Unlike prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH , which predominantly affect older men, prostatitis affects men of all ages. Prostatitis refers to a loose assemblage of syndromes characterized by urinary problems such as burning or painful urination, the urgent need to urinate, trouble voiding, difficult or painful ejaculation, and pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum known as the perineum or lower back.
Although it causes some of the same symptoms as BPH and can occur at the same time, prostatitis is a separate condition. Some types of prostatitis are caused by bacterial infection. These cases are often accompanied by the classic symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, and muscle pain along with urinary problems.
As a result, they are relatively easy to diagnose and treat, and they usually respond well to antibiotics. Unfortunately, such straightforward forms of prostatitis are the minority.
Potential culprits include difficult-to-detect bacteria, inflammation, depression and stress, and mechanical or neuromuscular problems in the pelvic muscles that irritate the general area. This uncertainty is what can make the treatment of prostatitis so maddening. This sudden-onset infection is caused by bacteria that travel from the urethra, and perhaps from the rectum, to the prostate. In addition, you may have pain around the base of the penis and behind the scrotum, pain in the lower back, and the feeling of a full rectum.
As the prostate becomes more swollen, you may find it more difficult to urinate, and the urine stream may become weak. Depending on the severity of symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary. This will help prevent your infection from returning. To help ease any discomfort, try sitting in a hot bath, take stool softeners, and use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Drinking plenty of fluids can help flush the bacteria from your system, too. This type of prostatitis is also caused by bacteria. It sometimes follows a bout of acute bacterial prostatitis. Unlike the acute form, however, chronic bacterial prostatitis is a subtle, low-grade infection that can begin insidiously and persist for weeks or even months. Some men have low back pain, pain in the rectum, or a feeling of heaviness behind the scrotum.
Others have pain after ejaculation, and the semen may be tinged with blood. Treatment requires the same antibiotics used for the acute form, usually for one to three months, but even with the prolonged treatment, the infection often recurs. Sometimes the cause isn't identified. If prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, it can usually be treated with antibiotics.
Depending on the cause, prostatitis can come on gradually or suddenly. It might improve quickly, either on its own or with treatment.
Some types of prostatitis last for months or keep recurring chronic prostatitis. If you have pelvic pain, difficult or painful urination, or painful ejaculation, see your doctor.
If left untreated, some types of prostatitis can cause worsening infection or other health problems. The prostate gland is situated just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra.
Prostatitis is a disease of the prostate that results in pain in the groin, painful urination, difficulty urinating and other symptoms. Acute bacterial prostatitis is often caused by common strains of bacteria. The infection can start when bacteria in urine leak into your prostate.
Antibiotics are used to treat the infection. If they don't eliminate the bacteria prostatitis might recur or be difficult to treat chronic bacterial prostatitis.
Nerve damage in the lower urinary tract, which can be caused by surgery or trauma to the area, might contribute to prostatitis not caused by a bacterial infection. In many cases of prostatitis, the cause isn't identified. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. The urethra also moves semen from the sex glands to the penis.
Several types of infections can affect the prostate. Some men with prostatitis experience no symptoms at all, while others report many, including intense pain. Acute bacterial prostatitis : This type is the least common and lasts a short time. It can also be life-threatening if left untreated. This is the easiest type of prostatitis to diagnose. Chronic bacterial prostatitis : Symptoms are less intense and develop over several years.
Chronic prostatitis , or chronic pelvic pain syndrome : This condition causes pain and discomfort around the groin and pelvic area. It can affect men of all ages. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis : The prostate is inflamed but there are no symptoms. Read more: Is it prostatitis or BPH? For chronic prostatitis, the exact cause is unknown. Researchers believe:. For acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, bacterial infections are the cause.
Sometimes, bacteria can get into the prostate through the urethra. You are at increased risk of prostate infection if you use a catheter or have a medical procedure involving the urethra. Other risk factors include:. Symptoms of an acute bacterial prostatitis are serious and happen suddenly. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:. You may also notice an unpleasant odor or blood in your urine or semen. Or feel severe pain in your lower abdomen or when urinating. These may be signs of an acute bacterial prostatitis infection.
These symptoms develop slowly or remain mild. Symptoms can last more than three months, and include:. The symptoms of chronic prostatitis are similar to the symptoms experienced with chronic bacterial prostatitis. You may also experience feelings of discomfort or pain for three or more months:.
A prostate infection diagnosis is based on your medical history, a physical exam , and medical tests. Your doctor can also rule out other serious conditions such as prostate cancer during the exam. During a physical exam, your doctor will conduct a digital rectal exam to test your prostate and will look for:.
Other medical tests that can help your diagnosis and treatment plan include:.
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