What Increases Your Risk

Things that can increase your risk for prostatitis include:

• A recent urinary tract infection (UTI).
• Insertion of a urinary catheter or having a cystoscopy.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Injury, such as from riding a bicycle or horse.

If you have had chronic bacterial prostatitis, you have an increased chance of developing it again.

When To Call a Doctor

Contact your doctor immediately if you have sudden fever, chills, and urinary symptoms, such as pain or burning with urination or blood or pus in the urine. These symptoms may point to acute bacterial prostatitis.

Call your doctor if you have:

• Urinary symptoms and persistent pain in the low back, scrotum, penis, or the area between the scrotum and anus, or if you have pain with ejaculation or with a bowel movement.
• Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Discharge from your penis or sores on your genitals.
• Problems urinating, such as excessive nighttime urination, trouble starting urinating, decreased urinary stream, or frequent urination that is not related to drinking lots of fluids.

Watchful waiting

Most men will have some discomfort in their prostate (prostatitis) at some time during their lives. If you do not have a fever and chills or extreme pain, you may try home treatment for a few weeks. Take nonprescription pain medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, to relieve pain. But if your urinary symptoms and pain continue, be sure to see a doctor.

Who to see

Health professionals who can evaluate and treat your prostatitis include:

• Family medicine doctors.
• Internists.
• Urologists.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.