Antibiotics: You likely will be given trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) or fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin) for 4-6 weeks.
If you have a high fever or symptoms of a severe bacterial infection, you may be hospitalized.
At the hospital, you may be given cephalosporins or ampicillin plus an aminoglycoside (gentamicin, amikacin).
Sometimes you may need a catheter (a small tube
inserted through your urethra) for severe obstructions.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis
The effectiveness of antibiotics is limited because most antibiotics cannot penetrate the prostate tissue when it is not inflamed.
You likely will receive sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim DS, Septra DS) first. Other effective antibiotics include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), or ofloxacin (Floxin).
Many men have a relapse, however, after they stop taking antibiotics. These men may need a longer course of antibiotics.
If you have a relapse or a resistant disease, your doctor may continue your antibiotics with prostatic massage or drainage (2 or 3 times per week).
The involved ducts and glands may be blocked, creating tiny pockets almost like abscesses.
It is believed that prostate massage unblocks
these ducts, allowing them to drain more normally, thus permitting better penetration of antibiotics.
You rarely need surgery, which may be considered if medication has not worked.
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