The symptoms are similar for all types of prostatitis, with the exception of acute bacterial prostatitis. In the acute form of the disease, symptoms are severe, come on suddenly, and include fever and chills.
Signs of the chronic forms of prostatitis may be milder and come on gradually over weeks or months. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder), conditions that cause the prostate to swell can press on the urethra and cause pain or problems with urination. Typical symptoms of chronic prostatitis include:
- A frequent urge to urinate, although you may only pass small amounts of urine.
- A burning sensation during or after urination (dysuria).
- Difficulty starting urination, interrupted flow (urinating in waves rather than a steady stream), weaker-than-normal urine flow, and dribbling after urinating.
- Excessive urinating at night (nocturia).
- A sensation that the bladder cannot be emptied completely.
- Pain or discomfort in the lower back, in the area between the testicles and anus, in the lower abdomen or upper thighs, or above the pubic area. Pain may become worse during a bowel movement.
- Pain or vague discomfort during or after ejaculation.
- Pain above the penis.
In some men, symptoms may be hardly noticed or only slightly annoying. Other men are quite bothered by chronic prostatitis and find that the symptoms interfere with work, leisure activities, and sexual enjoyment.