Prostatitis refers to the swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland. It is classified into two main types: bacterial (acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis) or non-bacterial (chronic or asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis). While men of all age groups may be affected, prostatitis tends to affect those aged between 30 and 50 years old.

Types of Diagnosis For Prostatis

Diagnosing prostatitis involves ruling out other potential causes of symptoms and determining the specific type of prostatitis present. This may include the following tests: Assessment of personal and family medical history, Urine and semen tests for signs of infection, Blood tests for signs of infection and other prostate problems, Prostatic massage and testing of secretions, and Imaging tests like a CT scan of your urinary tract or an MRI of your prostate.

What is Acute Bacterial Prostatitis (ABP)?

Acute bacterial prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection and, although rare, can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. If you encounter any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention: Painful inability to empty your bladder (Urinary retention), High fever and chills, Nausea and vomiting, Frequent urge to urinate, and Painful or burning feeling during urination. The primary treatment for acute bacterial prostatitis is a course of antibiotics, as they have proven effectiveness in combating the infection.

What is Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis (CBP)?

Chronic bacterial prostatitis also occurs from a bacterial infection. Unlike ABP, symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis are gradual, milder, come and go, and may take longer to treat; they include: Painful urination or ejaculation, Trouble starting a urine stream, Urinary retentiong, Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night, and Pain and discomfort around the genital area, groin, lower abdomen, or lower back. Between episodes of chronic bacterial prostatitis, you might exhibit no symptoms or only minor ones. Antibiotics are also the primary treatment for chronic bacterial prostatitis.

What is Chronic Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome?

Chronic prostatitis is the most common type of prostatitis. It occurs when the prostate becomes inflamed despite the absence of bacterial infection. Although the exact cause is often unknown, studies suggest potential links to chemicals in the urine, the immune system’s response to past urinary tract infections, or nerve damage in the pelvic area. Common symptoms of prostatitis include: Pain around the pelvic area, Urinary frequency and urgency, and Painful urination or ejaculation. Once bacterial infection has been ruled out, treatment for this type of prostatitis involves holistic care with lifestyle changes, medications to relieve inflammation and pelvic floor physiotherapy.

What is Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis?

As the name suggests, asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis does not cause symptoms. It is usually found only by chance when undergoing tests for other conditions. This type of prostatitis does not cause complications and does not require treatment.