Bacterial infection is the most common cause of prostatitis. The bacteria can enter the prostate gland through the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

The symptoms of prostatitis can include painful urination, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and pain in the perineum, the area between the scrotum and the anus.

Prostatitis is diagnosed based on a physical exam, urinalysis, and prostate biopsy.

Prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, pain relievers, and sitz baths.

The complications of prostatitis can include prostate abscess, sepsis, and infertility.

The best way to prevent prostatitis is to practice safe sex, get regular prostate exams, and drink plenty of fluids.

Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is the most common type of prostatitis. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the prostate gland, but it is not caused by a bacterial infection.

Acute prostatitis is a sudden onset of symptoms, while chronic prostatitis is a long-term condition. Acute prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, while chronic prostatitis is not. Acute prostatitis is more common in younger men, while chronic prostatitis is more common in older men.

The risk factors for prostatitis include age, race, and sexual activity. Men over the age of 50 are at an increased risk for prostatitis. African American men are also at an increased risk for prostatitis. Men who have multiple sexual partners are also at an increased risk for prostatitis.

The long-term effects of prostatitis can include erectile dysfunction, infertility, and chronic pain.

The best way to manage prostatitis is with both medication and lifestyle changes. Medication can help to reduce inflammation and pain, while lifestyle changes can help to prevent prostatitis from recurring.

Lifestyle changes that can help to prevent prostatitis include drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and eating a healthy diet.

The prognosis for prostatitis depends on the type of prostatitis. Acute bacterial prostatitis is usually curable with antibiotics. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is more difficult to treat, but it can be managed with long-term antibiotics. Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is the most difficult to treat, and it can cause long-term pain and discomfort.

Research studies that are currently being conducted on prostatitis include studies on new antibiotics for treating prostatitis, studies on the role of inflammation in prostatitis, and studies on the development of new treatments for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.

You can find more information about prostatitis from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the American Urological Association (AUA), and the Prostatitis Foundation.