Prostatitis is swelling and irritation of the prostate gland.

The condition is called Bacterial Prostatitis when it is caused by an infection with bacteria.

• Acute bacterial Prostatitis starts quickly.
• Chronic bacterial Prostatitis lasts for 3 months or more.

Ongoing irritation of the prostate that is not caused by bacteria is called chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Acute Prostatitis can start quickly and can include:

• Chills
• Fever
• Flushing of the skin

Symptoms of Chronic Prostatitis are similar, but not as severe. They often begin more slowly. Some people have no symptoms between episodes. Symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine
• Burning or pain with urination (dysuria)
• Difficulty starting to urinate or emptying the bladder
• Foul-smelling urine
• Weak urine stream
• Pain or achiness in the abdomen above the pubic bone, in the lower back, in the area between the genitals and anus, or in the testicles
• Pain with ejaculation or blood in the semen
• Pain with bowel movements

Diagnosis

Your Ohio State urologist may perform a physical exam, including a digital rectal exam. A prostatic massage may help determine whether you have an infection in the prostate gland. Urinalysis may also be used to determine a diagnosis.

Treatment

Antibiotics are often used to treat prostate infections. If your swollen prostate gland makes it hard to empty your bladder, you may need a tube to empty it.

These practices may also help:

• Urinate often and completely.
• Take warm baths to relieve pain.
• Take stool softeners to make bowel movements more comfortable.
• Avoid substances that irritate your bladder, such as alcohol, caffeinated foods and drinks, citrus juices, and hot or spicy foods.
• Drink more fluid (64 - 128 ounces per day) to urinate often and help flush bacteria out of your bladder.