The symptoms of bacterial prostate infections can be very painful if left untreated for too long. Recognizing the symptoms before they get out of hand is very important so that the problem can be treated before the infection causes life-altering damage.

Bacterial prostate infections are often caused by situations that can be easily avoided.

Bacterial prostate infections are often caused by situations that can be easily avoided. Unprotected sex accounts for at least two causes of bacterial prostate infections. Sometimes bacteria can enter the urethra, which leads to the prostate, during unprotected sex. In other cases, the infection can be caused by contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Of course, prostate infections can be caused by other means than unprotected sex. Another common cause is due to a backflow of urine into the prostate. When this happens, impurities in the urine can invite bacteria to form and multiply in the prostate, leading to infection.

There are two different forms of bacterial prostate infections, those being acute and chronic. Acute prostate infections can appear very quickly with painful symptoms from the onset. This form of the infection will sometimes need hospitalisation for treatment but it can usually be treated with antibiotics. Compared to the other form, acute prostate infections are rather rare. When the bacterial infections are recurring, they are called chronic bacterial prostate infections. While the symptoms are similar to acute prostate infections, these are often caused by an existing problem in the prostate that makes it easier for bacteria to travel to the prostate from the urinary tract. Again, antibiotics can treat the infection, but sometimes surgery will be needed .

The symptoms for both forms of prostate infections are similar. They include:

• Prostate enlargement due to inflammation
• Fever
• Pain the lower back and groin areas
• An overpowering urge to urinate

Men that experience these symptoms are encouraged to seek out medical help immediately. The earlier that these infections are treated, the sooner and easier they can be healed. Those infections that are left too long without treatment can develop into problems that are life altering and, in some cases, can even be life threatening.

Unfortunately, some men prefer to take a “wait and see” approach, or put off seeing the doctor because they fear receiving bad news or a bad diagnosis. This can be dangerous and can actually make the infections harder to treat. If you experience any of these symptoms, please visit the doctor as soon as possible, as it would be much easier to simply take a round of antibiotics than to have your life interrupted by a visit to the hospital.