Diagnosis and Management of Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a common syndrome characterized by infection, pain and/or inflammation of the prostate or surrounding tissues. The diagnosis requires a careful history, physical exam, and localization of inflammation and/or infection to the prostate. Bacterial prostatitis is uncommon and characterized by acute or recurrent infection of the bladder, which usually responds to antimicrobial therapy. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is common and characterized by pelvic pain, no infection and varying degrees of prostate inflammation. Because the etiology is unknown, empiric therapy is utilized and only moderately successful. Asymptomatic prostatitis is detected in the course of evaluation for BPH, prostate cancer or infertility and should only be treated if the underlying condition warrants therapy.