Overview
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland in men, which can come on suddenly with infection or grumble on for months. It causes pain around the groin, lower belly or when passing urine, along with urinary symptoms. Unlike an enlarged prostate, it can affect younger men too. Sudden bacterial prostatitis needs prompt antibiotics, while long-standing forms can be harder to treat and need a tailored approach.
Symptoms
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Pain in the groin, lower belly or between the legs
- Frequent and urgent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty or a weak urine stream
- Fever and chills in sudden bacterial cases
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for pelvic or urinary pain, and urgently for fever with chills and difficulty passing urine.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- High fever with chills and inability to pass urine — seek care immediately
Causes
Bacterial infection, sometimes spreading from a urine infection; in long-standing cases the cause is often unclear.