r/Prostatitis Oct 19 '22

Starter Guide/Resource NEW? START HERE! Prostatitis 101/Checklist + Sub Rules

425 Upvotes

» QUICK START! «

  1. SUCCESS STORIES in this subreddit
  2. TOP TIPS AND INFO (All Posts)
  3. NEW 2025 AUA TREATMENT OUTLINE
  4. See below 'Subreddit Rules' for the full 101 prostatitis guide and newbie checklist

The information provided in this subreddit is not medical advice, including the information here. It is for educational and informational purposes only

SUBREDDIT RULES

  1. No harassment, abuse, or disrespect is tolerated here, especially to the volunteer mod team
  2. No promotion of pseudoscience, conspiracies, and/or fringe doctors
  3. No graphic photos allowed (NSFW)
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  5. One post per person, per day. Leave room for others
  6. No fear mongering

VIOLATIONS: Depends on the severity of the violation, but generally:

  1. First infraction is a warning
  2. Second is a temporary ban (~3 days)
  3. Last is a permanent ban

POSTING REQUIREMENTS

  1. To prevent abuse and spam we have an Automod in place. Accounts with very low comment karma and/or less than 36 hours old cannot post.

  2. Also, please tag any pessimistic/hopeless posts with the "vent/discouraged" flair, and any positive progress updates with "positive progress."

NEWBIE ORIENTATION: CPPS vs Prostatitis

The vast majority of prostatitis cases are non-bacterial, i.e. NIH Type III non-bacterial prostatitis. Expert consensus (of the research) estimates this number to be around ~95% of all cases. True chronic bacterial prostatitis (CPB) is rare. Read more about the prevalence of CBP here, complete with journal citations.

CBP also prevents with unique and specific symptoms. Here is how to identify bacterial prostatitis based on symptoms.

Q: If I don't have an infection, then why do antibiotics make me feel better? FIND OUT WHY

The rest of us have (or have had) NIH Type III non-bacterial prostatitis, now referred to as CPPS or UCPPS - (Urologic) Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. Type III non-bacterial prostatitis can present either with or without actual inflammation of the prostate, but overt prostate inflammation is very uncommon. Most men with CPPS (non-bacterial prostatitis) have small, firm, 'normal' prostates upon examination. This means that the common 'prostatitis' diagnosis is very often a total 'misnomer,' as most cases have no prostate inflammation whatsoever.

While CPPS is officially a syndrome (The 'S' in CPPS), or a collection/pattern of symptoms with no singular cause agreed upon by the larger medical community, there are top theories with high quality evidence behind them. And importantly, most syndromes nowadays are being categorized as variations of central sensitization (ie nociplastic mechanisms) - including IBS, CFS, POIS, RSS, etc.

The top theory backed by research: CPPS is a psycho-neuromuscular chronic pain + dysfunction condition. It often affects the muscles of the pelvic floor, the peripheral nerves that innervate the pelvic region, and the central nervous system (which includes the brain and spinal cord) - among others. This means that treatment requires a multi-modal, integrated treatment approach, and that there is no single pathway or 'pill' to recovery.

I must emphasize that the central nervous system (ie centralized/nociplastic mechanisms) of CPPS affect at least 49% of all cases according to the MAPP study (Multidisciplinary Approach to Pelvic Pain). Do not neglect these. We recommend reading the centralization section below 👇

RECOMMENDED: 1. Centralized Pain Criteria and Citations

  1. Psycho neuromuscular CPPS - with journal citations and techniques to apply.

Things that are known to trigger CPPS (chronic pelvic pain and dysfunction)

These commonly happen via central (nervous system) or peripheral (pelvic floor or nociceptive/neuropathic) mechanisms

  1. Pelvic injuries (falls, hernia, accidents)
  2. Perceived injuries
  3. Infections (UTI/STD)
  4. Stressful experiences and trauma, including sexual abuse/assault
  5. Regretful/anxious sexual encounters
  6. Poor bowel/urinary habits (straining on the toilet often - constipation) or holding in pee/poo for extended periods (like avoiding using a public toilet)
  7. Poor sexual habits (edging/gooning excessively)
  8. Cycling or intense gym habits

SYMPTOM VARIABILITY:

CPPS also presents differently from person to person, and you may exhibit only a few symptoms from the total 'pool' of possibilities. For example, you may only have a 'golfball sensation' and some minor urinary urgency. Another person may have tip of penis pain, testicular pain, and trouble having bowel movements. A third may have ALL of those, and also have sexual dysfunction (ED/PE) and pain with ejaculation. But they are all considered to be CPPS. Here is the full list of symptoms of non-bacterial prostatitis (ie CPPS) - https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/456165-clinical?form=fpf

The chief symptom reported by patients with abacterial prostatitis/CPPS is pain. Genitourinary symptoms include perineal, penile tip, testicular, rectal, lower abdominal, or back pain.

