Prevention

You may be able to prevent prostatitis.

• Practice good hygiene, and keep your penis clean.
• Drink enough fluids to cause regular urination.
• Seek early treatment of a possible urinary tract infection.

Home Treatment

Prostatitis is usually treated with antibiotics and other medicines prescribed by your doctor. But there are some things you can do at home that may help you be more comfortable:

• Take nonprescription pain relievers, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or acetaminophen.
• Sit in a tub of warm water with the water just covering your buttocks, or try a sitz bath.
• Take care of yourself when you have an infection. Get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluids. This will make you feel better and may speed your recovery.
• Eat plenty of high-fiber foods, such as fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereal. And drink enough water to avoid constipation. Straining to pass a bowel movement may be very painful when your prostate is inflamed, so use a stool softener if needed.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods such as hot peppers, chili, pickles, and salsa, especially if they make your symptoms worse.
• Try stress management: deep breathing, relaxation, light exercise, and elimination of stressful circumstances. Stress and anxiety may make your symptoms worse. For more information, see the topic Stress Management.