What is a prostate infection? The prostate is a walnut-sized organ located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. Seminal fluid from the gonads (testes) also passes through the urethra. Several types of infections can affect the prostate. Some men with prostatitis have no symptoms at all, while others report multiple, including intense pain. What types of prostatitis are there? There are four types of prostatitis: Acute bacterial prostatitis: This type is the least common and lasts a short time. It can also be a life-threatening condition if left untreated. This is the easiest type of prostatitis to diagnose; Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Its symptoms are less intense and develop over several years. It is more likely to affect young and middle-aged men and cause recurrent urinary tract infections. Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome: This condition causes pain and discomfort around the groin and pelvic area. It can affect men of all ages. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: In this, the prostate is inflamed, but there are no symptoms. It is usually found when a doctor diagnoses another problem. What are the causes of prostatitis? The cause of prostate infection is not always clear. For chronic prostatitis, the exact cause is not known and suspected causes may be: Microorganisms; An immune system may react to a previous urinary tract infection; Immune system reacts to nerve damage in the area In acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, the cause is bacterial infections. Sometimes bacteria can enter the prostate through the urethra. There is an increased risk of prostate infection when using a catheter or having a medical procedure involving the urethra. Other risk factors include: Bladder obstruction; Infection; Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs); An enlarged prostate or an injury that can promote infection; What are the symptoms of prostatitis? Symptoms of prostate infection vary depending on the type. Symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis are severe and appear suddenly. Immediate medical attention should be sought for: Burning or pain during urination; Nausea and vomiting; Body aches; Inability to empty the bladder; Fever and chills; Abdominal or lower back pain A doctor should be sought if any of the following symptoms persist for more than a few days: Experiencing problems urinating; Need to urinate frequently; Nocturia, or the need to urinate two or three times a night, may also have a foul odor or blood in the urine or semen, or a feeling of severe pain in the lower abdomen or when urinating. These may be signs of prostatitis from an acute bacterial infection. Bibliography:National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). What I need to know about prostate problems