CBD for Prostate Inflammation: Is it Effective?

As many as 9% of men within the general population deal with prostatitis, or prostate inflammation. Not to be confused with prostate cancer, prostatitis is a common prostate issue that roughly half of all men will experience symptoms of at some point in their lives.

Symptoms can vary because there are four types of prostatitis. Normally, signs of prostate inflammation include pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction and pain during intercourse, frequent/urgent urination, disturbed sleep, urinary pain and problems, and difficulty emptying the bladder.

We know that CBD can provide effective pain relief and inflammation control and act as a sleep aid. So, could these benefits help people manage prostatitis and its painful symptoms? 

There is some research suggesting that CBD’s calming, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties may help with prostatitis. Plus, there’s another lesser-known characteristic of CBD that could prove useful in cases of this frustrating condition.

Pain relief is an encouraging idea because prostatitis is the most common source of urinary tract issues in men under 50, and the third most common in men over the age of 50.

Whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with prostatitis or some of the symptoms, it’s wise to educate yourself on the different types and the causes of prostatitis, as well as the options for treating it.

While we hope to equip you with helpful knowledge about prostatitis and its potential treatments, remember that this is not medical advice. Any questions or concerns about CBD or your urological health should be directed to your primary care doctor.

CBD and Prostate Inflammation

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of many natural therapeutic compounds from cannabis plants called cannabinoids. While CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, it is more heavily studied and therefore better understood than most.

That being said, the scientific research on CBD’s benefits and possible side effects is not yet exhaustive enough to call it a proven medical treatment, with the exception of two approved medications containing CBD, one seizure medication and another for MS and cancer patients.

When you take CBD, your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) processes it before cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system and immune system respond to help restore balance throughout the body. 

The body’s reactions to CBD then kick in, including reduced pain, inflammation, and neuroinflammation with sleep-promoting, antioxidant and anti-microbial effects, all of which are relevant to prostatitis.

What is Prostate Inflammation, and How Might CBD Help?

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland within the male reproductive system. This gland surrounds the urethra where it connects to the bladder in the lower urinary tract. The prostate can become inflamed due to bacteria, chronic pain, or other lesser-known triggers.

The urinary and sexual symptoms of prostatitis originate from the prostate’s role in semen production as well as its close proximity to the bladder and urethra.

Because CBD effectively fights pain, inflammation, and bacteria, experts believe it’s worth researching CBD further for prostatitis and its symptoms.

Prostatitis: Prostate Inflammation and its Causes

Though inflammation is a common prostate issue, possible complications include sexual dysfunction, inflammation of the reproductive organs, prostatic abscess, and bacterial infection reaching the bloodstream.

There are four categories of prostatitis, distinguished by their underlying causes. So let’s differentiate between these types of prostate inflammation.

Asymptomatic Prostatitis

In some cases of prostate inflammation, there is an absence of symptoms. Rather, someone may discover they have asymptomatic prostatitis via a semen analysis for infertility. Since asymptomatic prostatitis does not lead to complications, treatment is not necessary.

Acute and Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

Bacterial prostatitis comes from a urinary tract infection (UTI) when the bacteria spreads from the urethra to the prostate.

• Acute bacterial prostatitis is a sudden, short-lived bacterial infection creating acute inflammation of the prostate that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include:
  • Urgent/frequent urination
  • Pain/burning with urination
  • Difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder
  • Urinary blockage- inability to urinate
  • Fever, chills, or body aches
  • Genital, groin, lower abdomen, or lower back pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis occurs when bacteria gets trapped in the prostate and leads to recurring, treatment-resistant UTIs. Chronic bacterial prostatitis develops slowly, and lasts three months or longer, possibly after a urinary tract infection or case of acute bacterial prostatitis. The symptoms are usually less severe:
  • Urgent/frequent urination
  • Pain/burning with urination
  • Genital, groin, lower abdomen, or lower back pain
  • Difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder
  • Urinary blockage- inability to urinate
  • Nocturia- waking up often during the night to urinate
  • Painful ejaculation

Chronic Prostatitis or Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Exactly what causes chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is still unclear, but some researchers attribute it to a non-bacterial microorganism. The cause may also be due to a reaction of chemicals in the urine, an immune response to a previous urinary tract infection, or pelvic area nerve damage. 

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome can cause pain or discomfort in or around the pelvic area, reproductive organs, central lower abdomen, and/or lower back for three months or longer. The following symptoms can also appear:

• Painful ejaculation
• Painful, urgent, frequent, or difficult urination

How Effective is CBD in Reducing Prostate Inflammation?

More in-depth research is needed to establish CBD’s mechanisms and efficacy in addressing prostate inflammation. However, current prostatitis treatments include antimicrobials/antibiotics, NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories), muscle relaxants, neuromodulators, and physical therapy. 

So for now, we can only speculate that CBD may one day become a recognized inflammatory prostatitis treatment. 

There is confidence in this because CBD is the most effective cannabinoid against inflammation in many other areas, while also counteracting neuroinflammation, pain (including nerve pain and chronic pain), muscle spasticity, and inflammation-perpetuating oxidative stress. In addition, CBD can improve sleep and may have similar potency against bacteria as common antibiotics.

While there is abundant research on these therapeutic functions of CBD, there is little evidence available regarding CBD’s effects within the context of prostatitis. 

