Bacterial prostatitis symptoms: what to know

Bacterial prostatitis can irritate the urinary passage and inflame the prostate. People may need to urinate frequently or urgently, find it difficult to start or maintain the stream, or feel burning during urination. Pain may be felt in the pelvis, lower back, groin, or between the genitals and anus. Fever, chills, sweats, and a sudden sense of illness can accompany the urinary symptoms. These features can overlap with a urinary tract infection and need clinical assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Contact a GP promptly when urinary symptoms are new, painful, or joined by fever or pelvic discomfort. Note when the symptoms began, whether urine flow has changed, and any medicines or recent procedures. A clinician may examine you and request a urine sample before choosing treatment. If antibiotics are prescribed, follow the instructions and report worsening symptoms or troublesome reactions. Drink fluids unless another clinician has told you to restrict them, and avoid using leftover medication.

Get urgent medical help if you are unable to pass urine, become confused or faint, have severe pain, repeated vomiting, or develop shaking chills with a high fever. These signs can indicate a serious infection or urinary blockage. Seek prompt review when symptoms worsen quickly, do not start improving with treatment, or return after treatment. Emergency services are appropriate for collapse, severe breathing difficulty, or inability to stay awake.

Which symptoms point toward prostatitis? Do I need urine testing or another examination? How can I monitor urine flow at home? Which changes mean I should seek urgent care?