Dr. Emmanuel L. Sta. Cruz

     When Prostatitis treatment was introduced to me, I did not have the slightest idea about the significance and the extent of the disease Spectrum of Prostatitis other than it being an infection or inflammation of the Prostate Gland, as Prostatitis was not given due importance in medical school. The focus then when it comes to Prostate problems was either on Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) or Prostate Cancer. Little was known about Prostatitis. Dr. Thomas Stamey, a professor of Urology from the Stanford School of Medicine, called Prostatitis a wastebasket of clinical ignorance.

     Prostatitis has been called a bastard child. Dr, J. Curtis Nickel called it the "black sheep" of Prostate diseases. I call it an orphan. Either way you look at it, Prostatitis is like a neglected child. It is sad that, in the 28 years I have been treating patients with Prostatitis, there is still a scarcity of doctors who are addressing this problem.

     With the vastness of the spectrum of Prostatitis Syndrome which comprises Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), Prostate enlargement, Infertility, Erectile Dysfunction, CPPS, Elevated PSA and a potential cause of prostate Cancer, clearly, Prostatitis treatment merits attention and is a full-time job. Its scope is far too wide to be incorporated in another specialty.

     It's about time the medical world recognizes the need for Genitourinary doctors who are focused, trained and experienced in handling Genitourinary infections in both men and women, including Prostatitis treatment for men. It's about time Prostatitis gets a home of its own in the field of Genitourinary Medicine, where it can be given the full attention it deserves. Otherwise, Prostatitis will continue to be the most undiagnosed and untreated Prostate Disease, and its sequelae could be detrimental to the patients.