Conditions and diseases

Prostate infection

Symptoms and causes

Symptoms and causes

What is it?

A prostate infection, prostate inflammation or prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that produces a number of excipients that are added to the sperm cells during ejaculation.

Prostatitis can occur at any age, but the problem is most common among young and middle-aged men. Although it can be an unpleasant condition to live with, it very rarely poses a dangerous health problem. If you suffer from prostatitis, this does not mean, for example, that you have a greater predisposition for prostate cancer.

In addition to bacterial infections, prostatitis can also be caused by inflammation due to tension in nearby muscles or problems in nearby nerves.

Symptoms

  • Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or genital area
  • Urinary symptoms, such as a burning sensation while urinating or more frequent peeing
  • Sexual symptoms such as pain during ejaculation

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

  • Painful prostate on rectal examination
  • Urine analysis
  • Transrectal ultrasound

Treatment

  • Antibiotics in case of prostate infection
  • Pain relief
  • A bladder probe is sometimes necessary

Treatment centres and specialisations

Treatment centres and specialisations

Latest publication date: 15/05/2024
Supervising author: Dr Ameye Filip