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Urology Health Channel

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Male reproductive anatomy

Prostatitis - bacterial acute

Definition

Acute prostatitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation or infection) of the prostate gland that develops rapidly.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Acute prostatitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection of the prostate gland. Any bacteria that can cause a urinary tract infection can cause acute bacterial prostatitis, including:

  • Enterococci
  • Escherichia coli
  • Klebsiella pneumonia
  • Proteus mirabilis
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Staphylococcus aureus

Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause acute prostatitis, typically in men younger than age 35. These STDs include:

Prostatitis from an STD usually comes soon after sexual contact with an infected partner.

In men older than age 35, E. coli and other common bacteria typically cause prostatitis. E. coli prostatitis may occur spontaneously or after:

Acute prostatitis may also develop from problems involving the urethra or prostate, such as:

Prostatitis is rare in young boys. Men ages 20 - 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

Prostatitis may occur with an infection in or around the testicles (epididymitis or orchitis), especially if it was caused by an STD. In this case, there will also be symptoms of the other condition.

Symptoms of acute prostatitis are more likely to start quickly and cause greater discomfort. They may include the following:

  • Abdominal pain (usually right above the pubic bone)
  • Burning with urination (dysuria)
  • Fever, chills, flush
  • Inability to completely empty the bladder (urinary retention)
  • Low back pain
  • Pain with urination (dysuria)
  • Pain with bowel movement
  • Pain with ejaculation
  • Pain in the area between the genitals and anus (perineal pain)

Other symptoms that may occur with this condition:

  • Blood in the semen
  • Blood in the urine
  • Decreased force of urinary stream
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Increased urinary frequency or urgency
  • Testicle pain

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