The symptoms of prostate disease vary by what type of prostatitis you have. Depending on whether the disease is acute or chronic will determine the severity and duration of the symptoms. Bacterial prostatitis may be caused by urinary tract infections, while there is no known cause for asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Chronic prostatitis can be either bacterial or nonbacterial.
Chronic Prostatitis
Chronic prostatitis may be characterized by painful, slow or difficult urination. Frequent urination or experiencing an urgency to urinate, especially at night, are also symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. As the inflammation of the prostate gland increases, it may restrict the flow of urine or cause pain during ejaculation. Pain in the lower back, abdomen or in the groin area near the penis may be an indicator of prostatitis, as well. Chronic prostatitis may cause discomfort so severe that a person's quality of life is affected. The inability to sleep caused by pain and the urgency to urinate can lead to fatigue and a compromised immune system. Sexual performance may also be hampered due to pain and pressure associated with the obstruction of the urethra.
Acute and Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
Bacterial prostatitis is sometimes caused by urinary tract infections where urine backs up into the prostate gland. Acute bacterial prostatitis is characterized by high fever, chills, intense pain and discomfort in the genitals. Fatigue and feeling poorly are common symptoms. In some cases, nausea and vomiting may also occur.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis refers to repeated bouts of acute bacterial prostatitis that linger for long periods of time. The symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis can range from mild to severe. In some cases, no symptoms are present.
Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatis
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is usually found during a prostate exam, or if a person's white blood cell count is found to be higher than normal during a blood test. There are few symptoms, or none at all, to indicate anything out of the ordinary is wrong. The prostate may become enlarged or inflamed in such a way that it does not affect the flow of urine or ejaculation.
References
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing: Balch, 2006
- Mayo Clinic: Prostatitis
- Merck Manual: Prostatitis
- Prostate Disease: Symptoms of Prostate Disease
