Quick answer. Prostatitis is inflammation or infection of the prostate gland in men, causing pelvic or perineal pain and urinary symptoms. Most cases settle with treatment, but a high fever with the inability to pass urine is a medical emergency.
Prostatitis is one of the more common reasons men in Singapore see a urologist for pelvic discomfort and urinary trouble. It refers to inflammation of the prostate, the walnut-sized gland that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The condition can come on suddenly with fever and severe symptoms, or simmer for months as a nagging ache, and it affects men of all ages, not only older men.
This guide explains what prostatitis is, how it differs from an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH), how doctors diagnose it, and how it is treated. It also flags the warning signs that mean you should be seen urgently rather than waiting.
At a glance
| Type | Typical features | Usual approach |
|---|---|---|
| Acute bacterial prostatitis | Sudden fever, chills, severe pelvic pain, painful or difficult urination | Urgent assessment, antibiotics, sometimes hospital care |
| Chronic bacterial prostatitis | Recurrent urinary infections, lingering pelvic ache | Longer antibiotic course, follow-up |
| Chronic pelvic pain syndrome | Ongoing pelvic or perineal pain without proven infection | Symptom management, lifestyle measures, sometimes medication |
| Asymptomatic inflammation | No symptoms, found incidentally on tests | Often no treatment needed |
| With urinary retention | Unable to pass urine, severe pain | Emergency, see a doctor at once |
What is prostatitis?
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate produces fluid that forms part of semen, and because it wraps around the urethra, any swelling tends to affect how comfortably and easily a man can pass urine. Unlike an enlarged prostate (BPH), which is a gradual non-inflammatory growth seen mainly in older men, prostatitis can occur at any adult age and may be caused by infection.
Doctors group prostatitis into acute bacterial, chronic bacterial, chronic pelvic pain syndrome (the most common type, where no infection is found), and asymptomatic inflammation. It is a frequent reason for urology visits in Singapore, and while it can be uncomfortable and persistent, most forms are manageable.
Symptoms & signs
Symptoms vary with the type, but commonly include:
- Pain or aching in the pelvis, perineum (between the scrotum and anus), lower back or groin
- Painful, burning or difficult urination
- Needing to pass urine often, including waking at night
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- Pain or discomfort during or after ejaculation
- Fever, chills and feeling generally unwell (more typical of acute bacterial prostatitis)
Acute bacterial prostatitis tends to come on quickly and severely, while chronic forms cause longer-lasting, lower-grade discomfort that may come and go over weeks or months.
Causes & risk factors
Bacterial prostatitis is usually caused by bacteria entering the prostate, often from a urinary tract infection. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is less well understood and may involve nerve, muscle or immune factors rather than active infection.
Factors that can raise the risk include:
- A recent urinary tract infection or catheter use
- A previous episode of prostatitis
- Conditions that block urine flow, such as an enlarged prostate
- Certain sexually transmitted infections
- Pelvic injury or prolonged sitting
How it's diagnosed
A doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you, which usually includes a digital rectal examination to feel the prostate. Common tests include:
- Urine tests to look for infection
- Blood tests where infection or other prostate conditions are suspected
- Sometimes a swab or further tests to check for sexually transmitted infections
- An ultrasound or other imaging if an abscess or retention is a concern
These help separate prostatitis from other causes of pelvic and urinary symptoms, including BPH and bladder problems.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the type. Bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, sometimes for several weeks in chronic cases. Supportive measures help with comfort and recovery, including:
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication where appropriate
- Drinking enough fluids and avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol
- Medication to relax the bladder neck and ease urination in some cases
- Warm baths and pelvic floor measures for chronic pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome can take a more patient, combined approach over time. Most men improve, though chronic forms may need ongoing management.
When to see a doctor & which specialist
See a doctor if you have persistent pelvic pain, painful urination, or urinary symptoms that do not settle. Seek urgent care or call 995 if you have a high fever with rigors (violent shivering), severe pain, or you are completely unable to pass urine – these can signal a serious infection or acute urinary retention that needs emergency treatment.
Prostatitis is managed by a urologist. You can find one through the directory of best urologists in Singapore. If your main problem is gradual difficulty passing urine without infection, that points more towards an enlarged prostate (BPH), which is covered separately.
What to expect at the appointment
It helps to go prepared. Jot down when your symptoms started, how they have changed, and anything that makes them better or worse. The doctor will ask about urinary habits, pain, sexual health and any recent infections, and will usually perform a digital rectal examination to feel the prostate. A urine sample is commonly requested, so it can help to attend with a comfortably full bladder unless told otherwise. The visit is straightforward and the examination, while a little uncomfortable, is brief.
Self-management and lifestyle measures
Alongside any prescribed treatment, simple measures often ease symptoms, particularly in chronic pelvic pain syndrome. These include drinking enough water, reducing caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods that can irritate the bladder, and avoiding long periods of unbroken sitting. Warm baths can soothe pelvic discomfort, and gentle pelvic floor relaxation or physiotherapy helps some men. If you are on an antibiotic course, complete the full course even once you feel better, as bacterial prostatitis can recur if treatment is stopped early.
Common questions
Is prostatitis the same as prostate cancer?
No. Prostatitis is inflammation or infection of the prostate and is not cancer, though some symptoms can overlap. Your doctor can arrange the right tests if there is any concern.
Will prostatitis affect my fertility or sex life?
Most men recover without lasting effects. Ejaculation may be uncomfortable during a flare, but this usually settles as the inflammation improves. Raise any ongoing concerns with your doctor.
How long does it take to get better?
Acute bacterial prostatitis often improves within days to a couple of weeks of antibiotics. Chronic forms can take longer and may need a patient, combined approach over weeks to months.
Related guides
- Best Urology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- urology clinics directory
- Gout
- Pinched nerve
- Leukaemia
- Lymphoma
- Cervical cancer
Sources
- HealthHub Singapore – Prostate health
- NHS – Prostatitis
- Mayo Clinic – Prostatitis
- SingHealth – Urology
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