acute prostatitis
Acute Prostatitis
An uncommon (2/10,000/year) condition characterised by abrupt onset of prostate inflammation linked to coliform bacterial infection—e.g., Escherichia coli—as well as STD pathogens—e.g., Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Trichomonas vaginalis.Aetiology/risk factors Age 20 to 35, multiple sexual partners, high-risk sexual activity—e.g., non-use of condom, anal intercourse, bacterial migration up urethra; cystitis; kidney stones; prostate surgery; haematogenous spread of infection; urethral instrumentation—e.g., catheterisation, cystoscopy—trauma, bladder outlet obstruction, epididymitis, orchitis, systemic infection.
Clinical findings Pain at the base of the penis, perineal and perianal, urgency, burning with urination, fever, malaise, penile discharge; other findings include chills, painful defecation and ejaculation.
Management Symptomatic; 4-week course of antibiotics.