Does a GP consultation treat prostatitis?

Prostatitis describes inflammation or infection affecting the prostate. Symptoms may include pain or burning when passing urine, difficulty starting or maintaining flow, pelvic or lower back discomfort, urinary frequency, or pain with ejaculation. A GP will ask when symptoms began, examine you when appropriate, and consider a urine test or other checks. The consultation helps distinguish prostatitis from urinary infection, prostate enlargement and other causes of pelvic symptoms.

Treatment depends on the suspected cause and severity. If bacterial infection is likely, a clinician may prescribe an antibiotic and explain how to take it. Pain relief, fluids and follow-up may also be discussed. Symptoms can take time to settle, so completing prescribed treatment and reporting deterioration matters.

Arrange a GP appointment if urinary or pelvic symptoms persist, recur, or interfere with daily activities. Before the visit, note fever, changes in urine, pain location, medicines, allergies and any recent urinary procedure. Do not use leftover antibiotics, because the wrong medicine may delay effective care.

Follow the treatment plan and ask how progress will be checked. If symptoms do not improve as expected, contact the practice rather than stopping or changing prescribed medicine on your own. Read more about [Prostatitis](/conditions/prostatitis/) and [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/).

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot pass urine, develop a high fever with shaking chills, become confused or very unwell, or have severe worsening pelvic pain. These signs can indicate a significant infection or urinary blockage and need prompt assessment. If you are unable to urinate at all, treat this as an emergency.

Ask: What cause of prostatitis is most likely? Do I need a urine test or another examination? Which symptoms should improve first? When should I contact the practice again? Could another condition explain these symptoms?