Infection on the prostate glands is described as prostatitis. It can be bacterial infection or just inflammation. It is one of the common problems in men below 50 years. Prostatitis can occur at any age but it is frequently found in young aged and middle aged men. This infection on the prostate gland can be either acute or chronic. At some point of their life, about 10-15% of all men experience prostatitis. Chronic (long lasting) prostatitis can cause repeated bladder infection.
Prostate gland is roughly walnut sized gland and is part and parcel of male reproductive system. It is found below the bladder and placed in front of the rectum. The major function of prostate gland is to produce semen so that it gets transported through the urethra.
Prostatitis Types :
- Acute Prostatitis :
It can cause sudden inflammation of prostate gland due to bacterial infection. The affected men would have increased urge to pass urine with sudden increased output of urine. They might have pelvic pain accompanied with symptoms like fever, chills and burning pain while passing urine. This type of prostatitis requires immediate treatment since it can cause bladder infection if left untreated. In severe cases, the patient will be hospitalized and treated with IV fluids and antibiotics.
- Chronic Prostatitis :
This type may last for many months causing repeated urinary tract infection. The symptoms are the same as acute prostatitis but it is less severe and hence difficult to be diagnosed. Oral antibiotics are prescribed for several weeks in this case.
- Nonbacterial Chronic Prostatitis :
This is the most common type of prostatitis occurring in most of the men. Major symptoms include urinary infection, pain in the genital areas and pelvic pain. It can cause inflammation of prostate gland.
Causes :
Exact cause of prostatitis is not known and still it is not clear why some men are getting infected and others not. Bacterial infection of prostatitis can occur when the bacteria gains entry into the prostate gland when there is backward flow of infected urine in the urethra. There is little chance that bacterial infection can take place through sex.
Risk Factors :