Prostatitis or BPH?

[Dave B]

Hi, I have been going through all this for a year now and am hoping someone can give some insight or advice. 

Here goes. I'm caucasian, 49yrs with no history of prostate cancer in my family.  In March of 2010 my PSA was 1.22. March of 2011 it was 1.43. At that time I was also suffering from some occasional urinary frequency issues and hip pain. DRE showed the prostate to be smooth and symmetrical but mildly enlarged. Since the symptoms persisted a second DRE in April 2011 had the same result. Over the next few months i was on several courses of cipro (4 i believe). I had a PSA in August 2011 with a result of 2.13. Another PSA was conducted in November 2011 with a result of 2.12. My last PSA was in February of 2012 and had a result of 1.67. Apparently my PSA has fluctuated over the years according to my GP. In December of 2011 I had a follow-up ultrasound of my kidneys and bladder re: a small cyst that had been discovered a few years ago. The ultrasound was able to estimate the size of my prostate at 38 grams. At my annual physical earlier this month my prostate is still smooth and symmetrical although mildly enlarged.

Over the past year I have suffered urinary frequency (sometimes as often as every 1/2 hour. perineal pain, testicular pain, rectal pain, hip and lower back pain. groin pain, leg pain. I have also had a bout of epididymitis and decreased urine flow.

My GP has diagnosed me with BPH and prostate inflammation. I am presently into my second month of Avodart, so far no appreciable improvement.

My symptoms have waxed and waned over the months, but seem to always come back, I'm having the pain and urinary frequency, hence this post.

I apologize for the length of this post. I'm hoping to find out if BPH has similar symptoms to chronic prostatitis, can you have both at the same time or is it likely I have just one or the other. I'm still concerned about prostate cancer although my GP says that since my PSA number was never greatly increased and that it came down on it's own make it unlikely that I have that. Any insight or advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading.  If any other info is required please let me know and I'll make sure I add it. Thanks again.

[G8 GT]

Hi Dave. 

I am 34, and my PSA's are always low, but I still have urinary frequency, burning, painful ejaculation, etc.  Bottom line, IMO, is that there is swelling there (I have had a CT scan to confirm the swelling).   Not sure why your PSA spiked somewhat, but perhaps it was a bout of inflammation that subsided somewhat?

Anyway, best-of-luck on getting answers.  

[Dave B]

ty for the reply G8 GT...really hoping someone is able to answer the questions...thx again

[Dave B]

tyvm for the reply Blake..very helpful info