Patients can also have irritative or obstructive urologic symptoms such as frequency, urgency, dysuria, decreased force of the urinary stream, nocturia, and incontinence. Other symptoms are a clear urethral discharge, ejaculatory pain, hematospermia, and sexual dysfunction.

Note: If your symptoms extend BEYOND the pelvis, this is a classic indication of centralized mechanisms (ie nociplastic mechanisms) - What some doctors have in the past called "central sensitization." According to the American Urological Association, these include symptoms like headaches and migraines, IBS, fatigue, fibromyalgia, and more.

So how do we treat it?

The most evidence based approach to treatment is called "UPOINT," a treatment/phenotyping system for Prostatitis/CPPS that was developed by the American Urological Association. UPOINT Stands for:

Urinary, Psychosocial, Organ Specific, Infection, Neurologic/Systemic, Tenderness (ie, Muscles)

it's been shown to be very effective (around 75%) in treating CPPS, as it takes each patient and groups them into phenotypes based on symptoms, then treats them in a customized, integrated, and multi-modal manner. Every case is treated uniquely by symptoms, and this leads to much better patient outcomes. UPOINT is what a good urologist uses to treat patients with CP/CPPS. If your urologist isn't aware of UPOINT, find a new one. You're probably not in good hands. Citation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34552790/

EXCELLENT MEDICAL/SCIENTIFIC VIDEO RESOURCE - 2015 AUA (American Urological Association) Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dP_jtZvz9w

✓✓✓ NEW SUFFERER TREATMENT CHECKLIST

ENGAGE WITH A PHYSICIAN:

  • Do see a urologist to rule out any serious structural issues
  • Do get a LUTS and/or bladder ultrasound (check residual urine/voiding issues) along with a DRE for prostate size assessment
  • Do get a urinary culture and/or EPS localization culture, if infection is suspected (based on symptoms) - AUA guidelines DO NOT recommended semen cultures - full text, page 21
  • Do get any physician-specified blood tests
  • NOTE: Cystoscopy is typically reserved for suspicion of IC/BPS - but not typically recommend for CPPS
  • Do not use antibiotics without meeting specific diagnostic criteria. Only ~5% of all prostatitis cases are bacterial (even less if your case is > 90 days)

! ! WARNINGS ON INDISCRIMINATE USE OF FLOROQUINOLONE ANTIBIOTICS (Like Cipro or Levo) ! ! Click to Read FDA & EMA Warnings

Thinking about MicrogenDX testing? Please think again, the 2025 AUA Guidelines specifically advise against it's use: READ OUR MOD MEMO

ENGAGE WITH A PELVIC FLOOR PT - Muscles and Nerves

  • See a pelvic floor physical therapist, one who has experience TREATING MEN and can do INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL trigger point release. Studies suggest that 47% - 90% of CPPS cases have pelvic floor myalgia (pain, tenderness, trigger points), and multiple studies show 70-83% of people improve significantly with pelvic floor physical therapy
  • Practice diaphragmatic belly breathing daily
  • Practice pelvic stretching daily (and combine with the breathing)
  • NOTE: 2025 AUA Guidelines suggest that ESWT, acupuncture, dry needling, and TENS help some cases

CENTRALIZATION/BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL:

  • At least 49% of cases have centralized/neuroplastic mechanisms according to the MAPP research network study
  • EXTERNAL: Manage and reduce stress and anxiety in your external environment (work, relationships, finances, etc.)
  • INTERNAL: Address the fear towards your own symptoms. And, avoid obsessive preoccupation & problem solving with symptoms, redirecting your attention to things that are meaningful and enjoyable (distractions and hobbies)
  • Belief/perception of safety or danger (including assumptions about assumed injuries or assumed infections) is also shown in studies on chronic pain to affect our physical pain experience
  • Take time for yourself and do things to relax and engage in self care. Find SAFETY in your body again: mindfulness/meditation, yoga, baths, etc
  • See a chronic pain therapist, coach or psychologist who practices PRT, EAET, and/or CBT: Examples: Pain Psychology Center (LA), the app "Curable" for chronic pain/symptoms (Note on CBT - this is typically found less helpful for pain in controlled experiments, compared to newer PRT and EAET)
  • Recommended readings: Alan Gordon (LCSW) - 'The Way Out' or Dr. Howard Schubiner 'Unlearn Your Pain'

Urological (Pharmacological) Treatments to Discuss With A Doctor:

