I have struggled with prostatitis since I was 22. I am 50 now. I've tried everything under the sun including saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, quercetin, zinc and cranberry. I have gotten some limited results from these, but I have stumbled on to something recently that has worked better than anything so far. It is prickly pear extract from the fruits of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia genus) that grows in the southwest. This stuff has been shown to contain both beta-sitosterol and quercetin, as well as other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.

George's lingering muscle problem

I have participated in this site since being diagnosed with prostatitis last October and wish to thank all of you for the wealth of information you have provided. I would like to add to that information my own experience since I now only suffer what I believe is a residual muscle spasm in pelvic floor or perineum area after sex.

After a 9 week course of cipro I felt much better, but symptoms of perineum discomfort and tingling in penis persisted. My uro performed no tests as he felt my improvement would be best served by leaving things alone. He said I was now experiencing prostatodynia.

I have followed the suggestions of others on this site by taking saw palmetto, pygeum, zinc, broccoli and abstaining from all caffine, alcohol, soda and sweetened drinks. I have also eliminated most carbohydrates from my diet .I have also found that having sex once a week has eliminated the walnut sized lump I was getting when I had sex 2 or 3 times per week. I have also found that a hot sitz bath or a warm compress after sex seems to assure the relaxation of the muscles.

Now I understand that the abstinence of all of the above is not what we wish our lives to be. However I am in much better spirits and look forward to the weekly rendezvous with my wife rather than shying away from it.

Sometimes less is more.

I hope all of you soon start experiencing some measure of relief and my parting advice would be to proceed slowly and use common sense in treating your illness.

Again thank you all,
George A.

Most of you know from reading this website and elsewhere that prostatitis sufferers should avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.   However, it is also important to avoid aged cheeses such as cheddar, Camembert, and Stilton.  In addition, smoked, salted, or pickled meat such as sausage, salami, herring, bologna, corned beef, and pepperoni should be avoided. These foods, along with alcohol, are very high in amines.

Other troublesome foods are, some nuts (peanuts, Brazil nuts, and others), and raspberries, bananas, avocados, and olives.  All these foods, along with caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate), are moderately high in amines,and should be avoided in large quantities.

I recently had a moderately severe attack of penile pain which lasted about  6 hours immediately after eating pistachios.  A few days later, I was doing quite well with virtually no prostatitis symptoms, until I had macaroni and cheese for supper.  Mac and cheese contains cheddar cheese. I had terrible penile pain soon after eating, and had to urinate every 20 minutes for several hours.

Your experience may vary from mine, but the point is, do not be deceived into thinking that the only foods to avoid are spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.

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