Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a relatively rare condition — occurs in less than 5% of patients with prostate-related non-BPH lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) — that usually presents with an intermittent UTI-type picture and that is defined as recurrent urinary tract infections in men originating from a chronic infection in the prostate.

Dr. Weidner, Professor of Medicine, Department of Urology, University of Gießen, has stated: “In studies of 656 men, we seldom found chronic bacterial prostatitis. It is truly a rare disease. Most of those were E-coli.”^[1] Symptoms may be completely absent until there is also bladder infection, and the most troublesome problem is usually recurrent cystitis.^[2]

Symptoms of chronic prostatitis are similar to those of acute prostatitis but are not as severe. They usually begin more gradually. Patients may have no symptoms in between episodes, or they may experience mild symptoms all the time.

Symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine
• Decreased urinary stream
• Delayed start of urination (urinary hesitancy)
• Frequent urination
• Incontinence
• Low-grade fever
• Pain or burning with urination

Subtle symptoms may include:

• Low back pain
• Pain in the perineum or pelvic floor
• Pain with bowel movement
• Pain with ejaculation
• Testicular pain