What are the types and causes of prostatitis?
Two types of prostatitis are caused by bacteria. • Acute bacterial prostatitis is a rare but serious infection that requires emergency treatment. It strikes suddenly and causes fever and chills in addition to the common symptoms. • Chronic bacterial prostatitis comes on more slowly and doesn’t usually cause fever and chills. This type may come and go over time. In about nine out of 10 cases, no clear cause can be found. This is called chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Doctors think the causes may include organisms other than bacteria, pelvic nerve or muscle problems, or problems with the structure of the prostate, bladder or urethra. Others think it may be caused by a problem with the immune system. How is it diagnosed? A doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a digital rectal exam. For this test, the doctor puts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel whether the prostate is swollen. A doctor will also do urine tests and blood tests. These can help identify what ty
