Prostatitis

Causes

Cause will depend on the type of prostatitis:

• Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis are caused by an infection. A bacteria enters the prostate. It often comes from the nearby urinary tract or rectum.
• Chronic pelvic pain syndrome and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis—causes are not clearly understood.

A cause may not be found in some people.

Risk Factors

Prostatitis is more common in men who use catheters. Other things that may raise the chances of prostatitis are:

• Having sex without using barriers like condoms
• Foreskin that does not to fully draw back from the head of the penis— phimosis
• Urethra that has narrowed
• Prostate that has grown
• Past urinary tract infections

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of prostatitis. Many may not have any problems. Symptoms that do occur may include:

• Needing to urinate (pee) often or feeling an urgent need to often
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Having a hard time passing urine
• Lower belly pain or pressure
• Pain in penis, rectum, and area in between
• Lower back pain
• Fever or chills
• Problems getting or keeping erection

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Other tests may be done to help find a cause or rule out other issues, such as:

• Urine tests
• Prostate biopsy—small piece of prostate is removed and sent to a lab

Treatment

How prostatitis is treated will depend on its type.

Infectious Prostatitis

Antibiotics can be used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They may be given over several days or weeks. The antibiotics may be given through an IV for infections that are hard to treat.

Symptoms may be treated with:

• Stool softeners—to ease pressure in area
• Medicine to ease swelling
• Pain medicine
• Medicine to help with urine flow

Alcohol and drinks with caffeine can make symptoms worse.

Prostatitis Not Linked to Infection

Treatment may help ease symptoms. Options include:

• Medicine to help urine flow and the bladder empty
• Medicine to ease swelling
• Pain medicine
• Warm soaks
• Prostate massages

Prevention

Steps that may lower the risk of some types of prostatitis include:

• Practicing safe sex. Using a condom can protect against infections (STIs).
• Emptying the bladder as soon the urge happens.

Regular exercise may also help some types of prostatitis.