This is the most common type of prostatitis. This condition primarily causes pelvic pain, but other symptoms may also occur. Although the causes for chronic pelvic pain syndrome are not well understood, it is not caused by a bacterial infection. This type of prostatitis may persist intermittently for some time and occurs mostly in younger men. Some studies show a link between higher stress levels and the onset or amplification of chronic pelvic pain syndrome symptoms.
Acute bacterial prostatitis
This is a bacterial infection of the prostate. Bacteria can also spread to your prostate from your bladder, intestines, or blood stream. Symptoms can develop quickly and this condition can be very serious and may require hospitalization with intravenous antibiotic therapy. Symptoms associated with acute bacterial prostatitis include fever and pain in the thighs, lower back, and pelvic region. There may also be a complete inability to urinate (acute urinary retention). This condition can be caused by a urinary infection, a biopsy, or the use of a catheter.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis
This is an infection caused by bacteria that can last for more than three months. Symptoms vary with time and are not as serious as acute bacterial prostatitis. Chronic bacterial prostatitis can develop from a bacterial infection when bacteria remain in the prostatic region. Men having previously suffered from a urinary infection or inflammation of the urethra are more at risk of developing this type of prostatitis.
Non-bacterial prostatitis or asymptomatic prostatitis
This type of prostatitis causes an inflammation of the prostate. This type of prostatitis does not cause any symptoms and is generally detected by chancewith a prostate biopsy. Causes are unknown.