Prostatitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation or infection) of the prostate gland. When prostatitis is caused by an infection with bacteria, it is called bacterial prostatitis.
Symptoms
Acute prostatitis can start quickly, and can include chills, fever, and flushing of the skin.
Urinary symptoms include:
- Blood in the urine
- Burning or pain with urination (dysuria)
- Difficulty starting to urinate or emptying the bladder
- Foul-smelling urine
- Weak urine stream
- Pain or achiness in the abdomen above the pubic bone, in the lower back, in the area between the genitals and anus, or in the testicles
- Pain with ejaculation or blood in the semen
- Pain with bowel movements
Symptoms of chronic prostatitis are similar, but not as severe. They usually begin more slowly. Some people have no symptoms between episodes of prostatitis.
Treatment
The urologist will prescribe antibiotics that are specific for the type of bacteria that cause prostatitis. If the symptoms are not completely gone after taking all of the prescribed antibiotics, or if the symptoms return, the patient should see the urologist for additional treatment. As with all antibiotic-treated infections, the patient must take the antibiotics exactly as prescribed and until all of the medication has been taken.
