Prostatitis
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. It ranges from a sudden bacterial infection with fever and urinary pain to a persistent, low-grade discomfort with no clear infectious cause. It is one of the most common urological complaints in men under 50.
Key points
- This gland inflammation spans a sudden feverish bacterial episode through to a nagging, low-level discomfort with no obvious infection behind it.
- A sudden case brings fever, chills and aching low in the back or perineum, whereas the ongoing form causes repeat urinary infections instead.
- One antibiotic group is favoured because it builds up to strong levels within the prostate itself.
- Clearing the infection fully from the gland typically calls for several weeks of treatment.
Recognising and treating a bacterial flare
Acute bacterial prostatitis typically arrives fast: fever, chills, pain in the lower back or perineum, and a burning sensation when urinating. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is subtler, with recurring urinary tract infections and lingering pelvic discomfort between episodes.
Bacterial prostatitis responds well to antibiotics that penetrate prostate tissue effectively. Fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin are commonly chosen because they achieve high concentrations in prostatic fluid. Treatment courses are typically long (several weeks) to clear infection from the gland fully.
If symptoms include high fever, inability to urinate, or severe pelvic pain, seek medical attention promptly as these may signal an abscess or systemic infection.