Dr. G. Jagannatha Reddy

Prostatitis is a very common infection of the prostate. However, it is worth to note that prostatitis can also be an inflammation of the prostate without infection. Only 5 to 10 percent of prostatitis is caused by bacterial infection. Prostate cancer does not normally have its chances increased by prostatitis. There are several forms of prostatitis, including acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (which is also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome).

The exact cause for prostatitis is not known, but here are some factors which increase its risk, particularly acute bacterial prostatitis.

Possible causes:

1. Medical instrumentation: Putting an instrument like a urinary catheter may well cause prostatitis.
2. Rectal intercourse: This is basically another name for anal sex.
3. Abnormal urinary tract: The urinary tract comprises of the bladders, kidneys, ureters and urethra. If any one of these organs gets infected, then prostatitis is much more likely.
4. Bladder infection: A bladder infection may well spread to the prostate.

Symptoms
Prostatitis has a variety of symptoms. Here are the most common symptoms of prostatitis.

1. Constant need of urination: This is one of the most common symptoms of prostatitis.
2. Difficulty when urinating: Just like the constant need of urination, difficulty urinating is also a sign that you may have prostatitis.
3. Pain while urinating: This is because the prostate gland is a part of your urinary tract and if it does not work properly, there will be pain.
4. Chills and fever: This is a rarer symptom, but may indicate prostatitis if it is coupled with the other symptoms.
5. Pain in perineal area and genital organs: If you are experiencing pain in genital organs, than it may indicate prostatitis. 
6. Painful ejaculations or relief of perineal pain after ejaculations: If you are having painful ejaculation or the pain arises after ejaculation, then it may be due to prostatitis.
7. Hematospermia: Pinkish or brownish semen.

If these symptoms are persistent or bothersome, then a proper consultation is required. Evaluation includes physical examination along with few simple tests. This can be followed by proper treatment for cure or relief of symptoms. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an urologist and ask a free question.