Conditions

What is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis refers to the swelling and inflammation of the prostate. This is sometimes caused by a bacterial infection (acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis); however, the most common form of prostatitis is chronic prostatitis (with no bacterial cause), also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Prostatitis most commonly affects men aged between 30 and 50 years old.

Should you experience pelvic pain, urinary problems and painful ejaculation, contact a urologist to get evaluated for prostatitis today.

Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome)

This is the most common type of prostatitis; and unlike other types, is not caused by any infection. This means that pinpointing a cause is trickier. Studies suggest that chronic nonbacterial prostatitis could be the result of a series of events, such as past trauma that caused inflammation or nerve damage in the genitourinary system, or even prolonged mental stress.

As the symptoms are similar to chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is usually only diagnosed after antibiotics have been tried. Common symptoms include:

Difficulty passing urine
Painful urination
Difficulty and pain with ejaculation

The condition can be managed by medications that reduce the urge to urinate, that ease urinary flow, provide pain relief, and so on.

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis

This form of sudden-onset infection is typically caused by bacteria entering through the urethra or the rectum to reach the prostate. Though it is the least common form of prostatitis, it is the most severe and often the most alarming one due to its suddenness and intensity of symptoms.

As acute bacterial prostatitis is an urgent situation, seek immediate medical attention should you notice the following symptoms:

Sharp pain while urinating
Difficulty urinating
Painful retention of urine
Urgent need to urinate
High fever and chills
Joint and muscle ache
Significant fatigue
Pain around the base of the penis
Pain behind the scrotum

Antibiotics are the standard treatment and are usually highly effective at treating the condition.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

This form of prostatitis is caused by a milder bacterial infection that lingers for weeks or even months. Patients may get it after a urinary tract infection or after acute bacterial prostatitis.

Generally speaking, chronic bacterial prostatitis has similar symptoms as acute bacterial prostatitis, except that they are milder, come and go, and usually do not include fever.

Frequent urination
Urge to urinate
Painful urination
Pain in the rectum
Pain with ejaculation
Heaviness behind the scrotum

Antibiotics are the standard treatment for chronic bacterial prostatitis, but true to its name, it often recurs. Nonetheless, the recurrence can usually be managed with another course of antibiotics.

Dr Michael Wong

Medical Director & Senior Consultant Urologist
FAMS (Urology),FICS (USA),FRCS (Edinburgh),M Med (Surgery),MBBS (Singapore)

With over 30 years of experience, Dr Michael Wong is a reputable urologist of international standing. He is particularly passionate about the detection, prevention and treatment of prostate conditions; and is skilled in minimally invasive procedures for better outcomes. Over the years, Dr Wong has kept himself actively involved in leadership roles in renowned urological organisations around the world.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr Wong

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Prostate problems are common and can be benign or malignant. With timely diagnosis and treatment, you can regain a healthy and comfortable lifestyle.

For further enquiries, please contact our specialist clinic today

(65) 6838 1212

(65) 6838 1218

3 Mount Elizabeth Road, #10-09,
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510