There are a few medical procedures that can lead to the development of prostatitis. Men who have device insertion/catheter insertion into their urethra have an increased risk of acute bacterial prostatitis. This is more common among older men in particular because they tend to be more likely to undergo procedures in which they have a catheter placed. The most common devices that cause prostatitis are indwelling or Foley urinary catheters and a cystoscope.
Urinary catheters are commonly used in patients both during surgery and after. There are a number of different types of catheters, but not all of them are associated with an increased risk of prostatitis. Some catheters are used just during surgery and are removed shortly after the procedure is over. Intermittent catheters are temporary and are the type that patients can usually insert themselves. Intermittent catheters pose a low risk of urinary tract infections. Indwelling or Foley catheters, on the other hand, may stay in place for weeks to a month or longer after surgery. This is especially true when following bladder or prostate surgery. These catheters are associated with an increased risk of infection and acute bacterial prostatitis.
The longer a man needs to keep an indwelling catheter in place, the greater his risk of developing an infection that could lead to prostatitis. Such risk of infection is one reason why doctors typically prescribe antibiotics before someone undergoes surgery, yet these drugs are still not a guarantee an infection will not develop.
A cystoscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra. A doctor may order a cystoscopy if a man has been experiencing chronic urinary tract infections or pain when urinating, or to check for cancer of the bladder or urethra. A doctor performs a cystoscopy by passing a tube called a cystoscope into the urethra through to the bladder. The doctor can take pictures with a tiny camera on the end of the cystoscope. Unfortunately, a cystoscopy may cause an infection that can lead to acute bacterial prostatitis.
While a cystoscopy can provide a doctor with important information about the health of a man’s urethra or bladder, it does come with a small risk of infection and acute bacterial prostatitis. To help prevent an infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics before and after the procedure. Doctors recommend antibiotics for men prone to urinary tract infections or infections in general. Patients may also find relief and support their immunity by following natural prostatitis treatments such as supplements, probiotics, and diet.
There are other medical procedures besides device insertion/catheter insertion that can cause prostatitis. Some men develop an infection after undergoing a prostate biopsy.