Unlike prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate, prostatitis can affect men of all ages.
Here’s an updated look at the different types of prostatitis, common symptoms, causes, risk factors and the treatment options currently available in 2026.
Prostatitis is the swelling or inflammation of the prostate gland. It can be caused by either a bacterial infection or nonbacterial factors and may lead to pain, discomfort and difficulty urinating.
While some cases clear up quickly, others can become chronic and require long-term management.
What Is the Prostate?
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. Its main role is producing semen, the fluid that carries and protects sperm.
About the size of a walnut, the prostate sits just below the bladder and surrounds the upper part of the urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis. It also helps transport semen during ejaculation.
Types of Prostatitis and Common Symptoms
There are four main types of prostatitis:
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis
This occurs when bacteria enters the prostate through the urinary tract, causing a sudden infection. Although less common than other forms, it can become serious quickly and may require urgent medical treatment.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Burning or painful urination
- Pelvic, lower back or groin pain
- Pain behind the scrotum
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Fatigue and body aches
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
This is a recurring bacterial infection of the prostate that may last for several months. Symptoms often come and go and tend to be milder than acute bacterial prostatitis.
Symptoms may include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Painful urination or ejaculation
- Pelvic, rectal or lower back pain
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Weak urine flow or urinary blockage
- Ongoing discomfort in the genital area
Chronic Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)
Also known as CPPS, this is the most common type of prostatitis. In many cases, no bacterial infection is found.
Researchers now believe CPPS may be linked to a combination of factors including pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, nerve sensitivity, inflammation, stress, immune responses or previous infections.
Symptoms can include:
- Ongoing pelvic pain lasting three months or more
- Pain in the penis, testicles, perineum, lower abdomen or lower back
- Pain during urination or ejaculation
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Sexual dysfunction or discomfort after ejaculation
Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis
This occurs when the prostate is inflamed but causes no noticeable symptoms. It is often discovered incidentally during testing for other urinary or prostate conditions.
In most cases, treatment is not required.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the risk of developing prostatitis, including:
- Middle age
- Previous prostatitis infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Pelvic injury or trauma
- Use of urinary catheters
- Enlarged prostate or urinary retention
- Stress and chronic tension
- Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
- Recent prostate biopsy or urinary procedures
- Weakened immune system, including HIV/AIDS
Bacterial prostatitis develops when bacteria from the urinary tract enters the prostate gland. If acute infections are not fully treated, they can sometimes become chronic.
For nonbacterial prostatitis, the exact cause is not always clear. Current research increasingly points toward nerve inflammation, immune system responses and pelvic muscle dysfunction playing a significant role.
How Is Prostatitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis may involve:
- A physical examination, including a digital rectal exam
- Urine and blood tests
- STI screening
- Prostate fluid testing
- Ultrasound or imaging scans
- Cystoscopy in some chronic cases
Because symptoms can overlap with other prostate and urinary conditions, proper assessment by a healthcare professional is important.
Treatment Options for Prostatitis
Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis and the underlying cause.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics remain the primary treatment for bacterial prostatitis. Depending on severity, treatment may last anywhere from two to twelve weeks.
Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain management medications may help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
Alpha Blockers
These medications help relax muscles around the bladder and prostate, improving urine flow and reducing urinary symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor therapy has become increasingly common in treating CPPS and chronic pelvic pain. Physiotherapists can help reduce muscle tension and improve pelvic floor function.
Lifestyle Changes
Many patients benefit from:
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol
- Managing stress levels
- Avoiding prolonged sitting
- Staying hydrated
- Regular gentle exercise
- Heat therapy such as warm baths
Surgery
Surgery is uncommon but may be considered in severe cases involving urinary obstruction or other complications.
When to See a Specialist
You should seek medical attention if you experience:
- Fever with urinary symptoms
- Blood in urine or semen
- Severe pelvic pain
- Difficulty urinating
- Symptoms lasting longer than a few weeks
- Recurrent UTIs
Early treatment can help prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes.
Treating Prostatitis With a Urology Specialist
Dr Arianayagam is a very experienced urologist and has extensive experience in dealing with all urological conditions.
If you have any further questions about Urologic Cancer and would like to book an appointment, please feel free to contact or call on 1300 307 990.
