Prostatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Prostatitis?
A urologist, a doctor for the urinary tract and male reproductive system, usually treats prostatitis. A primary care doctor can start the evaluation and refer you. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is prostatitis?
Prostatitis is an often painful condition. It involves inflammation of the prostate and sometimes the areas around it. Inflammation means swelling and pain. The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system that makes a fluid that goes into semen. The gland sits just below the bladder. It is the most common urinary tract problem for men younger than age 50.
There are four types:
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, also called chronic prostatitis, the most common type.
- Acute bacterial prostatitis, which starts suddenly.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis, which happens when a bacterial infection keeps coming back.
- Asymptomatic prostatitis, which has no symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type and may not be the same for every man. Many symptoms are like those of other conditions.
In chronic prostatitis, the main symptom is pain or discomfort that lasts 3 or more months. It can be between the scrotum and anus, in the lower belly, penis, or scrotum, or in the lower back. Pain during or after ejaculation is also common. Needing to urinate right away can also happen. So can a weak or interrupted urine stream.
Acute bacterial prostatitis comes on suddenly and is severe. Symptoms can include fever and chills. A burning feeling or pain when urinating can happen. So can pain in the genital area, groin, lower belly, or lower back. Some men cannot urinate at all.
The chronic bacterial type has similar symptoms that are less severe. They may come and go, or they may be mild all the time.
Causes and who gets it
No one knows the exact cause of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. It may relate to chemicals in the urine or nerve damage in the pelvic area. It may also relate to the immune system's response to an earlier urinary tract infection. A bacterial infection of the prostate causes bacterial prostatitis. Bacteria may travel from the urethra into the prostate.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome can happen at any age. Nerve damage in the lower urinary tract from surgery or trauma may make chronic pelvic pain syndrome more likely. Stress may also raise the chance. Men with lower urinary tract infections may be more likely to get the bacterial type.
How doctors diagnose it
A provider uses your health history, a physical exam, and tests. The exam usually includes a rectal exam. The provider feels the prostate with a gloved finger. Tests may include a urine test, blood tests, and a semen analysis. You may be sent to a urologist.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis. For chronic pelvic pain syndrome, treatment aims to decrease pain and inflammation. No single treatment works for every man. Antibiotics will not help nonbacterial prostatitis. A urologist may still try them at first until a bacterial infection is ruled out. Warm baths, heat, and pelvic muscle exercises may also help.
A urologist treats the acute type with antibiotics. Severe cases may need a short hospital stay. There, you get fluids and antibiotics through an IV. Most cases clear up completely with medicine and small changes to diet. A urologist may also suggest drinking more liquids. The chronic type also gets antibiotics, but for a longer time.
When to see a doctor
The acute bacterial type comes on suddenly and is severe. Get medical care right away for sudden, severe symptoms, such as fever, chills, or not being able to urinate at all. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, faint, or have a sudden change in mental state. See a doctor if you have pelvic pain or discomfort that lasts 3 or more months. This is the main symptom of chronic prostatitis.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can do a first evaluation, help arrange urine tests, refer you to a urologist, and follow your care over time.
Common questions
Is prostatitis an infection?
Sometimes, but not always. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, the most common type, is not thought to be caused by a bacterial infection.
Do antibiotics treat all types of prostatitis?
No. Antibiotics will not help when bacteria are not the cause. They do treat bacterial prostatitis.
Can prostatitis cause other problems?
Yes, prostatitis can cause complications. These include a bacterial infection in the bloodstream and sexual dysfunction. They also include a prostatic abscess, which is a pus-filled cavity in the prostate.
Does prostatitis always need treatment?
No. Prostatitis with no symptoms does not need treatment. A provider may find it by chance during tests for other problems.
Sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Prostatitis: Inflammation of the Prostate
- MedlinePlus - Prostate Diseases
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
