Unlike other prostate conditions prostatitis usually affects younger or middle-aged men. It can be difficult to eradicate symptoms completely and treatment can last for some time. Prostatitis can be due either to bacterial infection or non-bacterial causes. Prostatitis is seen and managed by a broad range of physicians and surgeons and this book is addressed at a level that is both accessible and useful to the urologist and the family practitioner. The fact remains that the cause of most cases of prostatitis remain unknown but this book sets out to improve the reader's knowledge of all the possible causes and provide a grounding in evaluation, diagnosis, management, and treatment. The book begins with a summary of the history of the condition and an overview of some of the problems and issues facing doctors and patients. Sections 2 and 3 cover etiology and evaluation including a symptom assessment tool and a simple lower urinary tract localization technique. Section 4 provides practical advice on the development of a treatment plan using a 'best evidence' approach. Section 5 summarizes the future prospects in the field of prostatitis management.
The Prostatitis Manual incorporates many practical pedagogical features including line diagrams, clinical photos, tables and algorithms. It is an ideal introduction to the condition and its management for the busy GP and a useful aide memoire for the specialist urologist.