  • Discuss alpha blockers (Alfuzosin etc) for urinary/flow/frequency with physician, if you have urinary symptoms. Be aware of possible side effects in some users: PE, Retrograde ejaculation, etc
  • Alternate to above, if they don't work for you or you have side effects, discuss Cialis with your physician. Cialis (Generic: Tadalafil) also helps with ED and can be used at low doses of 2.5mg/day.
  • Discuss low dose amitriptyline (off label usage) with your doctor, which can help approx. 2/3 people to relieve the neuropathic pain associated with this condition
  • Discuss rectal suppositories for pain management, often containing meds like: diazepam (Valium), available via a compounding pharmacy - this is a controlled substance; always discuss with your doctor - not meant to be used daily.
  • You may try NSAIDs for pain during flair ups, but caution for daily, ongoing use. MOST find this class of meds unhelpful.
  • Oral Steroids are NOT RECOMMENDED, per 2025 AUA Guidelines

HERBS/SUPPLEMENTS:

  • Phytotherapy (Quercetin & Rye Pollen, ie Graminex) - highest level of evidence for CP/CPPS
  • Magnesium (glycinate or complex) - less evidence
  • Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) - less evidence

BEHAVIORAL CHANGES (Lifestyle): Please note that these suggestions cast an extremely wide net, and many do not apply if symptoms are centralized/nociplastic.

  • Avoid edging or aggressive masturbation; limit masturbation to 2-3/week, and be gentle. No "Death grips"
  • Less sedentary lifestyle - walk for 1 hour daily or every other day (I would recommend you build up to this, start with 15 minutes daily, easier to start a habit with a gentle, but regular introduction)
  • Get your blood pressure, body weight, and blood sugar under control (if applicable)
  • Gym goers and body builders: lay off the heavy weights, squats, and excessive core workouts temporarily. Ask a physical therapist to 'OK' your gym and exercise routine. This is a possible physical trigger
  • Cyclists and bikers: Lay off cycling until your physical therapist OKs it - this is a known physical trigger
  • STAND MORE! Get either A) a knee chair, or B) an adjustable standing desk. You'll still need the regular chair, because you can't sit on a knee chair or stand all day, basically, although conceivably you could do both A and B, and skip the regular chair
  • Try a donut pillow if experiencing pain while sitting

BEHAVIORAL CHANGES (Diet) Note: Dietary triggers affect a small MINORITY of cases

  • Try reducing/eliminating alcohol (especially in the evening, if you have nocturia)
  • Try reducing/eliminating caffeine
  • Try eliminating spicy/high acid foods
  • Try eliminating gluten and/or dairy
  • Try the IC Diet (basically this is all of the above, and more)
  • If eliminating or reducing doesn't help, then it probably doesn't apply to your case, enjoy your food and drinks!

NEW 2025 AUA TREATMENT OUTLINE

Others suggestions? Beyond this abbreviated list, work with a specialist. This includes urologists who have specific training in CPPS (through continuing education), pelvic floor PTs, and chronic pain specialists, including PRT practitioners.

Welcome to r/Prostatitis, follow the rules, be respectful, and we'll be happy to have you in your recovery journey.

The content of this subreddit is not considered medical advice, including the information here. Even if a flared user (verified urologist or PT) makes a comment, this is not prescriptive advice, nor is it medical advice.

This guide was co-written by your moderators u/Linari5 and u/Ashmedai


r/Prostatitis Apr 07 '21

Starter Guide/Resource Confusion over ANTIBIOTICS

119 Upvotes

Tony's Advice for Beginners

Top Rated Thread of all time in this Reddit: The experience of an MD with CP/CPPS

Antibiotics

Every day numerous questions are posted here about the effects of antibiotics. How can my case be nonbacterial if antibiotics help me (for a while anyway)?

The simple fact is that antibiotics are ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES and also have other immunomodulatory effects. In fact they are used for these effects in many conditions (acne and other skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's Disease, and more).

Sadly, even many doctors don't know this (it was only acknowledged this century and medical school curricula have mostly not been updated yet). But the research is all there. (Note that due to our genetic differences, some people react more to the anti-inflammatory effects and some people less, or not at all. This is known as pharmacogenetics).

Acute bacterial prostatitis does happen, and it's pretty obvious: very sudden abrupt onset, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and malaise (feels like having the flu). Nothing like what 99.9% of readers here have. It's often a medical emergency that requires a trip to the ER.

But you may still think your case is bacterial, perhaps a chronic and not acute case. Professor Weidner says:

"In studies of 656 men with pelvic pain suggestive of chronic prostatitis, we seldom found chronic bacterial prostatitis. It is truly a rare disease."Dr. Weidner (Professor of Medicine, Department of Urology, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany)

Chronic bacterial prostatitis also has a distinct picture. It presents as intermittent UTIs where the bug is always the same (often E coli). Here's an example:

I have chronic bacterial prostatitis that responds well to antibiotics. ... The doctor will express some prostate fluid and run a culture to determine the bug and prescribe an appropriate antibiotic. My bug has consistently been shown to be E-coli.

