I stated in a June 2012 post that I had my first bout with the much feared Prostatitis.  It was a terrible experience that lasted approximately five months.  Yes, that's right, five months.  My doctor greatly sympathized with me.  But, there is no cure for Prostatitis.  You can take antibiotics such as Backtrim and Cipro.  But, for the most part, you have to tough it out.  Prostatitis is defined as "...inflammation of the prostate gland. Inflammation is swelling, redness, and pain. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in men that surrounds the urethra. It produces a fluid that is part of semen.  There are four different types of Prostatitis.  Category 1: acute bacterial—least common of the four types, but the most common in men under 35.  Category 2: chronic bacterial—not very common, but most common in men between 40-70 (which is what I suffer from).  Category 3: chronic nonbacterial/prostadynia—most common type, associated with chronic pelvic pain . Category 4: asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.  That's probably all you need to know.  Prostatitis is caused by bacteria that comes from the urinary tract or rectum.  It can also be caused by chronic inflammation of the bladder.  I suspect that is my problem.  I have had a history of UTIs most of my life.

Unfortunately, Prostatitis has come back to visit me once again.  It has been going on for at least a month now.  I have had periodic episodes with Prostatitis since that June 2012 post.  But, they last no more than 1-3 days.  It appears this episode is going to be tough as the original.  I've learned a few things since I first had Prostatitis. Avoid coffee, tea or anything with caffeine. That seems to irritate the prostate even more.  I've discovered that a herb called Cranberry and Buchu helped dissipate bacteria in the urine.  For the most part, that has helped me in the past.  I've seen little in the way of benefit since this latest episode of Prostatitis.  But, I'm continuing to take it.  I've also learned that Apple Cider Vinegar is a big help with Prostatitis also.  I was so bad Sunday night, I took two capsules of ACV.  It helped almost immediately.  But, the next morning, the slight burning, urgency to urinate was back.  I continue to take ACV.  One other thing I might share; taking two Advil helps with the pain of Prostatitis.  Nothing takes away the frequency, the urgency to urinate or the burning sensation of Prostatitis.  But, you just take medication and try to outlive the bacteria that is causing your life to be so miserable.  That's all you can do.  I am praying this episode does not last five months.  But, there is nothing I can do about it even if it does.