11 Prostatitis Symptoms

2. Blood in Urine

Seeing blood in your urine can be unsettling. This symptom, known as hematuria, may appear as pink, red, or brown-colored urine. Sometimes it is visible, while other times it is only detected through a urine test during a routine checkup. With prostatitis, the prostate becomes swollen or irritated. This inflammation can affect nearby tissues and blood vessels, allowing small amounts of blood to mix with the urine.

The bleeding may occur with or without pain. You may also notice other symptoms at the same time, such as a burning sensation during urination or the need to urinate more often. Blood in the urine can also have other causes, including infections, stones, or irritation in the bladder or kidneys. Some people see blood only once, while others notice it repeatedly over time.

3. Fever or Chills

Fever or chills can be one of the first signs that prostatitis is developing. This happens because your body is responding to an infection in the prostate. As your temperature rises, you may also feel unusually tired, weak, or achy.

These symptoms are most common in acute bacterial prostatitis, which tends to develop quickly. Fever and chills can appear before or alongside other symptoms such as painful urination or discomfort in the lower abdomen. You may also notice sweating, flushed skin, or a feeling of warmth in your face.

In many cases, fever begins to improve within a day or two of starting treatment. If the fever lasts longer, worsens, or returns after you seem to be feeling better, it can be a sign that the infection is not improving or may be spreading.

4. Back Pain

Back pain is a common symptom of prostatitis. You may feel a dull ache or a sharp pain in the lower back when the prostate becomes inflamed. This happens because the prostate sits close to the pelvis, hips, and lower spine, and these areas share nerve pathways.

As a result, pain can spread and feel more widespread than expected. The discomfort may worsen after sitting for long periods or following physical activity. Some people notice the pain feels deep in the lower back or between the hips.

With chronic prostatitis, the pain may come and go over several weeks or months rather than appearing all at once. When back pain occurs along with other symptoms, such as frequent urination or pain during urination, it can be another sign that the prostate is irritated.

5. Bladder Pain

Bladder pain is a common symptom of prostatitis and often feels like pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis. You may notice this pain before, during, or after urinating. It can range from mild pressure to a sharper ache that makes sitting uncomfortable.

When the prostate becomes inflamed, it can press on the bladder and nearby tissues. This pressure often worsens the pain when the bladder is full. Some people describe a constant urge to urinate, even shortly after going, which can interrupt sleep and daily activities.

You may also feel burning or stinging during urination because the prostate and urinary tract become irritated and sensitive. In some cases, the pain can spread to the lower back, groin, or thighs, making the discomfort feel more widespread.

6. Discomfort or Pain in the Testicles

You may feel discomfort or pain in one or both testicles when you have prostatitis. The sensation can range from a dull, aching feeling to sharper or throbbing pain. Many people describe it as a deep, pressure-like discomfort rather than surface tenderness, and it may come and go throughout the day.

This happens because the prostate sits close to the testicles, and inflammation can affect nearby nerves and tissues. The pain may spread to the lower abdomen, groin, perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus), or even the lower back and hips.

Certain activities can make the discomfort worse, such as sitting for long periods, urinating, or ejaculating. The pain may get worse after physical activity. Watch for swelling, warmth, or redness in the scrotum, as these can signal a problem beyond prostate irritation and need medical attention.

7. Painful Ejaculation

Painful ejaculation is a common and often distressing symptom of prostatitis. You may feel sharp or aching pain during or shortly after ejaculation. The discomfort can occur in the penis, scrotum, or the area between the testicles and anus.

Some people also notice a burning or stinging sensation that lingers briefly after sex. This happens because inflammation in the prostate can irritate nearby nerves and place pressure on the tube that carries semen out of the body. As a result, normal muscle contractions during ejaculation may trigger pain.

The intensity can vary from one episode to another. For some, it happens only occasionally. For others, it occurs more frequently and can affect sexual comfort or desire. Ongoing pain may be linked to chronic prostatitis or a related pelvic pain condition.

8. General Infection

When prostatitis develops from an infection, bacteria can enter the prostate through the urethra or bladder. This may happen after a urinary tract infection or when bacteria travel through the bloodstream. The infection causes swelling and irritation in the prostate, and the discomfort can spread to nearby areas such as the lower abdomen, back, or groin.

As your body responds to the infection, you may notice symptoms like fever, chills, or muscle aches. Feeling unusually tired or weak is also common because your immune system is working harder than usual. In more noticeable cases, you might have difficulty urinating or feel a burning sensation when you do.

Urine may also appear cloudy or have a stronger odor. These changes can suggest that the infection is affecting the urinary tract as well. Treatment for bacterial prostatitis often involves antibiotics. Finishing the full course as directed helps reduce the chance that the infection will return or worsen.

9. Acute Prostatitis

Acute prostatitis happens when bacteria enter the prostate and cause sudden inflammation. It develops quickly and can make you feel very unwell. Although it is less common than chronic prostatitis, it usually needs prompt treatment with antibiotics.

Fever, chills, and fatigue often appear early as your body responds to the infection. Some people feel generally weak before noticing urinary symptoms. As the condition progresses, you may develop pain or burning when urinating and a frequent urge to go, even when only small amounts of urine come out. Pain may occur in the lower back, lower abdomen, or the area between the genitals and rectum. Some men also experience painful ejaculation or notice blood in the urine.

10. Bladder Infection

A bladder infection develops when bacteria enter the urinary tract and reach the bladder. This type of infection is also called a urinary tract infection (UTI). When you have prostatitis, bacteria from a bladder infection can spread to the prostate, leading to added inflammation and pelvic discomfort.

Urinary symptoms often appear first. You may notice a burning feeling when you urinate and a frequent urge to go, even when only small amounts of urine come out. Urine may look cloudy, darker than usual, or contain blood. Some people also feel pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone.

If a bladder infection occurs alongside prostatitis, you may also experience fever or chills. Pain can spread to the lower back, groin, or the area between the legs, which can make sitting or movement uncomfortable.

11. Retaining Urine

When you have prostatitis, you may have trouble fully emptying your bladder. This problem, called urine retention, happens because the swollen or inflamed prostate can press against the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

You may feel the urge to urinate often but only pass small amounts each time. Early signs can include pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen, a sudden or frequent need to urinate, and waking up at night to go to the bathroom. Some men also notice that their urine stream becomes weak, slow, or starts and stops.

In more severe cases, urine retention can become acute, meaning you are unable to urinate at all. This can cause intense pain and a visibly swollen lower abdomen. This situation needs urgent medical attention because it can lead to infection or strain on the kidneys.