Prostatitis (patient information)
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Overview
Prostatitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation or infection) of the prostate gland. When prostatitis is caused by an infection with bacteria, it is called bacterial prostatitis. Acute bacterial prostatitis is an infection that starts quickly. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is an infection that lasts for 3 months or more.
What are the symptoms of Prostatitis?
What causes Prostatitis?
Prostatitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection of the prostate gland. Any bacteria that can cause a urinary tract infection can cause acute bacterial prostatitis.
Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause bacterial prostatitis, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. STDs are more likely to occur from:
- Certain sexual practices, such as having anal sex without wearing a condom
- Having many sexual partners
In men over age 35, E. coli and other common bacteria usually cause prostatitis. This type of prostatitis may occur after:
Who is at highest risk?
Acute prostatitis may also be caused by problems with the urethra or prostate, such as:
- Bladder outlet obstruction
- Foreskin of the penis that cannot be pulled back (phimosis)
- Injury to the area between the scrotum and anus (perineum)
- Urinary catheter, cystoscopy, or prostate biopsy (removing a piece of tissue to look for cancer)
Men age 50 or older who have an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) are at increased risk for prostatitis. The prostate gland may become blocked, making it easier for bacteria to grow. Symptoms of chronic prostatitis can be very similar to symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland.