Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate and its surrounding tissues. There are currently four identified types of this condition recognized by medical professionals:
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis
- Acute bacterial prostatitis
- Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Urologists usually diagnose asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis when testing for other genitourinary disorders. This type of prostatitis does not require treatment and will not cause lasting damage.
The cause of chronic pelvic pain syndrome is unknown. Researchers suggest that it may be related to chemicals found in urine, nerve damage in the pelvis, or the immune system’s response to a previous infection (typically UTI).
Meanwhile, acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis occur when bacteria invade the prostate. The acute type develops suddenly and then fades in a short time, while the chronic type develops slowly and may last for years.
Prostatitis is a common urinary tract problem for men younger than 50 and the third most common one for men older than 50. Its symptoms include:
- Pain during or after urination
- Frequent urination
- Weak urine stream
- Pain in the genital area, groin, lower back, lower abdomen, or pelvis
- Body aches
- Urinary retention
- Nocturia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
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