Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, which is the gland surrounding the neck of the bladder and urethra in males. Prostatitis may be caused by bacterial infection or by unknown causes (nonbacterial prostatitis). It may, rarely, accompany cancer of the prostate. Bacterial prostatitis is usually caused by the same kind of bacteria found in the feces or intestines. The bacteria may reach the prostate through the bloodstream, the lymphatic system, or from the urethra or bladder. Risk increases with recent urinary tract infection, inadequate fluid intake, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Symptoms may include:
Feeling of urgency and burning with urination.
Waking to urinate at night
Difficulty starting urination or in emptying the bladder completely.
Pain between the scrotum and anus.
Fever, chills, joint and muscle aches.
Blood in the urine or semen.
Low back pain, and pain with a doctor's rectal examination of the prostate.

What your doctor can do:
A physical exam of the prostate.
Lab studies such as urinalysis, a culture of prostate secretions, and possibly blood tests.
Prescribe antibiotics, pain relievers and stool softeners to avoid constipation
Recommend hospitalization for 3 to 4 days if prostatitis is serious or if blood poisoning is suspected.
Recommend surgery if there is an abscess, although this is rare

What you can do:
Rest often and limit activities until fever and pain are gone.
Drink 8-10 glasses of fluids a day, especially water and other clear liquids. This will help to ensure an adequate urine flow
Take all antibiotics until they are gone, even if you feel better. They are usually ordered for 3 weeks.
Sit in a tub with 6 or 8 inches of warm water (106°F), for 15 minutes at least 3 times a day. Use a whirlpool bath, if possible.
Avoid alcohol, coffee, and spicy foods since these may irritate the urethra.
Reduce or eliminate sexually activity while infection is present
Prevent further episodes of prostatitis with early and thorough treatment of bladder infections.

What you can expect:
Possible complications include blood poisoning, chronic bacterial infections of the prostate or of the urinary tract, and an inability to pass urine, which may require insertion of a catheter to empty the bladder.

Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of prostatitis, if symptoms do not improve or worsen during treatment

Related THUCC Educational Pages (Medical Library Index)

• Bladder Infection (UTI, Cystitis)
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy)
• Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction)
• Kidney Infection
• Kidney Stone
• Low T (Low Testosterone, Hypotestosteronism)
• Prostate Infection (Prostatitis)
• UTI (Bladder Infection)