Signs of prostrate infection

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The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. It sits just under the bladder and produces a component in semen.

The urethra, a tube connecting the bladder to the penis, passes through the prostate and carries urine.
Bacteria can infect the prostate, and this may result in inflammation. The medical term for this is bacterial prostatitis. It can cause intense pain and changes in urination.

According to Medical News Today, Prostatitis is a common prostate problem that can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain and difficulty urinating. While there are different causes and types of prostatitis, bacterial infections can often result in inflammation of the prostate.

Types of bacterial prostatitis
When the cause is an infection, there are two main types of prostatitis:

1. Acute bacterial prostatitis
If a person has an acute, or short-term, prostate infection, symptoms are severe, and they develop suddenly. Acute prostatitis is uncommon, and the cause is always an infection.
The infection requires immediate treatment as the condition can cause serious complications.

2. Chronic bacterial prostatitis
Chronic, or long-term, bacterial prostatitis causes symptoms that tend to come and go over several months.
If an infection is responsible for the inflammation, the medical community calls this condition chronic bacterial prostatitis.
If there is a different cause, the condition is called either chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

What are the causes?
Acute prostatitis results from a bacterial infection. Bacteria from urine may flow backward from the urethra and spread to the prostate gland. If antibiotics do not kill the bacteria, prostatitis may recur and become chronic.
While other causes are less well understood, if a person does not have a bacterial infection, prostatitis may instead result from nerve damage in the lower urinary tract following surgery or trauma or due to the immune system’s response to a previous Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Risk factors
Some people are more likely to get prostate infections. Risk can include:
• using a catheter
• an abnormality in the urinary tract
• a current bladder infection or UTI
• a history of prostatitis episodes
• sustained injuries to the pelvis after undergoing procedures involving the urethra or prostate

Symptoms of Acute bacterial prostatitis
The signs appear suddenly and are severe. They can include:
• urine with an unpleasant odor
• blood in the urine or semen
• body aches
• burning pain while urinating
• difficulty urinating
• fever or chills
• frequent urination
• nausea
• nocturia (urinating 2–3 times per night)
• pain in the lower abdomen or lower back
• vomiting
Acute bacterial prostatitis requires prompt medical attention.

Signs of Chronic bacterial prostatitis

These symptoms may be mild to moderate and either develop gradually or come and go over several months.

Prostatitis to be chronic if symptoms are present for at least 3 months and include:
• an urgent need to pass urine
• bladder pain
• burning pain during urination
• difficulty passing urine
• frequent urination
• pain in the lower abdomen, back, or groin
• pain in the testes or penis
• painful ejaculation
• a UTI

Diagnosis
A doctor can order for various tests to diagnose prostatitis and rule out other conditions, such as prostate cancer. The results can also help to determine the best course of treatment.

Takeaway
Anyone with symptoms of a bacterial prostate infection should see a doctor immediately.
If a person does not receive treatment, the condition can cause complications, such as:
• an abscess in the prostate
• bacteremia (a bacterial infection of the blood)
• chronic pain
• epididymitis (inflammation at the back of the testes)
• infertility
• urinary problems