Chronic Prostatitis Symptoms

Prostatitis is a condition that results from inflammation of the prostate gland. The cause is generally unknown. It can occur after a bacterial infection in the genitourinary tract. Chronic prostatitis can follow an acute inflammation of the prostate gland. Bacteria associated with the condition include E. coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Proteus. Other suspected causes include tightening of the muscle of the pelvic floor, injury, a virus, yeast, an auto-immune disorder, stones in the prostate gland, an allergy to food, narrowing of the urethra (where urine comes out) and overgrowth of the tissues in the prostate gland, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.

Understanding the Symptoms

The prostate gland is located underneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. It wraps around the urethra. The result of chronic prostatitis is urinary symptoms and pain. Chronic prostate inflammation is also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome. In some cases, there are few or no symptoms. Chronic prostatitis is not easily treated and is rarely cured unless the cause is from bacteria, which can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Symptoms can come and go.

Common Symptoms

The most common urinary symptoms of chronic prostatitis include dysuria (painful urination), frequent urination, such as getting up several times during the night, weak stream and urinating small amounts at a time. Frequent infections of the bladder are also common.

Pain and Chronic Prostatitis

Pain associated with inflammation from chronic prostatitis occurs in the lower abdomen and perineum (between the rectum and scrotum). Testicular pain is possible during urination. Symptoms can be mild or severe. For some men, symptoms wax and wane, while other men experience consistent difficulties. Chronic prostatitis is considered the diagnosis when symptoms last more than 3 months.