The prostate is the gland that produces the fluid component of male reproductive fluid. It is about the size of a walnut and is located near the bladder. The urethra runs from the bladder to the genitalia through the prostate. The urethra allows urine to pass out of the body. Bacterial Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate which is caused by bacterial infection. The infection can be "acute" or "chronic" depending on severity and duration of the infection.
Bacterial Prostatitis can be very painful and distressing and you may experience the following symptoms:
Bacterial Prostatitis is usually caused by common strains of bacteria such as E-Coli, Proteus and Klebsiella but can occur in response to a range of issues such as:
If you experience fast breathing, fever, a fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, confusion or disorientation, this may be signs of sepsis (infection in the blood). Please seek medical attention immediately.
Acute Urinary Retention (not being able to urinate) is a medical emergency which requires drainage through a catheter in hospital.
It is important to visit your doctor particularly if you experience discharge from the genitals, any swelling of the testes or perineal pain. Your GP may test your blood and urine for infection. They will need to do a rectal examination and may need to obtain a sample of fluid from the prostate to test. They may also check how well your bladder empties using urodynamic tests.
Antibiotics are the most common treatment for Bacterial Prostatitis and it is important to visit your doctor as soon as you have symptoms to have a prescription to hand.