Covering your bases Q: I have prostatitis and my doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat it. I took the full course but haven't noticed a difference at all. Should they have worked? Is there anything else I can try? Dr. Wright: The reason the antibiotics your doctor prescribed didn't have an effect on your condition is that in cases of chronic prostatitis (also known as chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, or CP/CPPS), bacteria are hardly ever involved. Even on the rare occasion that bacteria are involved, the prostate gland is notoriously difficult to treat with antibiotics. When it comes right down to it, no conventional treatments are effective for CP/CPPS because no one knows for sure what causes it. But while no one really knows the exact cause of CP/CPPS, many relevant factors have been identified that could all contribute to the problem. My patients say that prolonged sitting or riding a bicycle can make it worse, which suggests that poor circulation to the prostate is a probable factor. Many also complain that their pain flares up when they drink alcohol. Published research indicates that an autoimmune reaction could be a big factor in the chronic inflammation that accompanies this condition. And stress is also a likely culprit. The good news is, there are natural treatments you can try that can help combat these potential factors. My colleague and regular Nutrition & Healing columnist herbalist Kerry Bone tells me that his patients have had great success with various herbs. Some of the herbs he's found most effective are saw palmetto (to improve the overall health of the prostate), Echinacea (as a general immune-booster), nettle root (for additional prostate support), cramp bark and chamomile (for painful spasms), and the Ayurvedic herb Crataeva (to improve bladder function). It seems like a lengthy list, but it's unlikely you would need to take all of these herbs. You should work with a physician skilled and knowledgeable in natural medicine to find the specific combinations and dosages that work best for you. To locate such a physician in your area, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine at (800)532- 3688 or visit their website, www.acam.org. | 
