There are four main types of prostate infections:
• Acute bacterial prostatitis: inflammation of the prostate gland caused by bacteria such as E-Coli and Klebsiella. It is most common in men age 40 to 60.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis: when prostate infections keep coming back, despite appropriate treatment. This is found most often in men age 50 to 80.
• Nonbacterial prostatitis: when the prostate gets inflamed without an infection. This is most common in men age 30 to 50.
• Prostatodynia, sometimes called chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS): the occurrence of prostatitis symptoms, without inflammation or bacterial infection.
What Causes Prostatitis?
There are several potential causes for prostatitis. For example, the bacteria that causes acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis can get into the prostate from the urethra by backwards flow of urine into the prostate ducts. This is not contagious, and it is therefore not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease. Your sexual partner will not be able to get this infection from you. Certain medical procedures can increase the risk of contracting bacterial prostatitis. If you have had a catheter or other surgical instrument inserted into your urethra, you may be more at risk for getting an infection.
In acute bacterial prostatitis, you may experience sudden severe pain; this may lead to you seeking emergency medical care. You may also experience chills, a fever, severe burning during urination, and an inability to totally empty the bladder. In chronic bacterial prostatitis, the symptoms are very similar, although it will not produce a fever.
If you have chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, you may experience painful urination. You might also have discomfort in the perineum, bladder, testicles, and penis, as well as difficult and painful ejaculation.
Here at Texas Center for Urology, we have the expert staff and state-of-the-art facilities to quickly and accurately diagnose your prostate issues. If you suspect you may have an infection, give us a call.