From the Research
Prostatitis risk factors include bacterial infections, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, pelvic trauma, urinary catheter use, and certain medical procedures, and prevention strategies should focus on maintaining good hygiene, staying hydrated, and practicing safe sex, as recommended by the most recent study 1. The risk factors for prostatitis can be categorized into several groups, including:
- Bacterial infections, such as those caused by gram-negative bacilli 2
- Urinary tract infections, which can be facilitated by conditions that introduce bacteria into the urethra and prostate 3
- Sexually transmitted infections, which can increase the risk of prostatitis 4
- Pelvic trauma, urinary catheter use, and certain medical procedures, which can also increase the risk of prostatitis 4 Men with compromised immune systems, history of prostatitis, or urinary tract abnormalities face higher risks of developing prostatitis 3. Prevention strategies for prostatitis include:
- Maintaining good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces 1
- Staying hydrated with 6-8 glasses of water daily to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract 5
- Urinating regularly to prevent bacterial buildup in the prostate 2
- Practicing safe sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections 4
- Avoiding prolonged sitting, which can increase pressure on the prostate and contribute to the development of prostatitis 3 For those prone to prostatitis, preventive antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (160/800 mg) or ciprofloxacin (500 mg) may be prescribed before procedures 2. Regular prostate exams are recommended for men over 50 or those with a family history of prostate issues to help identify problems early and prevent progression to more severe conditions 5. Prompt treatment of urinary tract infections is essential, typically with antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice daily for 7-14 days) or doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 7-14 days) 4.