proicitis

Proicitis is not a widely used medical term. In clinical practice, it most often refers to prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) or proctitis (inflammation of the rectum). This article focuses on prostatitis and briefly notes proctitis as a related condition.

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, occurring in men. It is classified into four main types: acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.

Symptoms vary by type. Acute prostatitis commonly causes fever, chills, perineal or lower abdominal pain, urinary frequency or urgency, burning on urination, and malaise. CP/CPPS and chronic bacterial prostatitis often present with pelvic or perineal pain and urinary symptoms; some cases are asymptomatic.

Diagnosis relies on history and examination, including a digital rectal exam, urinalysis, and urine culture. In some cases analysis of expressed prostate secretions or semen is used. Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be helpful. PSA testing is used to screen for cancer, not to diagnose prostatitis.

Treatment favors addressing the underlying type. Bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, typically for several weeks. Alpha-blockers or anti-inflammatory medications may relieve symptoms. CP/CPPS may require multimodal therapy, including physical therapy, pelvic floor exercises, and lifestyle modifications. Prognosis varies; many cases improve with treatment.

Proctitis is inflammation of the rectal mucosa and is not the same as prostatitis. It has different causes and treatments, including infections, inflammatory bowel disease, radiation therapy effects, or medications.