Posted by Concerned on July 16, 1999 at 10:20:08
Doctor,
i am a 42 yr old male, in excellent health, but having problems with Prostatitis. About 4 months ago my PCP diagnosed me with prostatitis after an exam. I was on antibiotics for about 6-8 weeks, and it seemed to clear up. But in between that time and now, it has flaired up mildy to moderately, but now my symptoms are a little stronger. symptoms like the following: Right Teste sore(a dull ache and sensitive to the touch), right and center groin pain that shoots up to my navel. Feels like i was kicked in the groins. Also, i have moderate low, center backpain. What's strange is that I dont have pain or burning with urination with each bout of this. I didnt realize that there are different types of prostatitis, so I dont know which one I have. Also, my father had a bout with prostate cancer a few years ago, but is clean now. My questions are as follows:
Does this sound like prostatitis to you?
Does it make sense for this to come back every few months?
What causes this..ex. is it sexually transmitted?
Could this be bladder infections instead?
What type of treatment would you recommend?
And, most importantly..Is there a chance that I could have prostate cancer or problems? Do you think I need more tests? I have had urine, blood, and physical exam during bout about 3-4 months ago.
Thank you for you time and consideration.
Posted by HFHS M.D.-AT on August 10, 1999 at 16:34:34
Dear Concerned,
Thanks for your question. You are having testicular, groin and low back pain. Surprisingly you don’t have any urinary symptoms. Even though prostatitis is known to present with wide variety of symptoms, urinary complaints are usually associated. You may want to get your self examined by a doctor who can do a testicular and rectal examination and also send your urine for testing. If examination is suspicious, your doctor may further want to get a scrotal or rectal ultrasound examination based on other test results.
Additionally you should remember that you have a family history of prostate cancer. Even though none of your symptoms suggest relationship to prostate cancer, it may be worthwhile to get a serum prostate specific test done. This test is recommended after 40 years of age in men with a family history of prostate cancer.
Hope this information will be of some help to you.
This information is provided for general medical information purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. David Burks, MD at the Henry Ford Hospital Department of Urology has experience in the evaluation and treatments of problems such as you describe. He would be most interested in helping you. You can reach him through our toll-free number (1-800-653-6568).We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any x-rays [and pathology slides] (not just the reports) as well as any physicians' notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-A.T.
*keyword: prostatitis, frequency dysuria, family history of prostate cancer
