Prostatitis is the inflammation of the male prostate gland. The infection, which causes the inflammation of the prostate, is usually due to bacterial infections which have migrated from the male urinary tract.  The prostate gland is located in the pelvic region at the base of the penis and in front of the bladder. The prostate gland can be palpated by healthcare professionals through a manual rectal exam. The patient reclines on an examination table while the physician inserts a gloved finger through the anus. The gland can be found on the anterior wall canal of the rectum and manually palpated for size or abnormalities of tissue turgor. This procedure is relatively pain free and may produce the sensation of having a bowel movement.

Symptoms of prostatic inflammation generally causes referred pain to the groin region located between the base of the penis and the rectum.  Moderate to severe pain may also be referred to the lower back region along the buttocks area.  Patients may experience fever and chills if the inflammation has been ongoing beyond 24 hours.  Other symptoms common to this infection are frequent need to urinate or have urgent sensation to urinate.

Prostatitis can be caused by bacterial, protozoan, fungal, and viral infections. If the infection migrates into the scrotal region, the patient will experience severe swelling, pain, and enlargement of the scrotal sac, and can lead to male impotence.

Diagnosis and Treatment consists of the rectal exam mentioned above and assessing any further symptoms experienced by the patient. Immediate treatment should be initiated when the prostate tissue is enlarged and painful when palpated.  Generally, the examiner will attempt to obtain a fluid sample by adding pressure onto the prostate manually, followed by using a swab to obtain fluid expressed through the urethra, and obtaining a urine sample for culture.

For prostatitis caused by suspected viral infections your physician usually recommends frequent sitz baths (sitting in a warm water bath) several times per day for 15-20 minute intervals, manual ejaculation, increasing oral fluid intake and stool softeners, and intermittent manual prostate massage. All other infections usually will be treated in similar fashion with the exception of antibiotic therapy for a period lasting 30 to 90 days.