Prostatitis - Symptoms of prostatitis

Most men with prostatitis will have a persistent (chronic) form of the disease, where symptoms come and go for at least three months.

Possible symptoms of chronic prostatitis are:

• pain in the pelvis, genitals, lower back and buttocks
• pain when urinating
• frequent need to urinate
• difficulty urinating, such as problems starting or 'stop-start' urination
• pain when ejaculating, which may contribute to erectile dysfunction
• discomfort in the perineal area (the area between the scrotum and the anus)

The symptoms may vary from day to day: some days they may be particularly troublesome, on other days they may be mild or almost non-existent.

Sometimes you may also experience tiredness, joint pain, muscle pain and a high temperature.

Medical emergency

If the symptoms of prostatitis are severe and develop suddenly, see your GP immediately. This sudden, severe type is known as acute prostatitis and needs to be treated immediately.