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Prostatitis

Also called Inflammation of the prostate or Chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Prostatitis is when the prostate gland becomes swollen and painful. Acute prostatitis comes on suddenly, is usually caused by a bacterial infection and can be serious. Chronic prostatitis lasts for 3 months or more and often has no clear cause. It can affect people of any age with a prostate.

Last updated Nov 9, 2026

What it is

Acute prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, sometimes in hospital.

Chronic prostatitis can be harder to treat. Painkillers, medicines to relax the bladder, physiotherapy and support can help.

Common signs

  • Pain in the pelvis, genitals, lower back or bottom
  • Pain when peeing or needing to pee often
  • Difficulty peeing
  • Pain when ejaculating
  • High temperature and chills in acute prostatitis

How it is usually diagnosed

  • Questions about symptoms
  • Rectal examination
  • Urine tests
  • Sometimes blood tests or scans

Records worth keeping

Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:

  • Urine test results
  • GP or urology notes
  • Prescriptions

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Is this caused by an infection?
  • How long should I take antibiotics?
  • What can help if the pain continues?

When to get help right away

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

  • Being unable to pee, or a high temperature with shaking and feeling very unwell: get urgent help, call 112

This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.

Sources

Related conditions

Enlarged prostateA common, non-cancerous growth of the prostate in older men that can make peeing slower and more frequent.Urinary tract infections (UTIs)Infections of the bladder, urethra or kidneys. They are common, especially in women, and are often treated with antibiotics.Prostate cancerCancer of the prostate gland, the most common cancer in men. It often grows slowly, and some cases only need monitoring.