Web published 10/1/2003

Prostatitis is an inflammation of infection of the prostate gland. Acute prostatitis is seen more often in sexually active men between the ages of 30-50, while chronic prostatitis is seen more in men over 50. Both acute and chronic prostatitis are common disorders usually caused by bacteria and both are treated with antibiotics, sometimes for weeks to several months. Prostatitis does not cause damage to the kidneys or cause prostate cancer.

The symptoms of prostatitis can suddenly occur or develop gradually over time. These can be symptoms of fever, low back discomfort, burning on urination, frequency, a feeling of suddenly needing to urinate, difficulty getting the urinary stream started, and having to get up several times during the night to urinate. Some men also experience a feeling of discomfort between the scrotum and anus, the testicles, or at the end of the penis.

Men experiencing these symptoms should be evaluated to determine if other causes for these symptoms are present. Should prostatitis prove to be the cause of the symptoms, medications can be prescribed to help relieve them. All of our provider staff at Associated Urologists evaluate and treat patients for these symptoms which can affect a man''s quality of life. If these symptoms describe you, or someone you know, perhaps evaluation and treatment could prove helpful.