Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland, is a common and often distressing condition that can significantly affect a man’s quality of life. It can cause a range of symptoms, including pelvic pain, urinary problems, and sexual dysfunction. Mr Azhar Khan, a distinguished Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon in London, provides expert and compassionate care for men suffering from all forms of prostatitis.
His approach is focused on accurate diagnosis to differentiate between the types of prostatitis and delivering a tailored, multimodal treatment plan to manage symptoms and improve well-being.
- Expert Diagnosis of Acute and Chronic Prostatitis
- Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS)
- Advanced Diagnostic Testing
- Personalised Antibiotic and Anti-inflammatory Therapies
- Multimodal Treatment Strategies
- Lifestyle and Self-Care Guidance
Expert-led prostatitis treatment in London using evidence-based therapies and personalised care plans.
Understanding the Types of Prostatitis
Prostatitis is not a single condition but a group of disorders with different causes and symptoms. Acute bacterial prostatitis is a sudden infection requiring urgent treatment, while chronic bacterial prostatitis involves a recurrent, lower-grade infection.
The most common form, however, is Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS), where there is persistent pelvic pain without evidence of a bacterial infection. Differentiating between these types is the cornerstone of effective management, as the treatment for each is very different.
The Importance of a Specialist Diagnosis
Given the complexity of prostatitis, a precise diagnosis from a urology specialist is essential. Mr Azhar Khan conducts a thorough evaluation, beginning with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history.
This is followed by a clinical examination and specific tests, which may include urine cultures to identify bacteria. In some cases, a ‘two-glass’ or ‘four-glass’ test, involving urine samples taken before and after a prostate massage, may be used to localise the problem. This detailed workup ensures that the treatment plan is correctly targeted to your specific condition.
Advanced Investigations for Complex Cases
While many cases of prostatitis can be diagnosed through clinical assessment and urine tests, some men may require further investigation. This is particularly true for chronic or recurrent symptoms.
Mr Khan may arrange for a transrectal ultrasound of the prostate to look for abnormalities such as an abscess, or urodynamic studies to assess bladder function if urinary symptoms are prominent. A blood test to check the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) level may also be performed, as this can be elevated during an episode of prostatitis.
Personalised, Multimodal Treatment Strategies
Treatment for prostatitis is highly dependent on the diagnosis. Acute and chronic bacterial forms are treated with a prolonged course of antibiotics, often for four to six weeks, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. For the more common CP/CPPS, a multimodal approach is often most effective.
This can include a combination of medications such as alpha-blockers to relax the bladder neck, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain-modulating agents. This is often combined with non-medical therapies, including pelvic floor physiotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques.
Key Benefits
Accurate Differential Diagnosis
Specialist expertise to distinguish between bacterial prostatitis and CP/CPPS.
Targeted Medical Therapy
Judicious use of antibiotics, alpha-blockers, and anti-inflammatories.
Holistic Management Plan
A comprehensive approach that includes physiotherapy and lifestyle advice.
Focus on Symptom Control
A primary goal of alleviating pain and improving urinary function.
Patient Education and Support
Empowering you with knowledge and strategies for self-management.
Improved Quality of Life
A dedicated focus on restoring comfort, confidence, and overall well-being.
Why Choose Mr Azhar Khan?
Mr Azhar Khan is a leading urological surgeon in London with extensive experience in diagnosing and managing the full spectrum of prostate conditions. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, he is dedicated to providing the highest standard of evidence-based care. Men with prostatitis often face a frustrating journey to diagnosis and treatment; Mr Khan’s thorough, patient-centred, and systematic approach ensures that every patient receives a clear diagnosis and a structured, supportive management plan designed to address this challenging condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prostatitis a sign of prostate cancer?
No, prostatitis is an inflammation or infection of the prostate and is not prostate cancer. However, both conditions can cause a rise in your PSA blood test level, which is why a specialist evaluation is important to distinguish between them.
Can prostatitis be cured?
Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis can usually be cured with a full course of appropriate antibiotics. Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) can be more challenging to ‘cure’ but can be very effectively managed with a multimodal approach to control symptoms and significantly improve quality of life.
Why is the treatment for prostatitis so long?
For bacterial prostatitis, antibiotics need to be taken for a prolonged period (often 4-6 weeks or longer) because it is difficult for the medication to penetrate the prostate tissue effectively. A long course is necessary to fully eradicate the infection and prevent it from becoming chronic.
Can lifestyle changes help with prostatitis?
Yes, lifestyle modifications can be very helpful, particularly for CP/CPPS. This can include avoiding dietary triggers like caffeine and alcohol, staying well-hydrated, using a cushion to avoid prolonged pressure on the perineum, and managing stress levels.
Is prostatitis a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
Prostatitis is not considered an STI. While some bacteria that cause STIs can, in rare cases, lead to prostatitis, the vast majority of bacterial prostatitis cases are caused by common bacteria from the urinary tract or gut.