Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 601.9      ICD10: N41.9      ICD11: GA91

Prostatitis is a general term for inflammation of the prostate gland.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder in men that produces fluid for semen.

It's a relatively common condition that can affect men of all ages, but it's more common in men under 50.

Types of Prostatitis:

Prostatitis is broadly classified into four main types:

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: This is the least common but most serious type. It's caused by a bacterial infection and develops suddenly with severe symptoms.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: This type is also caused by a bacterial infection, but it's recurrent and can be harder to treat. Symptoms tend to develop gradually and persist over time.

Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS): This is the most common type of prostatitis, but it's also the least understood. It's characterized by pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, and/or sexual dysfunction lasting for at least three months. There is often no identifiable infection. CP/CPPS can be further subdivided into inflammatory and non-inflammatory types, based on the presence or absence of white blood cells in semen or prostatic fluid.

Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis: This type doesn't cause any symptoms, but inflammation of the prostate is detected during tests for other conditions (e.g., during a prostate cancer screening).

Symptoms:

Symptoms of prostatitis can vary depending on the type, but they may include:

Pain: In the groin, pelvis, lower back, perineum (the area between the scrotum and rectum), or testicles.
Urinary problems:
Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
Urgent need to urinate
Difficulty starting urination
Weak or interrupted urine stream
Painful urination (dysuria)
Sexual problems:
Painful ejaculation
Erectile dysfunction
Decreased libido
Flu-like symptoms (especially with acute bacterial prostatitis):
Fever
Chills
Body aches

Causes:

Bacterial infection: This is the cause of acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis. The infection can spread from the urinary tract or other areas of the body.
Nerve damage: Possible source for CP/CPPS
Muscle Spasms: Possible source for CP/CPPS
Incomplete emptying of the bladder: This can contribute to bacterial infections.
Other factors: The exact cause of CP/CPPS is unknown, but possible contributing factors include:
Previous urinary tract infections
Nerve damage in the pelvic area
Psychological stress
Autoimmune disorders
Chemical Irritation

Diagnosis:

A doctor will diagnose prostatitis based on your symptoms, a physical exam (including a digital rectal exam), and possibly tests such as:

Urine tests: To look for signs of infection.
Blood tests: To check for infection and other conditions.
Semen analysis: To look for bacteria or white blood cells.
Prostatic fluid examination: A sample of fluid from the prostate can be collected and examined.
Cystoscopy: A procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the urethra to examine the bladder and urethra.
Imaging tests: In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment:

Treatment for prostatitis depends on the type:

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: Antibiotics are the main treatment. You may also need to be hospitalized if your symptoms are severe.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: Antibiotics are also used to treat this type, but treatment may be longer-term.
Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS): Treatment for CP/CPPS is often aimed at managing symptoms and can involve a combination of therapies, including:
Alpha-blockers (to relax muscles in the prostate and bladder neck)
Anti-inflammatory medications
Pain relievers
Muscle relaxants
Physical therapy
Psychological counseling
Lifestyle changes (e.g., avoiding bladder irritants, stress management)
Alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, biofeedback)
Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis: Treatment is usually not required, but the doctor may monitor the prostate for any changes.

Important Considerations:

It's important to see a doctor if you think you may have prostatitis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome can be challenging to treat, and it may require a multidisciplinary approach.
Prostatitis is not prostate cancer, and it does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.
While prostatitis can be painful and disruptive, it is usually not life-threatening.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. They can properly diagnose your condition and recommend the best course of treatment for you.