Version July 2025
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What is prostatitis? —
This is inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate gland makes some of the semen, the fluid that is released during sex. The prostate gland forms a ring around the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the end of the penis (figure 1).
What is chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome? —
This is a type of prostatitis. It is also called "CP/CPPS."
People with CP/CPPS have pain in the groin area. They can have other symptoms, too, such as pain with urination and problems with sex. "Chronic" means that the symptoms last for at least 3 months, or go away and come back.
Doctors do not know exactly what causes CP/CPPS.
Another type of prostatitis is "bacterial prostatitis." This is when symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection. CP/CPPS is not caused by bacteria.
What are the symptoms of CP/CPPS? —
Symptoms can include:
●Pain when you urinate
●Feeling like you have to urinate much more often than normal
●Suddenly needing to urinate in a hurry
●Pain in or near the groin or genitals
●Pain or trouble with ejaculation
CP/CPPS does not cause a fever. If you have a fever, it's more likely that you have bacterial prostatitis.
Should I see a doctor or nurse? —
Yes. If you have any of the above symptoms, see your doctor or nurse. They can figure out if your symptoms are caused by CP/CPPS or something else.
You should also call your doctor or nurse right away if you have:
●A lot of pain in your groin or genitals
●Trouble urinating
●Fever or chills
These symptoms might mean that you have a problem other than CP/CPPS.
Is there a test for CP/CPPS? —
No. Doctors diagnose it by checking for, and ruling out, infection and other conditions that might be causing symptoms. This involves asking questions, doing an exam, and ordering tests.
Your doctor or nurse will test your urine for bacteria. This tells them if your symptoms are related to a bacterial infection. They might also do a rectal exam, which involves putting a finger in your anus to feel your prostate.
If there is no bacteria in your urine, your doctor might do more tests. If they cannot find a clear cause for your symptoms, they might conclude that you have CP/CPPS.
How is CP/CPPS treated? —
Your doctor can prescribe medicines to help with your symptoms. These might include medicines to help with pain, inflammation, and urination. If you have CP/CPPS, antibiotics will likely not help.
Although there is not a lot of evidence, some people also find that other things help, such as:
●Physical therapy – This involves working with a physical therapist who is trained in pelvic muscle issues. They can use special techniques to help you relax certain muscles.
●Exercise – Walking, or other forms of physical activity, can improve symptoms.
●Cognitive behavioral therapy – This involves talking with a psychologist or counselor. They can help you learn ways to cope with your symptoms.
●Acupuncture – This is when someone who knows traditional Chinese medicine inserts tiny needles into your skin.
If none of the above treatments help, your doctor might recommend seeing a urologist. This is a doctor who specializes in urinary problems.
Patient education: Bacterial prostatitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) (The Basics)
Patient education: Urine culture (The Basics)
Patient education: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Beyond the Basics)
