AboutStephen W. Leslie, MD Expertise Questions concerning erectile dysfunction, kidney stones and prostate disorders including prostate cancer. I have a special interest in kidney stone disease prevention.
Experience Full time practicing urologist with 20 years experience. Assistant Clinical Professor of Urology at the Medical College of Ohio. Editor in Chief of eMedicine Urology internet textbook. Author of only book written for patients by a urologist on the subject of kidney stones "The Kidney Stones Handbook". Inventor of the "Parachute" and "Escape" kidney stone baskets and the "Calculus" stone prevention analysis computer program.
Organizations American Urological Association, Ohio State Medical Association, Sexual Medicine Society
Publications Men's Health, Journal of Urology, Urology, Healthwatch Magazine, Emergency Medicine Monthly, eMedicine, "The Kidney Stones Handbook", and numerous articles in various newspapers. He is also the editor of the Urology Board Review by McGraw-Hill used by urologists to study for their Board Certification Examinations.
Education/Credentials Graduate of New York Medical College with residencies completed at Metropolitan Hospital New York, Albany Medical Center and University of Wisconsin-Madison
Awards and Honors Thirlby Award of the American Urological Association.
Question QUESTION: I am a 22 year old male in good physical shape. 6 weeks ago I began to have frequent urination. I went to see my GP, he ordered a urinalysis and blood test. There was no bacteria in the urine and the blood work was normal. I then began to have pain/pressure in my pelvic region, it felt like I had to urinate 24-hours a day. The next week I felt as if there was urine in my urethra constantly. I had a Rectal Exam, and I was told my prostate felt normal. I had a CT scan to look for kidney stones. There were no stones but I was "severely" constipated. I took 500mg Cipro for 10 days and did not see much of an improvement. I have never had a burning sensation when urinate and it does not hurt to ejaculate. This week I am having discomfort at the base of my penis, where the penis enters into the body. It is painful to sit for long periods of time. My frequent urination has since stopped, now I just have discomfort. I am looking for any sort of help or guidance in this situation. At my young age I would like to go back to normal, pain free.
ANSWER: Jonathan:
Your problem sounds like prostatitis. I would suggest you get a consultation with a urologist. Discomfort at the base of the penis is a typical sign of prostatitis. Meanwhile, avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking and hot spicy foods. Also, try sitting in a hot tub for 5-10 minutes twice a day.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: What can I expect as a treatment for this condition? Can it be cured? What can I expect as far as quality of life is concerned?
Answer Jonathan:
That depends on whether my presumptive diagnosis turns out to be correct. Antibiotics and alpha blockers, along with the other suggestions I made earlier, are the hallmark of treatment. A variety of complementary supplements, especially quercetin, appear promising but none have been thoroughly tested. Cures are possible and even likely, but not everyone gets cured and even those who are cured have a significant chance of a recurrence. Long term quality of life is usually unaffected.
Now go make that appointment with a good urologist to check this out.
