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Signs & Symptoms of Acute Infectious Prostatitis

Your doctor will look for several common signs and symptoms of acute infectious prostatitis. He will then make a definite diagnosis through urine and semen cultures and examination. Once diagnosed, doctors usually treat acute infectious prostatitis with antibiotics and pain relievers. According to The University of Virginia Health System, acute bacterial or infectious prostatitis can occur in men of any age.

  1. Sudden Appearance

    • Symptoms come on suddenly. They will be severe, and you may mistakenly believe you have contracted influenza. See your doctor as soon as possible when sudden flu-like symptoms combine with the following signs.

    Chills and Fever

    • Chills and fever indicate an infection. Combined with other symptoms, you may initially suspect a urinary tract infection.

    Pain

    • Pain in the lower back, groin or lower abdomen may indicate acute infectious prostatitis. Because it is an infection, the swelling and inflammation will cause severe discomfort. You may also have pain in the testicles and penis. Due to the swelling, there may also be pain on urination or ejaculation. You possibly will also experience joint and muscle pain.

    Urination Difficulties

    • Urination difficulties, like frequent or burning urination, blood passed in the urine or a weak urine stream are nearly always present in acute infectious prostatitis. These symptoms may also suggest cystitis or bladder infection. In fact, bladder infection often occurs along with prostatitis. Older patients, with urination difficulty, may blame benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlargement of the prostate. This is a common condition as men age, according to The Arizona State Urological Institute. Your doctor will also rule out urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra.

    Blood in the Urine

    • The Cleveland Clinic states that some patients may see blood in their urine. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, often signifies infection or injury to the urinary tract. Examination should rule out kidney stones and cancers of the bladder, kidney or prostate. A blockage or narrowing of the urinary tract also occasionally causes blood in the urine. Blood clotting disorders, and even strenuous exercise, often produces blood in the urine. Colored foods, like beets, food colorings or medications may also change urine color.

    Examination

    • Your doctor may discover an enlarged and irregular prostate gland on digital examination. He will recommend more tests to rule out other conditions, including cancer.

    Lab Tests

    • If lab tests show white blood cells and bacteria in thr urine, this will be the best confirmation of acute infectious prostatitis.

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