There are basically four types of prostatitis.  Males who experience prostatitis fall under one of these four types.  Prostatitis can affect males of all ages and ethnic groups.  It is treatable.  Prostatitis can be associated with a bladder infection.

Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate gland, which is treatable.

Acute bacterial prostatitis is an infection of the prostate that is often caused by some of the same bacteria that cause bladder infections. While it may be acquired as a sexually transmitted disease, the infection can also spread to the prostate through the blood stream, directly from an adjacent organ, or as a complication of prostate biopsy.

Patients with acute bacterial prostatitis present with signs of an infection and may have fever, chills and shakes.  It is common to have frequency of urination and at times painful urination.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is an uncommon illness in which there is an ongoing bacterial infection in the prostate. Chronic bacterial prostatitis generally causes no symptoms, however, on occasion; the low grade infection may flare and be associated with a bladder infection.  To rule out a bladder infection doctors will perform a urine test. The cause of chronic prostatitis without infection (chronic pelvic pain syndrome) is not known. This is a frustrating condition for the patient and the health care practitioner since there is controversy as to the aggressiveness of testing, and exactly what tests should be done. Often, this is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that blood tests, urine tests, x-rays and ultrasounds tend to be normal, yet the patient continues to suffer.

Chronic prostatitis without infection, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is a condition where there is recurrent pelvic, testicle, or rectal pain without evidence of bladder infection. There may be difficulties with painful urination or ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction.  The causes of chronic prostatitis without infection are not clearly understood.

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is exactly as its name describes. There are no symptoms. The cause of asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is not clearly understood.

A diagnosis for prostatitis is made through urinalysis.  The diagnosis is made by finding an abnormal urinalysis. Sometimes, a urinalysis is collected after prostate examination. This may allow some prostatic fluid to be expressed into the urine and cultured.

As with any medical condition it’s important to get the opinion of your trusted medical professional.  Early detection can lead to quicker treatment.  Your doctor can answer questions you have.  He or she can assist you with finding the best treatment option available. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare professional if your symptoms persist or return.