Prostatitis – Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Prostate Inflammation
Prostate inflammation affects the walnut-sized gland located below the bladder in those assigned male at birth. This condition can cause several uncomfortable symptoms, including painful urination and discomfort in the pelvic region.
There are four main types of this condition:
Acute bacterial form – A sudden infection caused by bacteria that typically produces severe symptoms requiring immediate attention.
Chronic bacterial form – A persistent or recurring bacterial infection with symptoms that are usually less intense than the acute form but can last longer.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome – This type causes ongoing pelvic discomfort and urinary problems without evidence of infection. It’s the most common form of prostate inflammation.
Asymptomatic inflammatory form – In this type, the prostate shows signs of inflammation during medical tests, but the person experiences no symptoms.
The prostate gland plays an important role in reproductive health. It surrounds the upper portion of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) and produces fluid that becomes part of semen during ejaculation.
Not all cases stem from bacterial infections. Many factors can contribute to prostate inflammation, making proper diagnosis essential for effective treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
Prostatitis presents different symptoms depending on the type you have. You might feel pain or burning while peeing. Some people have trouble starting or maintaining their urine stream.
Going to the bathroom frequently, especially at night, is common. You may also feel a sudden, urgent need to urinate.
Other symptoms include cloudy urine or blood in your urine. Pain can appear in your belly, groin, lower back, or the area between your scrotum and rectum. Some men experience discomfort in their penis or testicles, or pain during ejaculation.
If you have acute bacterial prostatitis, you might also have fever, chills, muscle aches, and flu-like symptoms.
When Medical Help Is Needed
Don’t wait to get medical care if you have prostatitis symptoms. Several health problems can cause similar symptoms, so proper diagnosis is important.
Seek immediate medical attention if you:
- Cannot urinate at all
- Have fever along with urination problems or pain
- Notice blood in your urine
- Experience severe pain in your pelvic area or genitals
Getting prompt treatment can help prevent complications and relieve uncomfortable symptoms more quickly.
Causes
Prostatitis causes vary based on the specific type of condition.
Acute bacterial prostatitis typically stems from common bacteria strains. The infection often travels from other parts of the urinary or reproductive system.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis usually shares the same bacterial origins as the acute form. This condition may develop when treatment for an acute infection fails to eliminate all bacteria or isn’t continued long enough.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome likely involves multiple factors, including:
- Previous infections
- Nervous system conditions
- Immune system issues
- Psychological stress
- Hormonal imbalances
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis has no identified cause. Doctors typically discover this condition incidentally during examinations for other health concerns.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase your chance of developing prostatitis:
- Young to middle-aged men face higher risk
- Previous episodes of prostatitis
- Infections in the urinary tract or reproductive system
- HIV/AIDS infection
- Catheter use (tubes inserted to drain urine)
- Prostate biopsy procedures
For chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome specifically, these additional factors may play a role:
- Psychological stress
- Pelvic nerve damage from injuries or surgical procedures
Complications
Prostatitis can lead to several health issues if not properly managed.
Acute or chronic prostatitis may cause:
- Blood infection (bacteremia)
- Inflammation of the tube behind the testicle (epididymitis)
- Abscess formation within the prostate
- Spread of infection to pelvic bone or lower spine
Men with chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome might experience:
- Anxiety or depression
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fertility problems due to changes in sperm and semen quality
Scientists are currently researching whether ongoing prostate inflammation might increase cancer risk. However, there’s no definitive evidence that prostatitis directly causes prostate cancer.
