Prostatitis

Prostatitis is swelling of the prostate, the gland below the bladder in men. Prostatitis symptoms include burning with urination, pain between the scrotum and rectum, and sometimes fever. A bacterial prostate infection is treated with antibiotics.

What Is It

Acute bacterial prostatitis comes on quickly with fever and urinary symptoms. Chronic prostatitis causes pelvic pain that comes and goes for months. Prostatitis can affect men of any age, but it is most common between 30 and 50. It is not cancer and does not raise cancer risk.

Symptoms

Burning or pain with urination
Needing to pee often or urgently
Trouble starting or a weak stream
Pain between the scrotum and rectum
Low back, groin, or lower belly pain
Fever and chills with an acute infection

Not sure it’s prostatitis? Burning with urination without pelvic pain may be a UTI. Severe pain in the side or back that comes in waves may be kidney stones.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider reviews your symptoms, examines you, and tests your urine. Bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, often for longer than a simple UTI. Confidential STD testing may be part of the visit. Pain that keeps returning may need a urologist.

At home:

Drink plenty of water
Take warm baths to ease pelvic pain
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods
Use over the counter pain relievers as directed

Acute prostatitis usually improves within a few days of treatment, but finish the full course.

When to Get Care for Prostatitis

Watch at Home

Mild pelvic discomfort that is improving on treatment
No fever and urinating normally

Come to Urgent Care Today

Burning with urination and pelvic or low back pain
Fever or chills with urinary symptoms
Trouble starting your stream or a weak stream
Symptoms returning after treatment

Go to the Emergency Department

Unable to urinate at all
High fever with shaking chills
Severe pain with vomiting
Confusion or feeling faint with a fever

FAQ

What are the first signs of prostatitis?

The first signs of prostatitis are often burning when you pee, needing to go often, and pain between the scrotum and rectum. Acute infections can also cause fever and chills.

What causes prostatitis?

Prostatitis is often caused by bacteria from the urinary tract. Some cases have no clear cause and are linked to pelvic muscle tension or inflammation.

Is prostatitis the same as a UTI?

Prostatitis is not the same as a UTI, but they can share symptoms. Prostatitis also causes pelvic pain and usually needs a longer course of treatment.

How long does prostatitis last?

Acute bacterial prostatitis usually improves within a few days of treatment, which lasts several weeks. Chronic prostatitis can come and go for months and may need a specialist.

Can urgent care treat prostatitis?

Yes, urgent care can treat prostatitis. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine you, test your urine, and offer confidential STD testing. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is prostatitis an emergency?

Prostatitis is an emergency when you cannot urinate at all, have a high fever with shaking chills, or feel confused or faint. Go to the emergency department.

Last reviewed October 2026