What is prostatitis?

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, the gland located under the man's urinary bladder that helps produce semen. It is one of the most common disorders of the male genitourinary system.

What symptoms does it present?

Symptoms vary depending on whether the prostatitis is caused by a bacterium or if it has no bacterial origin. The most frequent symptoms that may suggest that there is an inflammation of the prostate are urinary:

• feeling a burning, stinging or itching when urinating
• frequent need to urinate
• blood in the urine

In addition, prostatitis can cause fever and chills.

If you have any of the symptoms above, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

In cases of chronic bacterial prostatitis, other symptoms may occur such as:

• discomfort in the testicles
• painful ejaculation
• erectile dysfunction
• loss of libido

Causes of prostatitis or why it occurs

In most cases acute prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection. For chronic prostatitis, it is not clear what the cause is. Your are more likely to develop acute prostatitis if:

• you use a urinary catheter
• you have a sexually transmitted infection or HIV
• you injure your pelvis

Chronic prostatitis is more common among men between the ages of 30 and 50, and you are more likely to have prostatitis if it is has occurred before.

Can it be prevented?

Not all types of prostatitis can be prevented. However, good personal hygiene and practising safe sex is essential to prevent bacteria from spreading to the prostate and causing it to swell.

What is the treatment?

When the cause is an infection, prostatitis is treated with antibiotics for several weeks to remove the prostate bacteria. Generally, treatment lasts between four and six weeks, lengthening the time if necessary.

In cases of acute prostatitis, the patient may need to be hospitalised and receive antibiotics through the serum.