Prostatitis

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
• 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.

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
• 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.

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
• 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.

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.