🦠microbiology review

Prostatitis

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland often caused by bacterial infection. It can lead to urinary symptoms and pelvic pain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Prostatitis can be acute or chronic, with acute cases being more severe and sudden in onset.
  2. Escherichia coli is the most common bacterial cause of prostatitis.
  3. Symptoms include painful urination, difficulty urinating, and pelvic pain.
  4. Chronic prostatitis may not always involve a bacterial infection but could be due to non-bacterial factors.
  5. Diagnosis typically involves urine tests, prostate secretion analysis, and sometimes imaging studies.

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