Prostatitis is a name used for several conditions, not one uniform illness. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) describes four types: chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.
Why the type matters
Symptoms can overlap, but causes and treatment can differ. Bacterial prostatitis involves infection; chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is more complex and is not simply “an infection that never went away.” That is one reason antibiotics should not be self-selected from a symptom list.
Symptoms worth documenting
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower abdomen, penis, scrotum or lower back.
- Pain or burning with urination.
- Urinary frequency, urgency, weak or interrupted stream.
- Pain during or after ejaculation.
- Changes that are sudden versus symptoms that have persisted for months.
When the situation becomes urgent
Seek prompt medical attention for complete inability to urinate; painful/frequent/urgent urination with fever and chills; blood in urine; or severe discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen and urinary tract.
Why symptoms can be misleading
Urinary problems can also be associated with urinary tract infections, bladder conditions, benign prostatic hyperplasia and other causes. A clinician may use history, examination and medical testing to narrow the possibilities.
A better next question
Instead of asking “Do I have prostatitis?”, try: “What details about timing, pain, urination, fever, previous infections and medicines will help a clinician assess this?” That question is more useful and safer.
Sources and scope
This guide is educational and is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. See our source notes and medical disclaimer.