There are four different kinds of prostatitis, each with different causes. Learn about the common symptoms of prostatitis, and when you should talk to a healthcare provider. If left untreated, prostatitis can lead to serious complications.
Frequent Symptoms
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located under the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube through which urine and semen leave the body during urination and ejaculation. Prostatitis can be caused by inflammation, infection, or both.
Three of the four types of prostatitis cause symptoms. The fourth, asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, is often found during a visit for another health concern.
Common symptoms across most types of prostatitis include:
Painful urination: Discomfort during or after emptying your bladderPainful ejaculation: Discomfort during the release of semenUrinary urgency: The feeling that you need to empty your bladder immediatelyUrinary frequency: The feeling that you need to pee oftenNocturia: Having to wake up often to urinate
Symptoms of Chronic Prostatitis (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome)
This type of prostatitis is the most common and is caused by inflammation that can irritate nerves in the area of the prostate. It is sometimes called chronic pelvic pain syndrome, or CPPS.
In addition to common prostatitis symptoms, people who have CPPS may also experience:
A weak or interrupted urine streamPain in the penis, lower abdomen (bladder or suprapubic region), lower back, or perineum (the region between the scrotum and the anus)
Symptoms of Acute Bacterial Prostatitis
Prostatitis can be caused by a bacterial infection, often Klebsiella or Escherichia bacteria from the colon. Bacterial infections should be treated promptly to avoid serious complications.
In addition to the common urinary symptoms, signs of bacterial prostatitis include:
FeverChillsMalaise (feeling generally ill)Fatigue
Your healthcare provider may find your prostate is swollen and tender upon exam.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
This type of prostatitis develops more slowly than acute bacterial prostatitis, and can sometimes last for months. Symptoms are less severe than with an acute infection and may come and go. But if a prostate infection lingers (becomes chronic), then urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur. UTIs are generally uncommon in males, and recurrent urinary tract infections in a male should prompt an evaluation for chronic prostatitis or other causes.
In addition to common urinary symptoms such as frequency or urgency, other symptoms include:
FeverPainBlood in the semen
Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis
This fourth type of prostatitis is commonly found during a medical examination for another condition. It does not cause symptoms, and does not require treatment.
Complications
If left untreated, prostatitis can cause serious complications, including:
Urinary retention: Sometimes, excessive swelling of the prostate can compress the urethra and prevent the release of urine. Urinary retention is a medical emergency. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you are unable to pass urine.
Urosepsis: If you are unable to empty your bladder, urine can back up into the kidneys and cause advanced urinary tract or kidney infections. If bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread through the body, this is called urosepsis. It can cause dizziness, slurred speech, extreme changes in body temperature (hot or cold), a rapid heartbeat, and/or trouble breathing.
Epididymitis and orchitis: Epydidymitis occurs when bacteria enter the epididymis (the region adjacent to the testis that stores and carries sperm from the testicles toward the vas deferens). Orchitis is inflammation or an infection of the testicles. These illnesses are characterized by pain and swelling in the testicles (one or both) and the scrotum. If left unchecked, these conditions can impact fertility.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should see your healthcare provider when you have symptoms of prostatitis. Sometimes these symptoms can signal other more serious conditions, including prostate cancer. Getting treatment for prostatitis can help prevent complications, including sexual dysfunction and infertility.
You should immediately seek medical help if you are completely unable to urinate, have problems or pain while urinating, have a fever and/or chills, see blood in your urine, or have a lot of pain and discomfort in your urinary tract or lower abdomen.
A Word From Verywell
Prostatitis is a common, yet bothersome condition that can impact men of all ages. Because it can cause complications, it is important to talk with your medical provider to be properly diagnosed and effectively treated.
