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Acute prostatitis
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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As a rule, acute prostatitis is easily recognized and successfully treated, so it does not cause any particular difficulties for urologists.
What causes acute prostatitis?
Acute prostatitis [ 1 ] is always infectious, most often caused by gram-negative bacteria (E coli, Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, etc.), which enter the prostate as a result of reflux of infected urine or ascending urethral infection, as well as by hematogenous or lymphogenous (from the rectum and urethra) routes. Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, etc.) are rare. [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]
Symptoms of acute prostatitis
Symptoms of acute prostatitis include a sudden increase in body temperature to moderately high or high numbers, chills and general malaise (including pain in the joints and muscles), pain in the lower back and in the perineal area, frequent urination and uncontrollable urge to urinate, and nocturia. [ 5 ]
How to recognize acute prostatitis?
Palpation through the rectum reveals a swollen, painful prostate, compacted, lumpy, and hot to the touch. The prostate secretion contains numerous leukocytes and macrophages, and secretion culture reveals abundant growth of pathogenic bacteria. It should be noted, however, that in the acute period, prostate massage (obtaining secretion) is not recommended, as it is not only very painful, but can also lead to bacteremia. Urine culture usually allows the establishment of pathogenic microflora that accompanies acute prostatitis. [ 6 ], [ 7 ]
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