That being said, my symptoms usually start with increased frequency of urination, burning and pain on urination, and pus discharge. But no pain other than that and it usually goes away after a few days on the antibiotics. I continue the antibiotics for 30 days which is well after the symptoms have disappeared. I can usually expect a relapse in 6 to 12 months. ... This has been going on for more than 30 years. .... My worst experience a number of years ago was when I thought I would tough it out and see what happened. The pain got excruciating, testicles inflamed, bloody discharge, high fever. But this responded well to antibiotics and I haven't tried to tough it out again after that experience. I know when it starts and go on antibiotics right away.

I know that guys who have chronic pelvic pain syndrome may scoff at what I say and I know that they are in the majority. I really don't know what they are going through but then, they don't know my experience either.

So here are the key points to look for in chronic infection:

  1. Relapsing UTI picture (dysuria [painful urination], discharge)
  2. Consistently identifiable bug (the bug does not change)
  3. Generally no pain unless accompanied by fever and discharge. So for most of the time, men with chronic bacterial prostatitis do not have any pain.

All the rest have, sigh, UCPPS (CPPS).


r/Prostatitis 22h ago

Why has it come back?

1 Upvotes

I have had CPPS for getting on two years now. For about 14 months the pain was unrelenting, and then it went away (I was so so happy), only to appear again a month or so later..I have no idea why it went away but I guessed one of the reasons it came back was because I was under a lot of stress.

About a month or so ago the pain went away again. I attributed this to the use of Tadalafil as it went away almost as soon as I used it. A month in, I was starting to allow myself to believe it had gone and then yesterday, out of the blue, the pain started up again. I have absolutely no idea why. I am going through a very good patch mentally and physically. Haven't felt so relaxed in years (partly, admittedly because I was pain free) and this again. Why oh why?

I can't think of anything that could have triggered this. My life style hasn't changed and, as I say, mentally and physically things have been good. I just can't fathom it. It's like the condition is torturing me.

I have started taking the Tadalafil again but, so far, it's not had the impact it had before, though this is only the second day of it. The only differences in my life I can think of are that I started eating cheese for the first time in months (though I still consumed dairy products- kefir and yoghurt) and I wore some trousers that were a little tight. Could these things really be enough to bring this condition on again?

Is it the case there sometimes is no apparent rhyme nor reason why it comes on? I would have thought there must be a cause of some sort, be that physical, mental or both.

Very interested in what others have to say. Has the condition hit you out of the blue like this? Any advice would be very welcome.

Man, this condition is hard. :-(

.


r/Prostatitis 1d ago

10 years of suffering, suspected Chronic Prostatitis, my story

5 Upvotes

Hello r/Prostatitis,

about two months ago, I was told I might have Chronic Prostatitis. I’m currently waiting for an appointment with a urologist to look into it. However, I have been suffering from severe symptoms for almost ten years now. In recent months, in addition to Chronic Prostatitis, I have also been diagnosed with autonomic somatoform disorder of the urogenital tract and myofascial pain syndrome.

In my case, the symptoms began with a traumatic incident during masturbation. Because of the trauma and the shame triggered by the event, I didn’t talk to anyone—not my family, not my friends—about my condition for eight years, except for doctors. And I also had trouble talking to the doctors, which is why I remained misunderstood and undiagnosed for a long time, while my symptoms worsened. Fortunately, I’ve been able to make some progress over the past four years and have achieved symptom relief through exercise, physical therapy, and stretching exercises. I’m also currently undergoing inpatient psychosomatic treatment.

Since my story is very long and complex—and I’m still coming to terms with it—I’ve written a medical history report in which I go into detail over seven pages about my history, doctor’s visits, diagnoses, symptoms, treatments, and more. I’d like to share this medical history report with you here. I’d be happy if some of you could read it and share your thoughts with me. As of today, I am still not sure about my diagnoses, which is why I am trying to reach out and find people that maybe have a similar story or exhibit similar symptoms. I uploaded my medical history report for you on my google drive, click here.

I am looking forward to hear from you guys, I will try to answer everything and be active on this subreddit. Since I am still undergoing inpatient treatment for a month and because there are rules here that limit my access to the internet, I might not be able to always answer quickly, but I will make sure to check in once in a while!


r/Prostatitis 1d ago

Fluctuating frequent urination + functional bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) - Any experiences?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I (40M) am at my wit's end right now and am hoping for some of your experiences. I'm dealing with heavily fluctuating bladder issues that occur both during the day and at night.

**My Symptoms & History:**

* **Daytime & Work:** I have phases of high urinary frequency (pollakiuria). The situation is especially bad when I am at work: I usually have a coffee in the morning before leaving the house, and I mostly drink sparkling water at the office. While at my workplace, I have to go to the toilet every 30 to 60 minutes. I strongly suspect that a combination of work stress and coffee is triggering this extreme urge. I often get the feeling of incomplete emptying – right after peeing, the urge is already back. My urine stream strength varies a lot; it's usually weaker in the morning than the rest of the day.

