Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, which can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and it plays a key role in producing semen. When this gland becomes inflamed, it can cause significant pain and discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region.
Types of prostatitis
There are four main types of Prostatitis:
- Acute bacterial Prostatitis: A sudden bacterial infection of the prostate, often causing severe symptoms.
- Chronic bacterial Prostatitis: A recurring bacterial infection of the prostate.
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS): The most common form, with no clear cause but a range of pain symptoms.
- Asymptomatic inflammatory Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate without noticeable symptoms.
Each type can present slightly differently, but pain when sitting is a common theme among those suffering from this condition.
Common symptoms of prostatitis
Prostatitis comes with a variety of other symptoms that can disrupt your daily life. These can include:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Difficulty urinating or frequent urination
- Pain during ejaculation
- Pain in the lower abdomen or back
- Fever and chills (in cases of acute bacterial Prostatitis)
For some men, the symptoms may be mild and manageable, while for others, the condition can cause significant discomfort and distress.
How prostatitis is diagnosed
Diagnosing prostatitis can be a complex process, especially for chronic forms of the condition. Your urologist may start by asking about your symptoms, particularly the intensity and location of the pain, and whether it worsens when sitting. They might also perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check the size and tenderness of the prostate.
Additional tests may include:
- Urine tests to check for bacteria or infection
- Prostate fluid tests to detect inflammation
- Imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI to rule out other conditions
Why it hurts to sit with prostatitis
Sitting can be particularly painful for those with Prostatitis because of the location of the prostate gland. Since the gland is situated just below the bladder and above the pelvic floor, prolonged sitting can put pressure on it, exacerbating the pain and discomfort.
For men with inflammation in the prostate, this pressure can intensify symptoms, causing sharp or dull pelvic pain, which may radiate to the lower back, groyne, or even down the legs.
The pain is often worse when sitting on hard surfaces or for extended periods. Imagine how a bruised muscle feels when pressure is applied to it. In the same way, sitting on an inflamed prostate can make symptoms much worse.
How to manage the pain when sitting
- Use a cushioned seat: A soft, well-padded chair can reduce the pressure on your pelvic area. Many men find that using a doughnut-shaped cushion or memory foam seat pad can make sitting for extended periods more bearable.
- Change your sitting position: Leaning forward slightly when sitting can relieve some of the pressure from your prostate. Alternating your seating position throughout the day and taking frequent breaks to stand up and move around can also help.
- Avoid hard surfaces: Sitting on hard chairs or benches can exacerbate the pain. If you need to sit on a firm surface, try placing a cushion under you or standing periodically to reduce strain on the prostate.
Treatment options for prostatitis
The treatment you’ll need depends on the type of Prostatitis you have. For acute bacterial Prostatitis, antibiotics are typically prescribed, and symptoms often improve within a few days. Chronic bacterial Prostatitis may also require long-term antibiotics, though treatment can take weeks or even months.
For chronic Prostatitis or CP/CPPS, treatment is more complex, as there’s no clear bacterial cause. Some of the options include:
- Alpha-blockers to relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder, easing pain and improving urinary symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Physical therapy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and manage discomfort.
- Lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine, which can irritate the prostate.
Final notes
Living with Prostatitis can be challenging, particularly when the pain affects daily activities like sitting. However, there are ways to manage the discomfort and improve your quality of life.
Making lifestyle adjustments, seeking appropriate treatment, and finding supportive cushions or seating arrangements can go a long way in helping you stay comfortable. With the right approach, you can reduce the pain and reclaim a sense of normalcy in your life.