Understanding the Different Types of Prostatitis | Tennessee Valley Urology Center

Did you know that prostatitis affects approximately five in every 10,000 men in the United States?

If you are affected by prostatitis, know that our team at Tennessee Valley Urology Center is here to help you through your condition so that you might return to a normal routine.

What Is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis is defined as the swelling and/or inflammation of the prostate gland, which is a walnut-sized gland positioned right below the bladder. The condition can be diagnosed in men of any age, and is the most common urinary tract issue for men younger than age 50.

The 4 Types of Prostatitis

There are four different types of prostatitis:

  • Acute bacterial prostatitis
  • Chronic bacterial prostatitis
  • Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, also known as CPPS
  • Asymptomatic prostatitis

Let’s take a look at how the types differ:

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis

This type of prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection. While acute bacterial prostatitis can occur due to various types of bacteria, E. coli is the most common.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is an uncommon type of prostatitis caused by bacteria. It can lead to swelling, inflammation and frequent urinary tract infections.

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Probably the most common type of prostatitis, CPPS is a non-bacterial version of the disease. There are two classifications for CPPS—inflammatory and non-inflammatory.

Asymptomatic Prostatitis

This type of prostatitis doesn’t cause symptoms, so often the first indicator of asymptomatic prostatitis is an elevated prostate-specific antigen level.

Because there are a number of conditions that can cause prostatitis in men, it is important to seek medical attention to ensure the right treatment method is delivered for each case.

Symptoms of Prostatitis

Men with some type of prostatitis may experience a range of symptoms, including:

  • Back pain
  • Bladder discomfort
  • Blood in urine
  • Chills
  • Discomfort or painful ejaculation
  • Dribbling after urination
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain during urinations

Treatment Options for Prostatitis

If you’re diagnosed with a type of prostatitis, a doctor can recommend a treatment option or combination of treatments to get you feeling as good as new. Potential treatments include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Biofeedback
  • Heating pads
  • Muscle relaxers
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
  • Pelvic floor rehabilitation
  • Prostatic massages
  • Surgery

Believe you could be experiencing prostatitis? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.