Inflammation of prostate

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and is located below the bladder, surrounding part of the urethra. Because the urethra passes through the prostate, swelling or enlargement of the gland may compress the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine.

Prostate enlargement becomes increasingly common with age, particularly in men over 40–50. However, prostate enlargement and prostatitis are different conditions and may require different approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Prostatitis is a common urological condition that can affect men of different ages, including younger and middle-aged men.

Main Causes of Prostatitis in Men

Prostatitis may occur in acute or chronic forms. Unlike acute prostatitis, chronic prostatitis develops over a prolonged period. Symptoms may be mild, intermittent, or sometimes absent.

Depending on the cause, inflammation and symptoms associated with the prostate may be related to infection or other inflammatory and non-infectious processes affecting the prostate and pelvic region.

Causes and Risk Factors for Chronic Prostatitis

Factors that may contribute to the development or recurrence of chronic prostatitis include:

Poor personal hygiene;

Unhealthy lifestyle habits;

Sexually transmitted infections and other infections of the genitourinary system;

Various diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems;

Frequent or severe hypothermia;

Previous urological injuries;

Sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting, and low levels of physical activity;

Prolonged use of a urethral catheter;

Hormonal disorders;

Excess body weight.

Causes and Risk Factors for Acute Prostatitis

Factors associated with acute prostatitis may include:

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other bacterial infections;

Impaired blood circulation in the pelvic region;

Sedentary lifestyle;

Prolonged sexual abstinence;

Impaired immune function;

Frequent hypothermia;

Stress and excessive physical or psychological strain;

Hormonal imbalance;

Vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies.

Symptoms of Acute Prostatitis

Acute prostatitis usually develops suddenly and may cause pronounced symptoms, including:

Frequent and painful urination;

Pain in the groin, perineum, sacral region, or around the anus;

Sexual dysfunction;

Pain during bowel movements;

General weakness and malaise;

Fever;

Increased sweating.

Symptoms of Chronic Prostatitis

Discomfort or pain in the groin, suprapubic area, perineum, scrotum, rectum, or lumbosacral region;

Frequent and painful urge to urinate;

Pain or burning in the lower abdomen, either persistent or occurring during urination;

Weak or intermittent urine stream;

Shorter duration of sexual intercourse, erectile difficulties, decreased libido, or premature ejaculation;

Intermittent or persistent absence of spontaneous morning erections;

A pulling or aching sensation in the glans penis after ejaculation that usually resolves spontaneously within approximately 30 minutes.