The prostate is a small gland just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. It is normally about the size of a walnut, but often grows larger in older men, causing urinary difficulties. When the prostate swells or grows inflamed, men sometimes assume that their age is catching up with them; the reality is that those traits are also prostatits symptoms. In that case, discomfort is not a sign of age, it is a sign of a serious problem.
Prostatitis is classified according to causative agent, and the National Institutes of Health recognizes four categories of the condition. Each type of prostatitis comes with its own set of symptoms.
Category 1: Acute bacterial prostatitis
Acute bacterial prostatitis symptoms appear suddenly and include the following:
This type of prostatitis is usually caused by bacteria in the large intestine, but it may also be prompted by bacteria that spreads from a urinary infection. It is a potentially serious condition that requires antibiotic treatment. If you experience any of the above symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Category 2: Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
Chronic bacterial prostatitis symptoms are similar to those of acute bacterial prostatitis, but they develop more slowly, are usually less severe and may come and go. Additional symptoms often present include a fever and recurring bladder infections.
The cause of chronic prostatitis is not always clear. Sometimes it develops after a bout of acute bacterial prostatitis, especially if the patient did not finish the entire course of antibiotics. This infection requires a stronger, longer course of antibiotics than in acute cases. Pain relievers can relieve discomfort until the infection clears.
Category 3: Nonbacterial Prostatitis
Nonbacterial prostatitis symptoms resemble chronic bacterial prostatitis, but without a fever. The only way to tell the two categories of prostatitis apart is to run lab tests to determine whether or not bacteria is present. Tests can be performed on urine or semen samples.
The cause of this form of prostatitis is most likely physical damage or irritation of the prostate. It is also possible that it involves infectious agents other than bacteria. The only treatment available is symptom relief and time.
Category 4: Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
As the name implies, this type has no symptoms. It is usually found during a routine examination or during tests for another problem and rarely requires treatment.
Unusual physical symptoms should always be evaluated by a doctor so that you can receive appropriate treatment.
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