Men's Health

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:

• 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