What Is Acute Prostatitis?

What Is Acute Prostatitis?

Acute prostatitis is the sudden-onset (acute) inflammation of the prostate gland. Acute prostatitis is usually caused by the same bacteria that result in urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It can also be caused by infections in other parts of the male genitourinary tract.

What Causes Acute Prostatitis?

Acute bacterial prostatitis is often caused by common strains of bacteria. The infection may start when bacteria carried in urine leaks into your prostate. Sexually transmitted disease (STD’s) like chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause acute prostatitis.  Bacteria that is commonly associated as the cause for UTIs and prostatitis are:

  • Proteus
  • Klebsiella
  • E. coli

What Are The Symptoms?

With acute prostatitis, symptoms can develop quickly – typically over the course of just a few days. It usually occurs at the same time as a urine infection. Therefore, you may also have a bladder infection (cystitis). Germs (bacteria ) are found in your urine if a urine sample is taken. Some of the symptoms of acute prostatitis include:

  • Fever
  • Pelvic pain
  • Blood in the urine
  • Urinary frequency
  • Painful urination
  • Foul-smelling urine

How Is Acute Prostatitis Diagnosed?

Acute prostatitis is the least common of the prostatitis types and is the easiest to diagnose. If acute prostatitis is suspected, a urine culture will be done to test for the presence and type of bacteria. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. He or she will also perform a physical exam, which will likely include a digital rectal examination (DRE) to check for growths in the prostate gland or to see if it is larger than normal. Additional testing that may be conducted include:

  • Blood culture, to check for any bacteria in your blood.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of your pelvic area.
  • Transrectal ultrasound of your pelvic area.
  • Prostate specific antigen test (PSA).

How Is It Treated?

Treatment for acute prostatitis is aimed at curing the infection and preventing any further complications. Acute bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, pain and fever medicine, stool softeners, fluids, and rest. Most men recover quickly and treatment (usually at home) lasts for 4 to 6 weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe alpha-blockers such as doxazosin and terazosin which help to relax bladder muscles and decrease urinary discomfort.

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Dr. David Samadi M.D.


Dr. David Samadi is a board certified urologic oncologist trained in open and traditional and laparoscopic surgery and is an expert in robotic prostate surgery. He is Chairman of Urology, and Chief of Robotic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Dr. David Samadi is also part of the Fox News Medical A Team as a medical correspondent and the Chief Medical Correspondent for am970 in New York City. He has dedicated his distinguished career to the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and is considered one of the most prominent surgeons in his field.

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For more comprehensive information about prostate cancer, detecting prostate cancer, how to live with prostate cancer, and how to help support the fight against prostate cancer, please visit:
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