Encouragingly, one study asked chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients to self-report the efficacy of medical marijuana for their symptoms. 

Roughly 37% of clinical respondents and 75% of online respondents said cannabis improved their symptoms, most of them specifying improved mood, reduced pain, higher quality sleep, and fewer muscle spasms. Additionally, 57% of clinical respondents and 63% of online respondents rated cannabis as ‘somewhat to very effective’ for CP/CPPS.

CBD’s known effects and patients’ apparent symptom improvement from cannabis constitute a strong rationale for conducting more research on treating prostatitis with CBD.

Another potential advantage of treating prostate inflammation with CBD is its tendency to be well-tolerated by the majority and its generally mild side effect profile. Also, unlike medical marijuana/high-THC cannabis plants, hemp-derived, lab-tested CBD does not contain psychoactive effects.

The most common CBD side effects are tiredness, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. Compared to the serious side effects of typical prostatitis treatments like narcotics, long-term antibiotics, and NSAID use, CBD’s effects are mundane.

Whereas the above common prostatitis medications can have detrimental side effects like widespread damage to vital organs, CBD was well-tolerated long-term and in high doses up to 1500mg across 132 studies.

How to Use CBD to Possibly Reduce Prostate Inflammation

As with any medication, there is a chance of adverse events and negative drug interactions with CBD. So don’t try using CBD for prostatitis or any other condition without discussing it with your doctor first, especially if you are already taking medication.

Once you’ve cleared it with your doctor, take these steps to maximize your chances of positive results from CBD and minimize your chances of unwanted side effects.

Start with a healthy lifestyle including a regular eating schedule, a whole foods diet, adequate hydration, and a consistent sleep regimen.

When first trying CBD, start with a low dose keeping body size in mind. Even if you don’t notice a difference right away, take CBD consistently once or twice a day for at least two to four weeks before increasing the dose. 

If your current CBD dose is not sufficient, increases in small increments are appropriate until you see and feel satisfactory effects. For most people, up to 50 mg per day is enough ot make a noticeable difference.

You may also consider testing out different CBD products until you find the one you like best.

Five Effective CBD Products to Relieve Prostate Inflammation

Here are some of the top CBD products to try for mitigating prostate inflammation and its symptoms.

CBD Capsule- Relief Relax Full Spectrum Softgels 2000mg CBD

Capsules are the most straightforward way to take CBD. You can keep the bottle next to your daily vitamins so you always remember to take it, knowing you get the same dose each time. In addition to CBD’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, this potent full-spectrum formula promotes a calming mood if prostatitis disrupts your sleep.

CBD Gel- CBD & CBG Gell Roller 1000mg/1000mg

Believe it or not, topical CBD works great too. When you apply this convenient roll-on gel, the CBD absorbs locally to the affected tissues and systemically for full-body effects. With gel rollers, it’s important to avoid contact with any mucous membranes.

CBD Cream- CBD Relief Freeze Cream 500mg

Absorbing the same way as gel when applied externally, CBD freeze cream adds menthol for a soothing, cooling sensation. It may a breath of fresh air for any part of the body suffering from inflammation or soreness.

CBD Oil- 1000mg Full-Spectrum CBD with CBN & CBG

If you want more precise control over your CBD dosage, CBD tincture oil is the most versatile application. Use the dropper to measure your dose, then administer under your tongue or add it to your favorite food or drink. The sleep-promoting formula within CBN and CBG is helpful if taken about an hour before bed.

CBD Gummies- Full Spectrum CBD Gummies 1500mg

If you’re iffy about the taste of CBD oil or taking a capsule, try taking your CBD in a sweet, chewable gummy. These are the strongest CBD gummies available, all in a convenient, one-step, discreet delivery.

FAQs About CBD for Prostate Inflammation

Can CBD help with the prostate?

Probably. We can’t say for sure, due to the lack of current evidence. But with CBD’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity, there’s absolutely reason to believe it can help with prostatitis. Survey respondents also seem to achieve chronic prostatitis relief with cannabis.

Does CBD bring down inflammation?

Yes, CBD is an effective anti-inflammatory.

How quickly does CBD reduce inflammation?

The onset of CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects will vary depending on dose, delivery method, body size, and diet. It may work in as little as 15-20 minutes.

What is the fastest way to get rid of prostatitis?

If you have symptoms of prostatitis or diagnosed chronic prostatitis, seek medical attention to treat it. Treatment methods vary depending on what type of prostatitis you have, which can only be determined by a doctor.

What is the best medicine for inflamed prostate?

The standard medicine for bacterial prostatitis is antibiotics. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome requires different medicine to manage pain and urological issues.

Did You Learn Anything New About Prostatitis Or CBD?

Roughly half of all men will have prostatitis symptoms at some point in life. So whether you’ve dealt with prostatitis symptoms or not, it’s important to be aware of prostate inflammation’s causes, categorization, symptoms, and treatment options. 

This condition can be accompanied by serious complications, so always get proper medical care if you suspect it. 

While there’s little scientific research on CBD for prostatitis specifically, we know enough about CBD’s general effects to infer that it could one day be a proven effective treatment. So talk to your doctor about CBD, and ask if it’s a viable option for managing prostatitis.

Once your doctor gives you the go-ahead to try CBD products to manage your symptoms, here’s where you can get quality, lab-tested CBD products to purchase for prostate inflammation.