Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding types of prostatitis and age-related risk factors

Prostatitis is more common in younger and middle-aged men, particularly those in their 30s and 40s. This age group is most susceptible to both acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis (Image: Canva)

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, a small gland in men located below the bladder. It plays a key role in producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. Prostatitis can cause a variety of symptoms, including painful urination, pelvic pain, and issues with sexual function, significantly affecting a man's quality of life. The condition can occur at any age but is more common in younger and middle-aged men.

Understanding the different types of prostatitis and the associated risk factors is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, says Senior Oncologist Dr Hardik Awasthi from RMS Global Healthcare, Indore.

Dr Awasthi says that prostatitis can be categorised into four main types:

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: This is the least common but the most severe type of prostatitis. It is usually caused by bacterial infection and develops suddenly. Symptoms include fever, chills, painful urination, and severe pelvic pain. Immediate medical attention is required, and antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat the infection.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: This type is characterised by recurrent bacterial infections of the prostate. Symptoms are less severe than in acute bacterial prostatitis but tend to last longer or recur over time. Men with this condition may experience persistent discomfort, urinary issues, and sometimes sexual dysfunction. Antibiotic treatments are used, but symptoms may recur even after treatment.

Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS): The most common form of prostatitis, CP/CPPS, is not caused by a bacterial infection. The exact cause remains unknown, but it is believed to involve inflammation, immune system responses, or nerve damage. Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, urinary difficulties, and discomfort during ejaculation. Treatment is often more complex, involving medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.

Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis: In this type, there are no noticeable symptoms. The inflammation is typically discovered during medical tests for other conditions. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis doesn’t usually require treatment, but monitoring is essential to rule out other prostate conditions, such as prostate cancer.

While prostatitis can affect men of all ages, certain age-related factors can increase the risk:

Young and middle-aged men (Ages 30-50): Prostatitis is more common in younger and middle-aged men, particularly those in their 30s and 40s. This age group is most susceptible to both acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, likely due to higher levels of sexual activity and increased exposure to infections.

Older Men (Ages 50 and above): Although prostatitis is less common in older men, they may experience chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Additionally, older men face an increased risk of prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can exacerbate urinary symptoms and discomfort associated with prostatitis.

Sexually active men: Younger men who are sexually active may have an increased risk of prostatitis due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Practicing safe sex and managing infections early can help lower the risk.

Men with weakened immune systems: Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes or HIV, increase susceptibility to bacterial infections, including bacterial prostatitis.

In addition to age, several other factors may contribute to the risk of developing prostatitis:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): A history of UTIs can increase the likelihood of bacterial prostatitis, especially in younger and middle-aged men.

Prostate or pelvic injury: Injuries to the prostate or pelvic area, often due to trauma or prolonged cycling, can increase the risk of developing prostatitis.

Stress and lifestyle: High stress levels, anxiety, and a sedentary lifestyle may be linked to chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Regular exercise and stress management can help mitigate these risks.