HealthInfo Canterbury
Prostatitis
Whakawaikura repe tātea
The prostate is a small gland that only men have. It sits just below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. It's about the size of a walnut.
Prostatitis is swelling (inflammation) of the prostate gland.
There are two main types of prostatitis. The most common type is chronic (long-term) prostatitis. Long-term prostatitis develops slowly, and the symptoms come and go over several months.
The other type is acute prostatitis. This type is rare and can be serious. With acute prostatitis, symptoms are severe and come on suddenly. You often get a bladder infection at the same time.
Prostatitis can affect men of any age, though it's more common in men aged 50 and younger.
It isn't clear what causes long-term prostatitis, though it isn't usually caused by an infection. Acute prostatitis is always caused by an infection.
Risks factors for prostatitis include:
- having a history of prostatitis
- having had a recent urinary tract infection (UTI)
- having a urinary catheter
- having had a prostate biopsy
- having HIV or AIDS
- having had an injury to your pelvis.
Symptoms of prostatitis
The symptoms are similar to the ones you get with an enlarged prostate.
Both long-term and acute prostatitis symptoms can include:
- a severe or nagging pain around your penis, testicles, lower back or stomach, which can be worse during or after sex
- blood in your urine or cloudy urine
- pain or a burning feeling when passing urine, needing to go to the toilet more often (particularly at night), difficulty passing urine such as dribbling or difficulty starting.
Acute prostatitis may cause general aches and pains. You can also sometimes have a high temperature and a discharge of thick fluid from the end of your penis.
If your symptoms come on suddenly, you need immediate treatment.
Diagnosing prostatitis
It can be hard to diagnose prostatitis as its symptoms can be quite vague. You can have various tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.
Your GP may take a urine and blood test to look for signs of infection. They might also carry out a digital rectal examination. This is when they gently insert a lubricated gloved finger into your bottom to examine your prostate.
Treating Prostatitis
The treatment depends on the cause of your prostatitis and may include:
- antibiotics to treat an infection caused by a bacteria (germ)
- pain relief such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
- medicines such as doxazosin and finasteride to help relax the muscles, which may relieve symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe, you don't respond to treatment, or you need further investigation, your GP may refer you to a specialist.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- NHS – Prostatitis
Information about the symptoms, causes and treatment of prostatitis.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIPRH-45800
