What all Men should Know about Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland and the surrounding area, accompanied by frequent pains, is termed as prostatitis. The disease has several types —symptomatic inflammatory, chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), chronic bacterial, and acute bacterial. Depending on the type, the cause of prostatitis differs. The cause of CPPS has not yet been established, and researchers believe it to be a microorganism, not necessarily bacteria. High anxiety and stress levels have also been associated with CPPS. Bacterial prostatitis, both acute and chronic, is caused by bacteria.

Pathogenesis

As the pathogenesis of prostatitis is not yet established, several possible theories associated with various types of prostatitis have been put forward, such as urine reflux through prostatic and ejaculatory ducts, causing chemical damage, involvement of the autoimmune component, and an infection ascending from the urethra. Infections of other parts, such as the lymph nodes, kidneys, and liver, may also be considered as probable causes. People suffering from sexually transmitted diseases are at a higher risk of prostatitis. In the disease, acute inflammatory cells are present between the glandular epithelium and lumen of the prostate.  

Prostatitis Signs and Symptoms

Each type of prostatitis presents a range of symptoms that may vary depending on the cause and on the individual level. CPPS involves discomfort or pain lasting for three or more months in areas such as the lower back, scrotum, and penis. Acute bacterial prostatitis appears suddenly and has a severe onset. Its symptoms are urinary urgency, chills, abnormal urinary frequency, and urinary blockage. Symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis are same as the acute type, but it develops slowly.

The only drug candidate in the Phase III development stage of the prostatitis therapeutics pipeline is Ibuprofenamine. Also known as X 0002, it is a small molecule and cyclooxygenase inhibitor being developed by Techfields Pharma. Another drug in the pipeline, Prulifloxacin is type II DNA topoisomerase inhibitor, which is converted to ulifloxacin in the body. These are bactericidal drugs that work by interfering with the DNA replication of the bacteria.

Therefore, the pipeline is slated to advance in the coming years as the field of prostatitis treatment is still unexplored.