Urology Health Channel

Definition

Acute prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that develops suddenly.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Acute prostatitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection of the prostate gland. Any organism capable of causing an urinary tract infection (UTI) is also capable of causing acute bacterial prostatitis, including enterococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause acute prostatitis, typically seen in men younger than 35. These include gonorrhea, chlamydia, urealyticum, and trichomonas. Prostatitis from an STD typically closely follows sexual contact with an infected partner.

In men older than 35, E. coli and other common bacteria are more often the cause of prostatitis. E. coli prostatitis may follow urinary tract infections, urethritis, or epididymitis.

Acute prostatitis may also develop as a result of procedures involving the urethra, such as:

• Catheterization or cystoscope
• Trauma
• Bladder outlet obstruction
• An infection elsewhere in the body. Prostatitis is rare in young boys.

Prostatitis is diagnosed in approximately 2 of every 10,000 outpatient visits. Men between the ages of 20 and 35 who have multiple sexual partners are at an increased risk. Also at high risk are those who engage in anal intercourse, especially without using condoms.

Men age 50 or older who have an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), are at increased risk for prostatitis due to their risk of urinary tract infection.

Symptoms

Acute prostatitis often begins with chills and fever, lower abdominal discomfort, perineal pain (pain in the area between the genitals and the anus), and burning with urination.