National Institutes of Health identified prostatitis in four different categories

 

Acute bacterial prostatitis:

An acute infection of the urinary tract. Symptoms include fever, chills, pain in the low back and genital area, body aches, urinary frequency, nocturia (nighttime frequency), painful urination (typically burning), and possible penile discharge. See your health-care provider immediately for antibiotic treatment if you suspect you have this condition.

 

Chronic bacterial prostatitis:

Recurrent infection of the prostate. This condition is rare (less than 5 percent of patients diagnosed). The symptoms mimic intermittent acute bacterial prostatitis. The treatment is a prolonged course of antibiotics. Men with this condition may require physical therapy if antibiotics don't help. Recurrent infections may be caused by incomplete urinary evacuation or by prostatic stones.

 

Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)/pelvic myoneuropathy:

May or may not occur with inflammation. Symptoms include discomfort or pain in the pelvic region including back, rectum, and/or penis. CPPS is also commonly associated with urinary symptoms, sexual difficulties, and pain with sitting.

 

This condition is considered chronic as it lasts longer than 3 months. Antibiotics typically DO NOT help with this diagnosis. This condition may be caused by myofascial trigger point pain or nerve inflammation. Treatment includes physical and behavioral therapy.

 

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis:

Typically, a person with this condition has no genitourinary symptoms, but higher levels of white blood cells have been identified during evaluation. Prostate cancer needs to be ruled out through a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test given by your urologist.