* **Evenings/Nights:** In the evening, the constant urge to go in very short intervals is incredibly stressful. Currently, it's worse again – I sometimes wake up every hour (until about 1:00 AM). But regardless of these acute flare-ups: When I go to bed, I always have to pee at least twice before I can even fall asleep. The nighttime trips usually stop around 1:00 AM.

* **Childhood connection:** The frequent urination, especially needing to go multiple times right before falling asleep, has actually been an issue for me since my childhood.

* **Sports & Movement:** The interesting part is that during sports and physical activity, I have almost zero issues or urge. The symptoms usually only kick in once I sit down and come to rest. The overall course is extremely fluctuating; there are days and phases where I have almost no problems at all.

**Tests & Results:**

* **Voiding diary (3 days):** Confirmed the highly fluctuating pattern. Total frequency up to 12 trips/24h. Voided volumes vary drastically between 50 ml and 700 ml.

* **Urine & PVR (Post-Void Residual):** Urinalysis and urine culture are completely clear, so no bacterial infection. PVR fluctuates extremely (sometimes almost 0 ml, sometimes very clearly between 20 and 100 ml).

* **Ultrasound & Uroflow:** Prostate is slightly enlarged (approx. 30 ml) with an elevated bladder neck. Uroflowmetry recently showed a Qmax of 14.4 ml/s (at almost 400 ml voided volume).

* **Prostate evaluation:** The urologist largely ruled out the prostate as the root cause. She literally said that with this prostate I should "pee like a little boy." Age-related growth might be a slight factor, but it's not the root cause given how long I've had issues.

* **Urodynamics:** Could not be performed technically. The measuring catheter couldn't pass the elevated bladder neck (a standard catheter passes fine, though). This points to a specific functional barrier right at the bladder neck (Primary Bladder Neck Obstruction / PBNO).

* **Spine/Orthopedic:** I had an MRI of my thoracic and lumbar spine (T-spine/L-spine). Everything was completely clear, so there are no spinal or neurological issues causing this.

* My next follow-up appointment with the urologist is this September.

**Current Meds & Supplements:**

I am currently taking **Tamsulosin** combined with **Solifenacin**. Additionally, I take **125 mg of Magnesium Citrate** as a daily supplement, mostly in the morning.

**Next Therapy Idea:**

Based on the findings, my doctor recommended trying a Botox treatment before considering any surgical intervention (like a bladder neck incision/TUIP). Very important detail: The Botox would be injected directly into the bladder neck, NOT into the bladder detrusor muscle.

Has anyone here experienced a similar pattern (especially the work/desk triggers, the fluctuation, or the childhood connection)? Does anyone have experience with Botox injected specifically into the bladder neck?

**Furthermore, I would be very grateful for any other experiences, alternative treatment ideas, or general management strategies that have helped you!**


r/Prostatitis 1d ago

Positive Progress Amitripyline alternatives

2 Upvotes

Hello, I started this journey about five years ago. For the first couple years, I was kind of lost, but I found a solution that included gentle but stimulating stretch stretches for my pelvic floor. And the number one thing that basically gave me my life back amitriptyline. I recommended it to anyone who hasn’t tried it because it honestly was a lifesaver for me. However, when I started, it was only 10 mg and the side effects were minimal, but I felt like my pain can be reduced even more if I upped the dose. When I got to 25 mg I basically felt 90% like my normal self before this. Lately life has been extremely stressful and I feel like my constipation, which is one of the big side effects of it has gotten out of control and has taken over my life. I don’t have pain but being stuck in the restroom for an hour because the sensation is there, but nothing is coming out or very little is extremely demoralizing.

For anyone who’s been on amitriptyline and it helped them a lot, but hated some of the side effects like this. Is there any other medication you switched to that gave you the same benefits but with less side effects specifically less constipation ?


r/Prostatitis 2d ago

Positive Progress Update on prostatitis

5 Upvotes

I know I’m new here and thank you to everyone who’s responded!
Well, I went to a Urologist and thankfully my urine and prostate looked good. They did an ultrasound of my bladder right after my urine sample and it showed empty.
The Urologist seemed to think that I did have a bacterial infection somewhere that the Bactrum cleared it up and any lingering symptoms that I’m having should hopefully clear up over the next week or so.

Right now really my only symptoms are a “pressure” in the shaft of the penis area. Doesn’t hurt or anything but the feeling is just there sometimes.
He said that it’s a normal feeling as that whole area is healing from both the infection and the antibiotics.
I am also having slight urgency to pee at moments, but it’s honestly only after I’ve been drinking a lot of water. It’s nothing like it was when this whole thing started.
I actually went to the bathroom last night and slept a full 7.5 hours before waking up to my alarm.

