Nonbacterial Prostatitis

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body). Prostatitis is an infection or inflammation that causes the prostate to become painful and swollen. This narrows the urethra and can block the bladder neck. Prostatitis can cause urinary symptoms such as a burning sensation, pressure, or pain. Nonbacterial prostatitis is the most common form of prostatitis. In many cases, it’s annoying but not serious.

With a healthy prostate, urine flows easily through the urethra.

With an inflamed prostate, the urethra narrows. It’s harder for urine to go through.

Causes

With nonbacterial prostatitis, the prostate is inflamed (swollen), but not infected. Possible causes include:

• Stress, which tightens the pelvic muscles

• Not ejaculating often enough, which can make fluid build up in the prostate

• Unknown reasons

Symptoms

Symptoms of nonbacterial prostatitis are often vague and tend to be mild. They may include:

• Frequent urination

• Pain in the lower abdomen or back

• Pain with ejaculation

Treatment

Your healthcare provider may suggest one or more of the following to relieve symptoms:

• Anti-inflammatory or muscle-relaxing medications

• Hot baths

• Relaxing while urinating

• Drinking more fluids or changing your diet

• Ejaculating often (to help drain the prostate gland and relax the muscles)