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In the past year, I was unfortunate enough to experience prostatitis. If you are a woman and reading this article, please understand that this condition is very uncomfortable. Just as we men can’t necessarily understand what it feels like to have menstrual cramps or the pain of delivery, you may not realize what prostatitis feels to men. Taking a close look at this condition, you can see that it can have many different symptoms and impact men in different ways. In order to explain to my wife what I was experiencing, I printed information from the Internet describing the symptoms, and joked that next to the definition would be a great place for my picture.

The symptoms of this condition are not just uncomfortable, they are humbling, – and at times embarrassing. My condition was not caused by the more common cause – infection – but was caused by riding my bike. Please check out the information below for more help.

Prostatitis is an inflammatory condition of the prostate gland. It is often, but not always, accompanied by pain. The condition impacts men of all ages and is most common in men below the age of 50. It is often diagnosed by a digital rectal exam and the symptoms you may exhibit. Prostatitis should not be confused with BPH, which is a benign enlargement of the prostate gland. The following are some of the more common symptoms you may experience:

• A frequent urge to urinate
• Excessive urinating at night
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Dribbling after urinating
• Difficulty starting urination
• Interrupted flow
• Weaker-than-normal urine flow
• A sensation of not completely emptying your bladder
• Pain or discomfort :
  o lower back
  o area between the testicles and anus
  o lower abdomen or upper thighs
  o above the pubic area
  o tip of your penis
  o after ejaculation

• A recent urinary tract infection
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Injury, such as from riding a bicycle or horse
• Insertion of a urinary catheter or having a cystoscopy

Natural treatment options are generally much different with prostatitis. Since prostatitis can be either bacterial or non-bacterial, you may wish to try a more shotgun approach and utilize several supplements. The one I prefer to start with is the use of a standardized flower pollen extract (not bee pollen). Flower pollen extract has been studied with regard to supporting prostate health. I believe this supplement possesses anti-inflammatory and immune support properties all in one package. Other supplements such as quercetin and bromelain can provide added anti-inflammatory support.

If infection is an issue, zinc seems to be an important nutrient for prostatitis sufferers. Remember, zinc is a metal, and too much of a good thing is not always good. I prefer you try to limit your zinc intake to around 50mg per day. Higher doses can be taken, but only with guidance of your health care provider. Vitamin C can also be helpful. Vitamin C can inhibit the growth of certain inflammation-causing bacteria. My usual favorites for long-term immune support can also be helpful

if infections are the cause of your prostatitis. The medicinalmushroommaitake or AHCC will provide the added support your immune system needs. Remember, treating yourself for this condition is only advised if you have a diagnosis. Just assuming you have prostatitis would be foolish. You might have BPH or even worse—prostate cancer. Get your diagnosis and then try to “go natural.” Long-term supplementation is usually regarded as safe. Combining supplementation with sound diet, activity and mind/spirit will go a long way to supporting your health care needs.

• Saw palmetto
• Pygeum
• Beta-sitosterol