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Prostatitis - Home Treatment

Acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis

If you have prostatitis caused by a bacterial infection (acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis), contact a doctor about your symptoms, especially if you have a fever. Antibiotics and other medicines will be prescribed as needed.

But there are some things you can do at home that may help you be more comfortable:

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Take nonprescription pain relievers, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or acetaminophen.
Sit in a tub of warm water with the water just covering your buttocks, or try a sitz bath.
Take care of yourself when you have an infection. Get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluids. This will make you feel better and may speed your recovery.
Eat plenty of high-fiber foods, such as fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereal. And drink enough water to avoid constipation. Straining to pass a bowel movement may be very painful when your prostate is inflamed, so use a stool softener if necessary.

Chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome, inflammatory or noninflammatory

Home treatment may help control symptoms and relieve pain if you have chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome, inflammatory or noninflammatory. In addition to trying the above home treatment tips for acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis:

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods such as hot peppers, chili, pickles, and salsa, especially if they make your symptoms worse.
Try stress management: deep breathing, relaxation, exercise, and elimination of stressful circumstances. Stress and anxiety may make your symptoms worse. For more information, see the topic Stress Management.
Ask your doctor about plant extracts, such as saw palmetto, quercetin (Prosta-Q), or bee pollen extract (Cernilton), which may provide some relief.¹

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 04, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.