What Is Prostatitis and How Is It Different From an Enlarged Prostate?
Learn what prostatitis is, how it differs from an enlarged prostate, the symptoms to watch for, and when prostate symptoms should be checked by a healthcare professional.
When men hear the word "prostate," they often think about an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
But there is another common prostate problem called prostatitis.
Prostatitis means that the prostate is inflamed. It can cause pain, discomfort, and problems with urination, but the symptoms can vary quite a bit from one person to another. (NIDDK)
An enlarged prostate, on the other hand, is usually called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. It is a noncancerous increase in the size of the prostate and becomes more common as men get older. (NIDDK)
The two conditions can cause some of the same urinary symptoms, which is one reason it can be difficult to tell them apart without professional evaluation.
What exactly is prostatitis?
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder. It surrounds part of the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate. There are different types, and they don't all have the same cause.
Some types are caused by a bacterial infection. Others are not clearly linked to an infection and can cause long-lasting pain or discomfort. (NIDDK)
Prostatitis can affect men of different ages, including younger men.
What symptoms can prostatitis cause?
The symptoms depend on the type of prostatitis, but they can include:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Needing to urinate frequently
- A sudden or strong urge to urinate
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Pain in the lower back
- Pain in the groin or genital area
- Pain during or after ejaculation
Some men may experience symptoms that come and go, while others may have symptoms that appear suddenly and are much more severe. (NIDDK)
How is an enlarged prostate different?
An enlarged prostate, or BPH, is mainly associated with aging.
As the prostate becomes larger, it can put pressure on the urethra and make it harder for urine to pass normally.
Common symptoms include:
- A weaker urine stream
- Difficulty getting the urine flow started
- Needing to urinate more often
- Getting up during the night to urinate
- A sudden need to urinate
- Dribbling after urination
- Feeling that the bladder hasn't completely emptied
BPH is not prostate cancer, and having BPH does not mean that you have cancer. (NIDDK)
Can both conditions cause urinary problems?
Yes.
This is where things can get confusing.
Both prostatitis and BPH can cause problems such as a weak urine stream, frequent urination, difficulty starting to urinate, and a feeling that the bladder hasn't emptied completely.
That's why it's not a good idea to assume that a urinary problem automatically means you have an enlarged prostate.
Other conditions, including urinary tract problems and prostate cancer, can sometimes cause similar symptoms. (NIDDK)
Does prostatitis always mean there is an infection?
No.
Some types of prostatitis are caused by bacteria, but others are not.
One type, called chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is the most common form. Doctors don't always know exactly what causes it, and it may involve several different factors. (NIDDK)
This is important because not every case of prostatitis can be treated simply as an infection.
The right treatment depends on what is causing the symptoms.
What about prostate cancer?
Prostatitis and BPH are different from prostate cancer.
BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate, while prostatitis involves inflammation.
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate grow in an uncontrolled way.
Some urinary symptoms can occur with different prostate conditions, so symptoms alone cannot tell you whether someone has cancer. A healthcare professional may use a medical history, physical examination, blood or urine tests, and other tests when necessary to determine what is happening. (NIDDK)
When should you talk to a healthcare professional?
If you notice ongoing changes in urination, don't simply assume they're part of getting older.
It's worth getting checked if you have:
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- Trouble starting urination
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Pain when urinating
- Blood in your urine
- Pain in your lower abdomen, back, groin, or genital area
- Pain during or after ejaculation
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
A healthcare professional can look at your symptoms and determine whether they may be related to the prostate or something else. (NIDDK)
Some symptoms need prompt attention
Certain symptoms should not be ignored.
If you cannot urinate at all, seek medical help right away.
You should also seek prompt medical care if urinary symptoms are accompanied by fever and chills, blood in the urine, or significant pain in the lower abdomen or urinary tract. These can occur with acute bacterial prostatitis or other problems that need medical attention. (NIDDK)
The bottom line
Prostatitis and an enlarged prostate are two different prostate problems, even though they can cause some of the same symptoms.
Prostatitis involves inflammation of the prostate, while BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that becomes more common with age.
If you've noticed changes in urination, pain, or other symptoms around the prostate area, don't try to figure out the cause on your own.
A healthcare professional can help determine what's happening and whether you need further testing or treatment.
Sources
NIDDK – Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)