Prostatitis is a common, often extremely painful condition that can sideline men of all ages. It can be caused by a bacterial infection, inflammation in the prostate gland or other problem.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is the most common type of prostatitis, but isn’t caused by an infection. Instead, it is caused by inflammation in the prostate and irritation of the surrounding nerves. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, painful ejaculation, and pain in the bladder, testicles and penis.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a relatively uncommon form of prostatitis that can last for a long period of time. Diagnosis requires a culture of urine and prostate fluid. Symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, painful ejaculation, and pain in the bladder, testicles and penis.

Acute bacterial prostatitis requires a urine test to determine if bacteria is responsible for the sudden onset of fever, chills, painful burning during urination and difficulty draining the bladder.

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is not caused by an infection and does not have any symptoms. It is caused by inflammation in the prostate, and may be found during a health check for another issue.

Bacterial prostatitis is caused by bacteria that work their way up the urethra.

Nonbacterial prostatitis may be triggered by stress, nerve inflammation or irritation, a urinary tract infection or pelvic injury.

Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) may be treated with antibiotics even though the cause of inflammation or irritation is unknown and tests do not indicate the presence of bacteria. Otherwise, anti-inflammatory or pain-reducing medications may be prescribed to soothe irritated nerves.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is treated with a long course of antibiotics (usually four to 12 weeks). For cases that don't respond to oral antibiotics, long-term, low-dose antibiotics are prescribed to ease symptoms.

Acute bacterial prostatitis is treated with a 14-day course of antibiotics. Some men may be admitted to the hospital and given antibiotics through an IV. A catheter may be used to drain the bladder. Almost all infections that start quickly are cured with this treatment. If the initial round of antibiotics doesn't work, a different antibiotic is prescribed.  

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is not caused by an infection and does not have any symptoms. It does not require treatment.