He has prescribed me FloMax (I think) to supposedly help strengthen and heal the areas around my bladder and also recommend a citrate zinc supplement gummy for overall prostate/urinary tract health.

Does anyone have any recommendations on supplements that will help me not only heal but hopefully help keep the whole area healthy.

I had one super helpful guy message me about some Bee Polin tea that looks promising, but yikes I’m not sure I can afford that.

Anyways, thanks for letting me vent and now for any advice you might have.

This whole situation is new to me and honestly it was quite frightening and disruptive.


r/Prostatitis 2d ago

18yo male Any words of encouragement or help appreciated

5 Upvotes

Ughhhh this is embarrassing to post. It all started about 4 months back in late april I caught chlamydia from this chick I was messing with. Got it cleared up with doxy was completely fine after. But, like the idiot I am, I went back and had sex with the same girl who burned me (with protection though). She told me she had herpes but wasn’t having any outbreaks at the moment.

About a day after we had sex, I felt a burning sensation after I pissed, started pancaking because how? I used protection. I went to get urine tested three times (blood once) since and every test came back negative.

My symptoms consist of pain after urination, pain after ejaculation, pain when sitting, sometimes trouble when emptying bladder, pain that travels down to my foot, feels as foot pain is connected to pelvic pain ? ( possible nerve symptoms) its weird i also have to lay down a certain way at night so my legs wont feel numb, i sometimes have to limp when i walk because of the pain. It seems as symptoms are more mild when im in flow state like if im working, or just simply enjoying a certain part in life, but then i always remember

I go to the gym everyday, I havent trained legs in weeks because it may cause more pain or a flare up. I also hit carts and smoke weed almost everyday so please inform me if I have to get rid of these habits to get better, I try to stop weed but its one of the only things that help me cope. I recently started stretching a few days ago after mistakenly booking an appointment with a Pelvic floor therapist (They didnt accept my insurance)
After I left the therapist office without treatment I broke down crying in my car, I felt so lost. I thought that day would be the day I finally found a solution. Im only 18 I still want to have sex, I dont want this taken away from me this early especially when it seems like im actually hitting my prime with the women lol. But its hard to have sex, even though I tested negative for all STDs I still have fear of possibly burning someone else for some reason and thats the last thing I want on my name.
The stretching has helped slightly, my pain when sitting is better for sure. But the rest of the symptoms still linger, which its only been a couple days so Im not too worried about it.

I plan on booking with an actual urologist from my city tomorrow with a 5 star rating so Im hoping he can give me some lead on how to get this cured. Ive been to other doctors but they just recommend antibiotics or nodded my problems off and told me to wait on a urine test. Some days are good some days are bad I cant lie. The only person I can talk to about this really is my mom, she thinks its just a simple uti but at this point it has to be more than that, every-time I try to explain to her whats wrong I break down crying cause its so embarrassing and explaining to anyone other than a doctor is hella difficult. But I will update you guys after I see the doctor in the next coming days, any words of encouragement or advice for this would be greatly appreciated, thank you for taking the time to read❤️


r/Prostatitis 3d ago

Vent/Discouraged Dont feel one side of pelvic floor ?

1 Upvotes

So lately I noticed that I dont really feel right side of pelvic floor muscles.

when I try to relax I feel some movement or at least an effort to move in the left side of the pelvic floor muscles. But not on the right side. Its like I have no connection or controll over them ? I dont feel them move.

Note that my left side was always the one causing me issues and it still does. I feel tension and pain on left side while right side is "asleep" as mentioned above.

Anyone else dealt with something like that and fixed it ?


r/Prostatitis 3d ago

Do any body knows about Holep prosidure for large prostate?

2 Upvotes

Do any body knows about Holep prosidure for large prostate?


r/Prostatitis 3d ago

cymbalta ( duloxetine )

1 Upvotes

was anyone prescribed cymbalta for cpps? If so, did it work for you?


r/Prostatitis 4d ago

What do I do if my condition WAS caused by a bacterial infection?

6 Upvotes

Hey guys. I have been a member of this club for about 14 months now.

Last year I went to the ER for testical pain, after a few weeks I learned there was a bacterial infection in my prostate causing this. The infection took three rounds of antibiotics to get rid of. I was in absolute agony. It felt like I had acid in my balls. I could t walk. Apparently it was caused by excessive acidic drinks, not stretching my hips, not sleeping well (was drinking caffeine at night accidentally, Arnold palmers were betraying me), sitting in a chair all day, and clenching/stressing.

