Prostatitis refers to the inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ located below the bladder in men. The prostate plays a vital role in producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. This condition can vary in severity and cause discomfort or other symptoms, depending on the underlying cause and type of prostatitis.
Types of Prostatitis
Prostatitis is classified into four main types:
Acute bacterial prostatitis is a sudden bacterial infection that causes severe symptoms, including fever, chills, and pain in the lower back and pelvic area.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis involves recurring infections of the prostate, leading to persistent inflammation and symptoms such as frequent urination and lower back pain.
Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is the most common form, with symptoms like pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, and sexual dysfunction. The exact cause is often unclear.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is characterized by inflammation without noticeable symptoms and is often discovered incidentally during medical examinations.
Symptoms of Prostatitis
The symptoms of prostatitis vary depending on its type:
Acute bacterial prostatitis may present with high fever, chills, pain or burning during urination, and difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis symptoms include recurring urinary tract infections, persistent pelvic discomfort, and painful ejaculation.
Chronic prostatitis or CP/CPPS is marked by pelvic pain, frequent urination, erectile dysfunction, and anxiety related to persistent discomfort.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis typically has no noticeable symptoms but is identified through medical tests.
What Causes Prostatitis?
The causes of prostatitis vary by type:
Acute bacterial prostatitis is often caused by bacterial infections originating in the urinary tract.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis results from persistent bacterial infections in the prostate.
Chronic prostatitis or CP/CPPS may involve inflammatory factors, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, or autoimmune responses.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis often has no identifiable cause.
Risk factors include a history of urinary tract infections, an enlarged prostate, pelvic trauma, or certain medical procedures involving the prostate.
How Is Prostatitis Treated?
Treatment options for prostatitis depend on its type and underlying cause:
Acute bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotics to target the bacterial infection.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis often requires prolonged antibiotic therapy based on culture results.
Chronic prostatitis or CP/CPPS treatment may involve alpha-blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy for pelvic floor muscles, and lifestyle changes.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis may not require treatment unless associated with symptoms or complications.