There are two main types of prostatitis:

1. Bacterial prostatitis 

This can be:

• a short-term infection known as 'acute prostatitis'; or
• a long-term infection known as 'chronic prostatitis'.

2. Non-bacterial prostatitis

This is another form of 'chronic prostatitis' and is also known as 'chronic pelvic pain'.

Symptoms of prostatitis

• Acute prostatitis symptoms can include:
• Pain or burning when urinating;
• Lower back pain;
• Pain on ejaculation;
• Needing to urinate frequently – including at night;
• Feeling a sudden, almost irresistible need to urinate;
• Having a weak stream particularly when starting or stopping urinating;
• Fever and chills; and
• Aches and pains.

The main difference between the symptoms for prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is that prostatitis is more painful.

Chronic prostatitis symptoms:

The most prominent symptom of chronic prostatitis is pain in the pelvic area, often in the pelvic floor or perineum, which is the area between the anus and the testicles.

Symptoms can vary, coming and going from week to week. The pain can be severe and disabling. Symptoms can also include problems with urinating.

Treatment

Bacterial prostatitis (includes acute and chronic): both acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis can be treated with antibiotics. It's also a good idea to rest and drink lots of fluids to help to fight the infection.

Non-bacterial prostatitis: there isn't a great deal known about the cause and treatment of non-bacterial prostatitis, which is often a surprise to people who have the condition. Treatments tend to be limited to pain relief. You might also be given
antibiotics in case the symptoms are caused by an infection that has not been identified.

The pain of non-bacterial prostatitis can be severe and can seriously affect some men's quality of life. Hot water baths and hydrotherapy can help to relieve pain.

Stress management and relaxation techniques may also help.

Doctors at Stanford University have identified that some men's severe pelvic pain is the result of the overuse of the human instinct to protect the genitals, rectum and contents of the pelvis from injury or pain by contracting the pelvic muscles. Over time this builds up leading to circulation problems and nerve damage which can cause pain.