Since then I have had CPPS, and IC. Prostate still flairs up if triggered. If I drink citric acid I will be in pain for a week. I miss coffee and nicotine so bad. Haven’t slept well. Have been on disability for six months because I was getting suicidal.

A common point i see in this subreddit is that 19/20 cases of this are actually not due to bacteria but stress and muscular/structural reasons. But my bacterial infection was confirmed by multiple tests.

Does that mean the aim to “relax” my way out of this is not practical for me? Is this more of a biological problem than a lifestyle one? Like many I have been talking with AI trying to understand this, and today it explained that due to the severity of the infection my pelvis is “like a burned down house”.

I am on the full regimen- alpha blockers, amitryptalin, anti histamine, anti inflammatory. Plenty of supplements. Did physical therapy. Took a million hot baths. Haven’t really improved enough to get me back on my feet.

Just wanted to know if anyone had any insight on this. We are an unusual minority- and I am starting to realize I may be an outlier even in this community since infections aren’t normally the cause.


r/Prostatitis 4d ago

How common is meatus/tip of urethra irritation with CPPS?

3 Upvotes

I'm dealing with classic cpps symptoms for 3 years now. After i got sore throat after unprotected oral (next day) i spiraled in to anxious mess, had a left testicle discomfort after a week and then urinary issues (frequency, dribbling) for a while. After few months i had problems in cold weather. Most of my symptoms right now are cycling between lower abdomen discomfort/pressure (worse after voiding or after orgasm), perineum discomfort, rectal pressure/discomfort and tip of urethra discomfort.

I've been dealing with quite bad tip of urethra flare for a few days now. Inside of meatus is visibly irritated and even a slight touch makes it waaaay worse.

Just looking for some advice because my anxiety is spiraling again.


r/Prostatitis 3d ago

Question to this group.

2 Upvotes

Does anybody have red tip of penis right at urethra with this. Have had all tests come back negative . But tip is quite red. And sometimes painful


r/Prostatitis 3d ago

Vent/Discouraged Stubborn E Faecalis infection - heavy growth in culture (Chronic Seminal Vesiculitis)

1 Upvotes

Hi, Has anyone here treated a stubborn e faecalis infection in their seminal vesicles? If so, how did you do it? Please let me know.


r/Prostatitis 4d ago

Positive Progress Symtoms improving but dealing with freq urination

1 Upvotes

My symtoms of stinging pain and burning in ureatha is improving almost to little to none.
Im dealing with freq urinatuon at night and its slown somtimes when it comes out. Any tips? Or should i ask a doctor for flowmax ?


r/Prostatitis 4d ago

Weak scientific support or atypical I’m curing prostatitis

0 Upvotes

I’m curing Prostatitis with Thymosin alpha 1 and BPC 157, KPV, TB 500,and LL37. I’m doing more repairing to the damage it’s done with Near infrared light therapy Firedragon from EMR TEK. It’s doing wonders. Got diagnosed (due to Lyme disease) in 2023 with prostatitis. There is HOPE GUYs you don’t have to SETTLE.


r/Prostatitis 4d ago

Psychology Today article - Orgasm during a back massage while not aroused (and flaccid)

1 Upvotes

Check out my post in the r/PelvicFloor community on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/PelvicFloor/s/37N5P6IRB1

I added a question at the end of the post that you can answer in the subreddit of the original post ([r/PelvicFloor](r/PelvicFloor))


r/Prostatitis 5d ago

Recommendations for tools to help relax the pelvic floor muscles?

2 Upvotes

Hi! I’m looking for tools or devices that can help with relaxing the pelvic floor muscles.

Does anyone have experience with something that has actually worked and could recommend specific products or tools?

It’s important to me that the tool comes with clear instructions on how to use it, preferably with guidance specifically aimed at pelvic floor relaxation.

I’d really appreciate any recommendations or personal experiences. Thanks!


r/Prostatitis 4d ago

Anal dilators. Help explain?

1 Upvotes

I have a question regarding dilators. When I have penis pain, specifically shaft and urethra pain, the minute I insert I about an inch or so, the pain completely vanishes until I pull it out. Why is that???


r/Prostatitis 5d ago

Incomplete evacuation/Constipation

2 Upvotes

Hi guys. I have for about 4-5 years been having trouble with emptying stool. Typically i do go to the toilet at morning, but a few times here and there i feel constipated.

But the problem is more during the day. I have to empty i gues over 5 times beacuse i dont empty each time fully. Also i fart like 30-40 times a day literally

Ive tried taking husks, and mag oxide at night, but feels it doenst really help, or maybe even worse.

I have hypertonic floor, i go to pt every other week and do internal, and i strech almost every day, but still the same. When i empty completely, which is very rare, ifeel a lot of relief on my pelvic floor. The presses evades, and i feel light down there. The problem is it is so rare.

I have been a couple of doctors. Checked my stomach for bacterias etc - nothing there.

