Inflammation of the prostate, commonly associated with urinary tract infections caused by enterococci, staphylococci, or gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli. It often is caused by reflux of urine resulting from an anatomical abnormality. Patients present with fever, chills, urethral discharge, pain on urination, difficulty voiding, malaise, myalgias, and discomfort in the perineal area; the prostate is soft, swollen, and tender on examination.
The causative organism is identified through a culture of prostatic secretions and is treated with an extended course of antibiotics. Narcotics and antispasmodics may be needed to relieve pain.

Main entry:
prostatitis