Although any man can develop prostatitis at any age, there are some conditions that put a man at greater risk for developing this condition.

Learn more about these conditions that may put a man at greater risk.

Recent bladder, urinary tract, or other infection elsewhere in the body

Injury or trauma to the perineum (the area between the scrotum and the anus)

Abnormal urinary tract

Enlarged prostate

Rectal intercourse

Recent procedure involving the insertion of a urinary catheter or cystoscope

What are the symptoms of prostatitis?

The following are the most common, general symptoms of prostatitis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: urinary frequency and/or urgency, burning or stinging sensation during urination, painful urination, reduced stream volume during urination, rectal pain and/or pressure, fever and chills (usually present with an acute infection only), lower back and/or pelvic pain, discharge through the urethra during bowel movements, sexual dysfunction and/or loss of libido (sex drive), throbbing sensations in the rectal and/or genital area

The symptoms of prostatitis may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is prostatitis diagnosed?

The most effective treatment for prostatitis depends heavily upon an accurate diagnosis. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for prostatitis may include the following:

Urine culture, including triple-void urine specimen collection (Also called three-glass urine collection method.) – often used in collaboration with the prostate stripping procedure, the three-glass urine collection method involves collecting and evaluating the prostatic fluid and urine for the presence of white blood cells and bacteria.

Digital rectal examination (DRE) is a procedure in which the physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to examine the rectum and the prostate gland for signs of cancer.

Prostate stripping (Also called massaging.) is a procedure in which prostate fluid is collected for examination. This procedure is usually performed during a digital rectal examination (DRE) and involves the physician “stripping” the prostate gland to drain fluid into the urethra. This fluid is then examined under a microscope to detect the presence of inflammation and/or infection.

Cystoscopy (Also called cystourethroscopy)  is an examination in which a scope, a flexible tube and viewing device, is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urinary tract for structural abnormalities or obstructions, such as tumors or stones.

Once a diagnosis has been made your physician can go over all of the treatment options and together you can decide on the course of treatment that is right for you.