Prostatitis: A Brief Guide
What Is Prostatitis?
- Prostatitis is inflammation or infection of the prostate gland—a small gland below the bladder that plays a role in production of fluid for semen.
- Prostatitis can be caused by bacteria, irritation, nerve or muscle dysfunction, or unknown causes.
- The condition may present with or without detectable bacteria.
Types & Causes
|
Type |
Features / Onset |
Common Causes or Mechanisms |
|
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis (ABP) |
Sudden onset, sometimes severe |
Bacterial infection; often from urinary tract bacteria |
|
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis (CBP) |
Recurrent or persistent; gradual onset of symptoms |
Ongoing bacterial infection in prostate; repeated UTIs |
|
Chronic Nonbacterial / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) |
Most common type; Long-term symptoms; not infectious |
Inflammation, pelvic floor muscle tension, nerve sensitivity |
|
Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis |
No symptoms, inflammation found incidentally; not infectious |
Detected on tests even without pain or urinary symptoms; no treatment needed |
Signs & Symptoms to Watch For
- Pain or discomfort in pelvic region, perineum, lower back, or genital area
- Urinary problems: burning or painful urination, frequent urination, urgency, blood in urine
- Pain during intercourse and/or with ejaculation, sometimes blood in semen
- Fever and chills (especially in acute bacterial form)
- Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying or discomfort in the bladder area
Symptoms may vary widely by type and can come and go.
How Is Prostatitis Diagnosed?
- Detailed medical history and symptom review
- Physical exam including digital rectal exam to assess prostate tenderness
- Urinalysis and urine culture to detect bacteria
- Blood tests, imaging, or advanced urologic evaluation if needed
Treatment & Self-Care Strategies
Medical Treatments
- Antibiotics
- Alpha-blockers may help relax muscles surrounding the prostate/bladder and improve flow of urine
- Anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers (NSAIDs)
- Muscle relaxants, neuromodulation, or other therapies may help especially in nonbacterial forms
Self-Care & Lifestyle Adjustments
- Drink plenty of fluids to flush urinary tract
- Avoid or reduce bladder irritants: caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods
- Warm baths (sitz baths) to relieve pelvic tension
- Manage constipation (straining can worsen symptoms)
- Pelvic floor relaxation and gentle stretching. Ask your healthcare provider if pelvic floor physical therapy might be helpful for you.
- Stress reduction, as stress can worsen pain cycles
When to Seek Medical Help
See your healthcare provider if:
- You have fever, chills, or systemic illness
- Pain becomes severe or urinary retention (can’t pass urine)
- Symptoms persist despite treatment
- Blood in urine, weight loss, or other concerning signs
- Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.
What to Expect / Prognosis
- In many cases, acute bacterial prostatitis resolves with prompt treatment
- Chronic forms of prostatitis may require long-term management
- Some men may continue to experience flare-ups, recurrence of symptoms, or intermittent pain
- Especially in CP/CPPS, symptom management (rather than cure) may be the goal
This handout is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Sources:
- https://www.urologyhealth.org/educational-resources/prostatitis-%E2%80%93-what-you-should-know
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostatitis-inflammation-prostate#prostatitis
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15319-prostatitis
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-bacterial-prostatitis?search=prostatitis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~70&usage_type=default&display_rank=2