Prostatitis Whakawaikura repe tātea

There are 2 main types of prostatitis.

The most common type is chronic (long-term) prostatitis. Long-term prostatitis develops slowly, and the symptoms come and go over several months.

The other type is acute (sudden) prostatitis. This type is rare and can be serious. With acute prostatitis, symptoms are severe and come on suddenly. You often get an infection in your wee (urine) at the same time.

Urine infections (cystitis)

Prostatitis can affect men of any age, but it is more common in men aged 50 and younger.

It is not clear what causes long-term (chronic) prostatitis, though it is not usually caused by an infection. Acute prostatitis is always caused by an infection.

Risks factors for prostatitis include having:

• a history of prostatitis
• a recent urinary tract infection
• a urinary catheter
• a prostate biopsy
• HIV infection or AIDS
• a previous injury to your pelvis.

The symptoms are similar to the ones you get with an enlarged prostate.

Prostate enlargement

Long-term and acute prostatitis symptoms can both include:

• a severe or nagging pain around your penis, testicles, lower back or stomach — it can be worse during or after sex
• blood in your wee (urine) or cloudy wee
• pain or a burning feeling when weeing (urinating)
• needing to go to wee more often (particularly at night)
• difficulty weeing, such as dribbling or difficulty starting.

Acute prostatitis may cause general body aches and pains. You can also sometimes have a high temperature (fever) and a discharge of thick fluid from the end of your penis.

If your symptoms come on suddenly, you need immediate treatment.

It can be hard to diagnose prostatitis. The symptoms can be quite similar to those in other conditions. You may have various tests to rule out some of the other conditions.

Your healthcare provider may:

• take a urine and blood test to look for signs of infection
• perform a digital rectal examination.

A digital rectal examination is when the healthcare provider gently inserts a lubricated gloved finger into your bottom to examine your prostate by feeling it.

The treatment depends on the cause of your prostatitis and may include:

• antibiotics to treat an infection caused by a germ (bacteria)
• pain relief such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs, for example ibuprofen
• medicines such as doxazosin and finasteride to help relax the muscles, which may relieve some symptoms.

If you have long-term prostatitis, treatment may also include:

• physiotherapy 
• counselling to help manage stress or worry that may be linked with long-term pain.

Pain relief medicines for adults

Doxazosin — My Medicinesexternal link

Finasteride — My Medicinesexternal link

If your symptoms are severe, you do not respond to treatment, or you need further investigation, your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist doctor (urologist).

There are some things you can do that may help ease some symptoms of prostatitis. 

• Soak in a warm bath.
• Avoid or limit alcohol, caffeine and spicy or high-acid foods — they can irritate your bladder. 
• Drink plenty of water — this makes you wee more and helps flush out bacteria from your bladder.