Bacterial Prostatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Bacterial Prostatitis?
A primary care doctor can evaluate and treat bacterial prostatitis. A urologist (a doctor who treats the urinary tract) treats cases that are severe or keep coming back. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is bacterial prostatitis?
Prostatitis is swelling of the prostate gland, a small gland in men below the bladder. Bacteria can cause it, but this is not a common cause. Acute prostatitis starts quickly. Long-term (chronic) prostatitis lasts 3 months or more.
In men 50 or older with an enlarged prostate, the gland may get blocked. This makes it easier for bacteria to grow.
Symptoms
Symptoms of acute prostatitis can start quickly:
- Chills.
- Fever.
- Flushing, or red skin.
- Lower stomach tenderness.
- Body aches.
- Blood in the urine.
- Burning or pain with urination.
- Trouble starting to urinate or emptying the bladder.
- Foul-smelling urine.
- Weak urine stream.
Other symptoms may include pain in the lower back, the area between the genitals and anus (the perineum), or the testicles. Some men have pain with ejaculation. Chronic prostatitis symptoms are similar but milder and often begin more slowly.
Causes and who gets it
Any bacteria that can cause a urinary tract infection (an infection in the urinary system) can cause it. In men over 35, E. coli and other common bacteria most often cause it. The infection may begin in the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Infections spread through sex, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can also cause it. It may also follow a urinary catheter (a tube placed in the bladder), a cystoscopy (a look inside the bladder), or a prostate biopsy.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. The exam may check for tender lymph nodes in the groin or a swollen, tender scrotum.
The provider may do a digital rectal exam. A gloved, lubricated finger is placed into the rectum to feel the prostate. With an acute infection the prostate may feel swollen or tender. Urine samples may be tested with urinalysis (a urine test) and a urine culture (a lab test that grows germs). Prostatitis may also raise the PSA blood test level for a short time.
Treatment
Antibiotics (medicines that kill bacteria) are often used to treat prostate infections. Acute prostatitis is treated with antibiotics for 2 to 6 weeks. Chronic prostatitis needs at least 2 to 6 weeks, and possibly up to 12 weeks, because the infection can come back. Finish all the antibiotics even if you feel better.
Antibiotics may cause nausea or diarrhea. Report these to your provider instead of stopping the pills. If a swollen gland makes it hard to empty the bladder, a tube may be needed to drain it.
At home, urinate often and fully, and take warm baths for pain. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen) may help; ask your provider first. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, citrus juices, and spicy foods, which can irritate the bladder. Drink more fluids to help flush bacteria out. See your provider after the antibiotics to make sure the infection is gone.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of prostatitis, or if fever, chills, or pain do not start to improve after 36 hours or are getting worse. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you cannot pass urine at all, if it is very hard to pass urine, or if you have confusion, fainting, or trouble breathing. These can be signs of sepsis (bacteria in the blood). Other possible problems include an abscess (a pocket of pus) in the prostate and chronic pain.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This doctor can order urine tests, start antibiotics, and manage the weeks of follow-up. The doctor can also refer you to a urologist if needed.
Common questions
How long do antibiotics take?
For acute prostatitis, antibiotics are taken for 2 to 6 weeks. Chronic prostatitis may need at least 2 to 6 weeks, and possibly up to 12 weeks, because the infection can come back.
Can bacterial prostatitis come back?
Yes. Often the infection does not go away even after a long course of antibiotics, and symptoms may come back when you stop the medicine. Acute prostatitis may also turn into chronic prostatitis.
What can I do at home to feel better?
Urinate often and completely, and take warm baths for pain. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may help if your provider says they are OK. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Can it be prevented?
Not all types of prostatitis can be prevented. Practice safe sex, because sexual contact can spread bacteria such as chlamydia and gonorrhea that cause it.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
