Inflammation of the prostate gland is referred to by the general term prostatitis, it typically affects men between the ages of 20 and 40 years of age and it is thought to affect up to 30 per cent of men. Prostatitis encompasses four conditions of the prostrate gland - acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, and prostadynia.

The different forms of prostatitis are:

Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (NBP) which is also known as chronic bacterial prostatitis (CAP); it is normally caused by infectious agents such as viruses and fungi and is the most common type of prostatitis.

Prostadynia (PD) which is also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, the exact cause of prostadynia (PD) is unknown; it is non-infectious form of prostatitis.

Acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP) which is usually caused by the E. coli bacteria when it causes a urinary tract infection which then spreads to the prostrate.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) which is usually caused by a blockage to the urinary tract.

The symptoms of prostatitis vary but the most common are feeling ill with fever and chills, pain between the scrotum and anus, aches around the lower back, genitals and thighs, difficulty and pain whilst urinating, pain on ejaculation, urinating more often and burning whilst urinating.

Changing the diet may help with prostatitis, cut down on saturated fats, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, increase fibre in the diet, include foods which are rich in zinc such as seafood, bran, whole grains, garlic, pulses and pumpkin seeds, consume more tomatoes, seeds and nuts. If you are a smoker then try to quit, tobacco smoke reduces the natural immunity to prostate infection.

The best supplements to take are vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc. Acupuncture and Sitz baths are known to help with the symptoms of prostatitis.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Prostatitis.

Bromelain (NBP, PD)

Extracts of Flower Pollen (NBP, PD)

Pau darco

Pygeum (CBP, NBP)

Quercetin (NBP, PD)

Saw palmetto (NBP)

Vitamin C (ABP, CBP)