
Prostatitis
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 usually isn't caused by an infection. Acute prostatitis is always caused by an infection.
Risks factors for prostatitis include:
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. It 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:
If your symptoms are severe, you don't respond to treatment, or you need further investigation, your GP may refer you to a specialist.
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Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Endorsed by clinical director, Urology, Canterbury DHB. Last reviewed October 2017. Last updated November 2019.
Sources
The information in this section comes from the following sources, some of which may be clinically complex or not available to the general public
British Association of Urological Surgeons – Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate gland, retrieved October 2017.
Cancer Research UK Primary Care Education Research Group – PSA testing for prostate cancer (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/856976/
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Patient.info – Prostatitis. Retrieved January 2019.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand. Retrieved March 2022.
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Urology Unit, Canterbury DHB. What happens after a prostate biopsy. Authorised by: Nurse Manager, Urology Unit. July 2016. Ref 237713.
WebMD – What is the prostate? (http://www.webmd.com/men/prostate-enlargement-bph/what-is-the-prostate#1). Retrieved April 2016.
Image and embedded video sources
Blood being taken image – From Shutterstock (image ID 510475060). April 2018.
Male reproductive system image – From Shutterstock (image ID 127210979). November 2015.
Man in countryside image – From Shutterstock (image ID 54026611). August 2018.
Microscope analysis image – From Shutterstock (image ID 606379304). April 2018.
Prostate surgery image – From Shutterstock (image ID 167475845). April 2018.
Tired man image – From Shutterstock (image ID 284497310). December 2015.
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