*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Prostatitis

Check if you have prostatitis

Symptoms of prostatitis can affect anyone with a prostate gland.

Symptoms may include:

pain when peeing, which may feel like stinging or burning
difficulty peeing or straining to pee
needing to pee more often than usual
pain in your penis, scrotum, testicles or bottom
pain when you ejaculate
high temperature

See a GP if:

you have symptoms of prostatitis

Try not to be embarrassed. The doctor will be used to talking about these symptoms.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

you're unable to pee
you've been taking antibiotics for prostatitis for 48 hours but your symptoms have not got better, or they've got worse

You can call 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.

Go to A&E or call 999 if:

you suddenly feel confused, have slurred speech, or are not making sense
you have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
you have a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
you have severe difficulty breathing - you cannot get your words out, you're choking or gasping

These symptoms may mean you have a serious infection or sepsis.

Find your nearest A&E

Treatment for prostatitis

Prostatitis is treated with antibiotics. You'll usually feel better within 2 weeks after starting treatment, but it may take several weeks for all your symptoms to get better.

Treatment for chronic prostatitis

If you've had symptoms of prostatitis for 3 months or longer (chronic prostatitis) you may be referred to a specialist (a urologist).

Treatment for chronic prostatitis may include:

antibiotics and other medicines to help with your symptoms
cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling
physiotherapy
alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, if this is available in your area

Things you can do to help with prostatitis symptoms

If you've been told you have prostatitis, there are some things you can do to help with the symptoms.

Do

drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain
if you've been given antibiotics, finish the whole course, even if you feel better

Causes of prostatitis

Prostatitis is usually caused by an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

It's not always known what causes long-term (chronic) prostatitis. It's thought that an infection or inflammation may cause it, and may be a combination of these things.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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