Prostatitis is a common condition that affects the prostate gland, often causing discomfort, urinary issues, and pelvic pain. The condition may develop suddenly or persist over time, depending on the type. Although prostatitis can be frustrating, it is usually manageable with proper treatment.
More than half of all men will experience prostatitis at some point in their lives. Therefore, understanding the different types of prostatitis, what causes it, and how it is the first step to help you relieve symptoms and protect your prostate health.
What Is Prostatitis?
This condition involves inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, which sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. When the prostate becomes inflamed, it may cause a wide range of symptoms, from pelvic pain to urinary problems or flu-like illness if a bacterial infection is present. In some cases, untreated prostatitis can lead to more serious complications, such as recurrent infections, abscesses, or chronic pelvic pain.
Types of Prostatitis
There are four main types of prostatitis, each with its own characteristics:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis: A sudden, severe bacterial infection that causes fever, chills, and urinary symptoms. Requires immediate treatment.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis: A lingering bacterial infection of the prostate, often causing recurring symptoms.
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS): The most common form, characterized by pelvic pain and urinary symptoms without bacterial infection.
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: Inflammation found on testing, but without noticeable symptoms. Usually does not require treatment.
What Causes Prostatitis?
Several factors contribute to prostatitis, depending on the type. Below is a guide to help with treatment and symptom management:
- Bacterial prostatitis is most often caused by bacteria entering the prostate from the urinary tract. This is typically caused by urinary tract infections, STIs, bladder stones, or the use of catheters.
- Nonbacterial prostatitis (CPPS) may be related to muscle tension in the pelvic floor, nerve irritation, stress, immune system dysfunction, or past urinary infections. In many cases, the exact cause remains unclear.
Risk Factors for Prostatitis
A variety of risk factors may increase the chance of developing prostatitis. These include underlying medical conditions, certain procedures, and age-related changes:
- History of frequent urinary tract infections
- Pelvic injury or nerve damage
- Use of a urinary catheter
- Recent prostate procedures or biopsy
- Being younger than 50 for acute cases, or older than 50 with an enlarged prostate
Symptoms of Prostatitis
There is a range of symptoms caused by prostatitis that often vary by type and severity. Signs to watch for include:
- Pelvic, lower back, or genital pain
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty starting urination or weak stream
- Painful ejaculation or sexual dysfunction
- Testicular pain
- Fever, chills, and body aches (with acute bacterial prostatitis)
- Blood in urine or semen (less common)
How Prostatitis Is Diagnosed
The diagnosis of prostatitis involves a thorough review of symptoms, physical examination, and appropriate testing:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE) to check prostate size, tenderness, or swelling
- Urine tests and cultures to detect infection
- Blood tests, including PSA levels
- Transrectal ultrasound or cystoscopy in some cases to assess the prostate and urinary tract
- Semen analysis is needed to evaluate infection or inflammation
How Is Prostatitis Treated?
The treatment for prostatitis depends on the type and cause of the condition. Your provider will create a care plan to relieve symptoms, treat any infection, and help restore prostate health.
Bacterial Prostatitis (Acute and Chronic)
Antibiotics are the main treatment for bacterial prostatitis. Typical courses range from 2–4 weeks for acute infections and up to 12 weeks for chronic cases. Supportive care, such as pain relief, hydration, and sometimes hospitalization, may also be needed in severe cases.
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)
Treatment of CPPS involves a combination of approaches:
- Alpha-blockers to improve urine flow
- Anti-inflammatory or nerve pain medications
- Pelvic floor physical therapy and relaxation techniques
- Lifestyle adjustments, including diet changes, stress reduction, and physical activity
- Complementary therapies such as acupuncture or biofeedback may also help
Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis
This type of prostatitis causes inflammation of the prostate but does not produce noticeable symptoms. Treatment is usually not needed unless it is associated with other conditions, such as elevated PSA levels or fertility concerns. Your provider may monitor it over time to ensure it does not contribute to other prostate issues.
Lifestyle Tips & Recommendations
In addition to medical treatment, these tips could help relieve symptoms:
- Drink plenty of water to flush the urinary tract
- Use a heating pad or sitz baths for pelvic discomfort
- Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol
- Avoid nicotine and acidic foods like citrus fruits
- Perform pelvic floor stretches or exercises
- Stay active, with regular, gentle movement
Don't Ignore the Signs—Schedule a Prostate Exam Today
If you're experiencing pain, urinary issues, or symptoms that won’t go away, it’s time to take action. Early evaluation by a specialist can lead to faster relief and help prevent serious complications. Book your prostate exam now and take the first step toward feeling better.
Key Takeaways
Prostatitis affects more than half of all men at some point and may cause pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, or sexual health concerns that should not be ignored.
Understanding the four main types of prostatitis helps guide treatment, which may involve antibiotics, physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or ongoing symptom management.
Timely diagnosis by a urologist is essential for symptom relief, preventing complications, and maintaining long-term prostate and urinary health.
FAQs
Bacterial prostatitis will not resolve without treatment and requires antibiotics to clear the infection. Some cases of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) may improve over time, but symptoms often persist or return without medical care. Seeking a proper diagnosis ensures you receive the right treatment and symptom relief.
Prostatitis is a non-cancerous condition and does not increase your risk of prostate cancer. However, both prostatitis and prostate cancer may raise PSA levels. Your provider may recommend further testing to distinguish between the two.
Treatment length depends on the type of prostatitis. Acute bacterial prostatitis typically improves within 2–4 weeks with antibiotics, while chronic bacterial prostatitis may require several months of treatment. CPPS is more complex and may need long-term management with a combination of therapies.
Some foods and drinks may irritate the bladder or worsen prostatitis symptoms. It is helpful to avoid caffeine, alcohol, as well as spicy and acidic foods. Staying well-hydrated and eating a healthy, balanced diet may also improve symptoms
Yes. Prostatitis may cause pain with ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or reduced libido. These issues often improve as the underlying condition is treated, though some men benefit from additional support such as counseling or pelvic floor therapy.
