Does prostatitis cause difficulty passing urine?

When the prostate becomes inflamed, swelling around the urinary passage can make it harder for urine to leave the bladder. You may wait before the stream starts, need to strain, pass a weak stream or dribble afterwards. Burning, pelvic pain, discomfort between the scrotum and anus, urgency and fever can occur as well.

Sudden bacterial prostatitis can make symptoms appear quickly and may cause a person to feel ill. Longer-lasting prostatitis can involve recurring urinary difficulty or pelvic discomfort without fever. Benign prostate enlargement, a urinary infection, a urethral narrowing and certain medicines can create similar symptoms, so the pattern needs assessment.

Arrange a prompt clinical review for new or worsening difficulty passing urine. Explain whether symptoms started suddenly, whether you have fever or chills, and how much urine you are passing. A clinician may examine you, test urine and check for retention. Do not use leftover antibiotics or stop regular medicines without advice.

Seek urgent help if no urine comes out, your lower abdomen becomes painful or swollen, or you develop fever, chills, vomiting, confusion or severe weakness. Acute urinary retention and severe infection require prompt medical attention.

Ask whether prostatitis is the likely source of the obstruction, whether urine testing is needed before treatment, and how to monitor your flow. Ask what symptoms should trigger urgent review and when your symptoms should be reassessed.