Acute prostatitis
Other names	Acute bacterial prostatitis [1]
Specialty	Urology
Symptoms	Sudden onset pelvic pain, fever, pain with urination [2]
Complications	Urinary retention, prostate abscess, sepsis, chronic prostatitis [2] [3]
Usual onset	20s or 30s [1]
Causes	Bacterial infection [2]
Risk factors	Urinary tract infection, urinary catheter, prostate biopsy, sexually transmitted infection, anal sex [2]
Diagnostic method	Based on symptoms, examination, urine testing [1]
Differential diagnosis	Pyelonephritis, urethritis, prostate cancer [3]
Treatment	Antibiotics, pain medication [2]
Frequency	Rare [3]

Acute prostatitis is a type of prostatitis which is sudden in onset. ^[2] Symptoms may include significant pelvic or lower back pain, fever, and pain with urination. ^[2] Complications may include urinary retention, prostate abscess, sepsis, and chronic prostatitis. ^{[2] [3]}

Acute prostatitis is usually due to a bacterial infection of the prostate gland. ^[2] While various types of bacteria may be involved, E. coli is most common. ^[1] Risk factors include urinary tract infections, urinary catheters, prostate biopsy, sexually transmitted infections, and anal sex. ^[2] Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms, examination and urine testing. ^[1] Doing a prostate massage during the exam is not recommended. ^[1]

Treatment is generally with antibiotics for two to four weeks. ^[2] Pain medications may also be required. ^[2] A urinary catheter may be placed if retention is present. ^[2] Alpha blockers and NSAIDs may be useful to decrease the swelling. ^[1] Outcomes are usually good with treatment. ^[2]

Acute prostatitis is rare. ^[3] It makes up about 5 to 10% of prostatitis cases. ^[3] Those in their 20s and 30s are most commonly affected. ^[1] Prostatitis was first described by Verdies in 1838. ^[4]

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