Signs of Prostate Infection

Prostate infection, also called prostatitis, is an infection of the prostate--a small organ that is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is walnut-shaped and is located beneath the bladder and surrounding the urethra. The urethra is the tube in which urine and semen pass out of the body. The prostate adds fluid to sperm as it passes through the urethra during ejaculation.

Types

• There are four types of prostate infections. The least common type is acute bacterial prostatitis, but it is possibly life-threatening. Another uncommon type of prostatitis is chronic bacterial prostatitis, in which bacteria is able to survive in a spot on the prostate causing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) that are caused by the same bacteria. The most common form of prostatitis is chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which may or may not cause an inflammatory response by the body. The last form of prostate infection is asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, which produces no discomfort or pain.

Symptoms

• A prostate infection can cause symptoms such as chills, fever, lower back pain, frequency and urgency of urination, increased amount of urination at night, pain or discomfort in the genital area, pain or burning with urination, painful ejaculation, pain between the rectum and penis, urinary tract infection and body aches. Or, a prostate infection may not produce any symptoms at all.

Diagnosis

• Your physician may diagnosis a prostate infection by a digital rectal exam to feel the prostate and urine samples. Your physician may need a urine sample before a prostate massage and one after to confirm a prostatitis diagnosis. Your physician will perform the prostate massage. To rule out other disorders and diseases, your physician may order additional testing such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, ultrasound, biopsy, bladder function test and blood tests. Not all tests will be indicated for all people. Your physician will decide the best tests depending on your situation.

Treatment for a Bacterial Infection

• If the prostate infection is caused by bacteria, it may be treated with antibiotic medication. A short hospital stay may be required for acute prostatitis, and you may need to take antibiotics for an additional 2 to 4 weeks after being discharged from the hospital. For chronic bacterial prostatitis, your physician may prescribe a small dose of antibiotics for up to 6 months to prevent a recurrence of your infection.

Treatment for a Nonbacterial Infection

• If your prostate infection is caused by a microorganism other than bacteria, your physician will prescribe a treatment based on your case and medical history. Treatment may involve a diet change, taking warm baths, anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants or a prescription medication to relax the muscle tissue of your prostate. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis requires no treatment.