How does bacterial prostatitis become chronic?
Plumbing problems can throw a monkey wrench into the defense system. Myriads of ducts permeate the prostate gland like the branches of a tree. At the end of each duct are balloon-like outpouchings called acini. These ducts drain the prostate and dump their secretions into the urethra. If these acini or ducts become blocked, they become distended. Distension causes pain and inflammation. Furthermore, blocked prostatic ducts prevent antibacterial factor, antibiotics, and immune cells from reaching trapped bacteria. As a result, the prostatic ducts and surrounding prostatic tissue becomes infected, inflamed, and scarred. Collectively these changes cause chronic pelvic pain, painful ejaculation, and chronic prostate infection. In addition, debris trapped within obstructed prostatic ducts can harden and form stones, which can contribute to chronic infection by interrupting the smooth flow of prostate secretions. Prostatic stones also promote chronic infection by serving as a hideout for mar
