What is Prostatitis
The prostate is a gland found only in men, which is located below the bladder, surrounding the urethra. It is about the size of a chestnut. The prostate produces seminal fluid, which when mixed with sperm, makes semen.
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland.
Men who have to have a catheter (tube draining the bladder) are at a higher risk of developing prostatitis.
There are four types of prostatitis:
Non-bacterial prostatitis is the most common form of this condition. Unfortunately however, it is also the least understood form. It can be a very painful condition, and can strike males of any age. While it may be treated with antibiotics and other drugs, these may have only limited success.Acute bacterial prostatitis is a sudden severe infection of the prostate caused by bacteria. It is the least common type of prostatitis, however it is the easiest type to diagnose. Symptoms include pain in the lower back and genital areas, chills and fever, painful or burning urination, and a general feeling of being unwell. This infection may or may not be due to a sexually transmitted infection. This form of prostatitis can usually be treated with antibiotics.Chronic bacterial prostatitis is basically a more long-term form of prostatitis. It is usually associated with some underlying defect in the prostate, and is quite uncommon. Symptoms can include pain in the lower back and genital areas, mild pain on urination, and a frequent need to urinate. Antibiotics alone usually aren't enough to combat this form of prostatitis, as the defect which is causing it has to be dealt with first.Prostatodynia: This is similar to non-bacterial prostatitis. It can affect men of all ages and many treatments are ineffective. 