There are many possible causes of prostatitis, which occurs when the prostate gland becomes swollen and inflamed. For example, in some cases, a man develops this condition because of a bacterial infection. In other cases, it may develop because of a disorder that affects the immune or nervous system. It is even possible for a person to develop the condition in relation to a tumor, allergy, or injury. In some cases, however, the causes of prostatitis are never identified.
One of the most common causes of prostatitis is a bacterial infection. A man may develop an acute case of prostatitis because of bacteria, which means the condition develops suddenly and has a limited duration. Often, the infection develops because of bacteria that is present in the urine. The urine may leak into the affected man’s prostate when he urinates, resulting in an acute case of bacterial prostatitis. Bacteria capable of causing this condition can also spread to a man’s prostate through his bloodstream.
Chronic bacterial infection of the prostate is a long-lasting infection. In some cases, it occurs in men who have been treated with antibiotics for a bacterial infection. In such a case, the antibiotic fails to completely rid the man of the infection, and some bacteria may remain in the prostate. Interestingly, this ongoing infection can result in pain for the man but may not cause the inflammation of the prostate that is common with other types of prostatitis.
Sometimes chronic prostatitis that is not associated with a bacterial infection can present. When this occurs, the patient may have pain as well as discomfort when he urinates or ejaculates. He may also develop erectile problems. The causes of this type of prostatitis are often difficult to pinpoint.
Some of the other possible causes of prostatitis include disorders of the immune or nervous system that adversely affect the prostate gland and lead to swelling and inflammation. Tumors, cancer, and pelvic injuries may cause the condition as well. Interestingly, even such simple issues as allergies may be at fault.
There are some risk factors that can make a man more likely to suffer from prostatitis. For example, men who are young or in their middle years may be more likely to suffer from the condition. Men with bladder or urethra infections as well as those with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have an increased risk as well. Additionally, a man who has suffered a blow to the pelvis might be more likely to develop prostatitis.