How does bacterial prostatitis differ from non-bacterial prostatitis?
The short answer is the presence (bacterial) or absence (non-bacterial) of bacteria. Otherwise they are very much alike. With the exception of fever and chills (which is seen with acute bacterial prostatitis), men with other types of chronic prostatitis have similar symptoms including urgent, frequent, and painful urination, and physical complaints such as genital, pelvic, and lower abdominal pain. The physical examination is also similar between the various categories of chronic prostatitis. Findings range from a normal prostate exam to varying degrees of swelling and tenderness.
