A prostate infection occurs when there is an inflammation or infection of the prostate gland. One type of prostate infection called prostatitis occurs when the prostate gland becomes swollen and slowly inflamed over time, according to the National Institutes of Health. Prostate infection symptoms can include frequent, painful or burning urination, and an urgent need to urinate.
Frequent Urination and Prostatitis
Frequent urination is one symptom that you may experience with a prostate infection such as prostatitis. You may also experience the need for repeated trips to the restroom, since this is one way the body tries to rid itself of an infection. Additionally, acute bacterial prostatitis may also present with symptoms associated with the sudden onset of any infection including fever, chills, nausea and a generally feeling of malaise. Chronic prostatitis is associated with frequent urinary tract infections. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of an acute and chronic prostate infection are common strains of bacteria. Infection may occur when bacteria in the urine "leaks" from the urethra into the prostate. While the body attempts to fight a bacterial infection such as prostatitis, there may be discharge and tenderness in and around the prostate gland. Other symptoms experienced may be similar to, or accompanied by infections such as a urinary tract infection or urethritis. Until fully treated, your doctor may recommend reducing caffeine and other fluid intake to lessen the need to urinate.
Painful or Burning Urination
Another symptom that may be experienced with a prostate infection can be painful or burning urination. Michael Blute, author of the book "Mayo Clinic on Prostate Health," states that the pain and burning sensation you may experience while urinating is due to the surrounding tissues and glands being inflamed. This symptom is similar to a urinary tract infection. Symptoms of a chronic prostate infection may be similar to those of acute infection, but are not as severe. These symptoms typically start more gradually. You may have no symptoms in between an episode, or you may experience symptoms all the time, according to the National Institutes of Health. Some known risk factors associated with developing a prostate infection may include trauma near the prostate or groin area possibly from bicycling, dehydration, or exposure to a contaminated urinary catheter.
Constant and Urgent Need to Urinate
The feeling of needing to constantly urinate is another symptom of a prostate infection. You may have just gone to the restroom, but immediately feel that you need to urinate again. Many times a prostate infection will cause sensitivity in nerve receptors in the bladder and signal your brain that you need to urinate when the bladder is empty, says author Michael Blute. According to the Mayo Clinic, many complications due to prostate infections can be reversed if treatment is administered in a timely manner. Complications of prostate infections include infertility, repeated flare-ups and the inconvenience of needing to urinate frequently, which may lead to emotional trauma.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Prostatitis
- National Institutes of Heatlh: Prostate
- "Mayo Clinic on Prostate Health"; Michael Blute M.D.; 2003
