From the Guidelines
Prostatitis symptoms should be promptly evaluated and treated based on the type of prostatitis, with acute bacterial prostatitis requiring immediate medical attention due to severe symptoms, while chronic bacterial prostatitis and non-bacterial forms may require a more tailored approach. Prostatitis symptoms vary depending on the type but commonly include pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, painful urination, increased urinary frequency or urgency, difficulty urinating, painful ejaculation, and sometimes fever and chills [ 1 ]. Acute bacterial prostatitis presents suddenly with severe symptoms including high fever, while chronic bacterial prostatitis involves recurring urinary tract infections with milder but persistent symptoms [ 1 ].
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis involves clinical presentation and laboratory tests, with the Meares and Stamey 2- or 4-glass test recommended for chronic bacterial prostatitis [ 1 ]. Treatment depends on the type, with antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for bacterial forms [ 1 ]. Non-bacterial forms may be managed with alpha-blockers, anti-inflammatory medications, warm baths, and avoiding irritants like alcohol and spicy foods.
Key Considerations
- Acute bacterial prostatitis requires immediate medical attention due to severe symptoms [ 1 ]
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis involves recurring urinary tract infections with milder but persistent symptoms [ 1 ]
- Non-bacterial forms of prostatitis may require a more tailored approach, including lifestyle modifications and alternative therapies [ 1 ]
- Prompt evaluation and treatment of prostatitis symptoms is crucial to prevent complications and improve quality of life [ 1 ].
From the FDA Drug Label
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis caused by Escherichia coli or Proteus mirabilis The FDA drug label does not answer the question about prostatitis symptoms.
From the Research
Prostatitis Symptoms
Prostatitis is a condition that affects the prostate gland, causing a range of symptoms. The symptoms of prostatitis can vary depending on the type of prostatitis, but common symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Urinary tract symptoms, such as dysuria, urinary frequency, and urinary retention
- Systemic symptoms, such as fevers, chills, nausea, emesis, and malaise
- Pain or discomfort in the genital area
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
Types of Prostatitis
There are several types of prostatitis, including:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis: an acute infection of the prostate gland that causes pelvic pain and urinary tract symptoms 2
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP): a type of prostatitis that is caused by a bacterial infection and can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections 3
- Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP)/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS): a type of prostatitis that is characterized by pelvic pain and lower urinary tract symptoms, but no evidence of a bacterial infection 3
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: a type of prostatitis that is characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland, but no symptoms 3
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of prostatitis is typically made based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and urine cultures 2. Treatment for prostatitis depends on the type of prostatitis and may include:
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections 2, 4
- Alpha blockers to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck 5, 6
- Pain medications to manage pain and discomfort
- Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding irritants and managing stress
Management of Chronic Prostatitis
The management of chronic prostatitis typically involves a combination of treatments, including:
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections 4
- Alpha blockers to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck 5, 6
- Pain medications to manage pain and discomfort
- Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding irritants and managing stress
- Alternative therapies, such as pelvic floor physical therapy and phytotherapy 3