Treatment for nonbacterial prostatitis is difficult and is aimed at treating the symptoms.

MEDICATIONS:
Many patients are treated with long-term antibiotics to assure that bacteria is not the cause of their prostatitis. Common antibiotics used for chronic bacterial prostatitis include the following:

• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Tetracycline
• Penicillin

Other medications used to relieve prostatic urinary obstruction, including doxazosin, terazosin, and tamsulosin, are successful in many patients. Anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may relieve the symptoms in some patients.

Some people have had limited success with pollen extract (Cernitin) and allopurinol. Stool softeners may be recommended to reduce the discomfort associated with bowel movements.

SURGERY:
Transurethral resection of the prostate may be done if medical therapy is unsuccessful. This surgical treatment is usually not performed on younger men because it carries potential risks for sterility, impotence, and incontinence.

OTHER THERAPY:
Warm baths may provide some relief of the perineal and lower back pain associated with prostatitis.

Many patients respond to treatment while others are not relieved despite multiple treatment attempts. Symptoms often recur after treatment and may eventually not be treatable.

Unresolved symptoms of nonbacterial prostatitis may cause significant changes in lifestyle and emotional well-being related to sexual and urinary problems.

Call your health care provider if symptoms of prostatitis occur.