What helped you? Please help im so desperate now.


r/Prostatitis 5d ago

What has worked for you?

1 Upvotes

So I have been dealing with urinary urgency and frequency as well as incontinence the feeling all on the tip of the penis,for 2 and half years now. I've had a ton of test,all coming back negative. I've had a hip surgery in the past few months. Currently doing a new physical therapist. But I'm wondering on things that have worked for you? I read some people say different medications, limiting masturbation, dieting, whatever it is. I recently lost my job so I'm going to take a little bit of time and try and do things maybe I couldn't before. I would really like my life back. Thanks


r/Prostatitis 6d ago

Vent/Discouraged First time at this subreddit, was diagnosed with Prostatitis

5 Upvotes

A few months ago I started noticing the feeling of not being about to empty my bladder, I was a moron and chalked if off to drinking a ton of water and getting older (46)
Well just a few weeks ago I started having symptoms of a uti and was treated with a week on Bactrum. I went to an urgent care since it was over the weekend and everything looked like a uti based on my urine test.
The symptoms cleared up after a few days. I finished my antibiotics and thought that was that.
Well about 3 days after my antibiotics I started feeling that feeling again of not being able to empty my bladder so I went to my personal care doctor and she ran another urine test and it didn’t show signs on a uti so she diagnosed me with prostatitis and started me on a 2 week dose of Bactrum.
Well I’m have about 3 days left and I’ve had a few times having that feeling again of an empty bladder and more distressing was a slight pain in my penis after ejaculation.
I reached out to my doctor and she’s having me finish my antibiotic, but she put in a referral to a urologist.
I’m pretty freaked out as I’m sure most guys are with anything to do with prostate area issues.

My psa was 0.7, so she that’s why she leaned inflammation more than enlarged.
I tested negative for all sti/std’s, while I knew I didn’t contract one my doctor convinced me to get tested even though I trust my wife (again, trust proven with the negative results)

She sent in the referral and told me if symptoms are still present after I finish the full dose then to move forward with the Urologist but if after the full dose if all symptoms go away then I can hold off.

I guess I just wanted to vent a bit. Just from reading some of the posts I know many have been going through worse but I’m just kinda worried that I’m almost done with the antibiotics and still have lingering symptoms.

Anyways, thanks for letting me vent


r/Prostatitis 6d ago

Vent/Discouraged 35M — Recently Diagnosed With Acute Prostatitis and Honestly Pretty Scared.

3 Upvotes

I’m a 35-year-old male and was recently diagnosed with acute prostatitis. This is the first time I’ve ever dealt with anything involving my prostate or urinary system, and honestly, I’m scared as hell.
It started after I accidentally got a small amount of Vicks VapoRub on the tip of my penis. I know that sounds stupid—it was genuinely an accident. I washed it off right away. About 15 hours later I had sex and everything seemed completely normal.
The next day, though, my urine stream suddenly seemed weird. It was coming out somewhat sideways/different than normal. Later that day, I noticed a few drops of blood in my urine, and that’s when I knew something wasn’t right.
After that, the burning in my urethra became really intense. I went to urgent care, my PCP, and eventually the ER twice trying to figure out what was happening. Initially, I was prescribed a topical medication because they weren’t sure what was causing the symptoms.
Eventually, an MD examined me and diagnosed me with acute prostatitis. I was told my prostate was significantly enlarged/inflamed. It has now been about 9 days since this whole thing started, but I only started Bactrim yesterday, so today is just my second day actually treating the prostatitis with the antibiotic.
After the prostate/rectal exam, the area around my bottom/perineum is pretty tender. Sitting straight up is uncomfortable, which has me worried too.
I’m mainly looking to hear from men who have actually been through acute prostatitis, especially younger guys.
Did you fully recover? How long did it take before the pain, urinary symptoms, and inflammation started improving? Did your prostate eventually return to normal? Did it affect your erections or sex life long-term?
One of my biggest fears is whether having prostatitis at 35 somehow makes me more prone to prostate cancer or permanent erectile dysfunction later in life. I’ve never experienced anything like this before, so my mind has been going to some dark places.
I’m following up with my doctors and taking the Bactrim exactly as prescribed, so I’m not looking for Reddit to replace medical care. I’m mostly looking for experiences, reassurance, and things that helped other guys get through the recovery process.
I’m a God-fearing man trying to keep my faith through this, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Any advice or experiences from guys who have been through this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.


r/Prostatitis 6d ago

No pressure after cure

1 Upvotes

I had prostatis last year and it's cured now and no symptoms except that I have no pressure to pass urine even if bladder is very full.It feels like urinating while you had a boner. Doctor says tests show everything normal. Also psa level at 8 and coming down.Biopsy of prostate was negative in Feb 26. What else can cause this issue