tests with him.
Here are answers to your questions .
1) The Herbabl preparation that you have been taking is being used since decades and it has no side effect of raising blood pressure .
2) The back pain that you have may not be due to Prostatitis and will not get aggravated even though you do not take treatment.Rule out any local cause for back ache .
3) There is no scientific data that suggests that untreated Prostatitis can lead to cancer of the prostate .
Hope I have answered your query ,please feel free to ask if you have more questions ,I shall be happy to help you
Thanks and Regards.
Dr.Patil
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Hi and thanks for your help!
I understand that the formula I'm taking you think should be safe for blood pressure, and also that you don't deem me to be at increased prostate cancer risk!
Understood regarding the back pain possibly not being related. I believe it is, only because the symptoms always seem to appear at the same time in the same basic cluster (slight burning when urinating, slight testicle aches, and lower back/flank pain). If it continues, I will evaluate other possibilities as well.
Finally, to answer your question, no - I did see a urologist, but he didn't seem to want to test my semen or do prostate massage, etc. In fact, I remember specifically asking about prostate massage and making sure my prostate felt normal, and he seemed to think it was unnecessary. If this continues, I will consider trying again with him, but I feel from past experience he will just tell me the same thing.
There were, as I recall, two urine samples taken. I do not remember if he swabbed the urethra, but he may have. I know I've had it done to screen for STD's, so while I know it's been done to me, I can't remember the context and if he also did it.
Finally, I do have two followup questions.
First, assuming this is non bacterial prostatitis, are there any possible complications or long-term consequences if it is never fully eliminated?
Second, am I correct that this is in no way an STD and it's safe for my partner to have sex (ie. they can't catch it or otherwise harm their health)?
Thank you!
I understand that the formula I'm taking you think should be safe for blood pressure, and also that you don't deem me to be at increased prostate cancer risk!
Understood regarding the back pain possibly not being related. I believe it is, only because the symptoms always seem to appear at the same time in the same basic cluster (slight burning when urinating, slight testicle aches, and lower back/flank pain). If it continues, I will evaluate other possibilities as well.
Finally, to answer your question, no - I did see a urologist, but he didn't seem to want to test my semen or do prostate massage, etc. In fact, I remember specifically asking about prostate massage and making sure my prostate felt normal, and he seemed to think it was unnecessary. If this continues, I will consider trying again with him, but I feel from past experience he will just tell me the same thing.
There were, as I recall, two urine samples taken. I do not remember if he swabbed the urethra, but he may have. I know I've had it done to screen for STD's, so while I know it's been done to me, I can't remember the context and if he also did it.
Finally, I do have two followup questions.
First, assuming this is non bacterial prostatitis, are there any possible complications or long-term consequences if it is never fully eliminated?
Second, am I correct that this is in no way an STD and it's safe for my partner to have sex (ie. they can't catch it or otherwise harm their health)?
Thank you!
Brief Answer:
There are no long term complications of Prostatitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for follow up .
As regards investigations I have suggested it is a matter of opinion of Urologist and may differ from my opinion .
There are no long term complications of Chronic prostatitis except urinary symptoms and painful ejaculation.
It is always safe to practice protected sex to avoid infection from getting transmitted to your female partner .
Thanks and Regards.
Dr.Patil.
There are no long term complications of Prostatitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for follow up .
As regards investigations I have suggested it is a matter of opinion of Urologist and may differ from my opinion .
There are no long term complications of Chronic prostatitis except urinary symptoms and painful ejaculation.
It is always safe to practice protected sex to avoid infection from getting transmitted to your female partner .
Thanks and Regards.
Dr.Patil.
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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