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What is prostatitis?

Prostate is a fleshy walnut shaped gland found in males at the external opening of the bladder. Prostatitis refers to the inflammation of the gland. It can be painful but does not pose danger to life.

It accounts for approximately 2% of all prostate related items. It can affect young as well as older men.

Why is this condition caused?

The causes of prostatitis are not well understood. There is controversy as to the causes but bacteria; body’s tissues attacking the prostate (auto- immune disease) and trauma have been implicated. Prostatitis can be caused by bacterial infection but usually infection is absent and the reason is uncertain. It is not caused by any specific activity or action. Some possible reasons cited are stress, sexual abstinence, jet lag and long car trips.

What are the types of prostatitis?

It can be of two types: bacterial (which could be acute or chronic) and non bacterial prostatitis. Non bacterial prostatitis is usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. There could be remissions and relapses.

What is the difference between acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis?

Acute bacterial prostatitis (sudden episode) presents with fever and chills due to bacteria or bugs of the bowel infecting the urinary system via the blood stream.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis (persistent, long term infection) can continue after an acute form which was resistant to therapy. Sometimes this might be the initial presentation. The chronic form may recur and persist despite treatment. Both acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis are treated with suitable antibiotics. Please discuss with your urologist for further details.