Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Prostatitis

Prostatitis may develop suddenly due to bacteria, with fever, pain and difficulty passing urine, or cause long-term pelvic symptoms without a detectable infection. Acute bacterial prostatitis can cause urinary retention and sepsis and must be treated promptly.

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Prostatitis may develop suddenly due to bacteria, with fever, pain and difficulty passing urine, or cause long-term pelvic symptoms without a detectable infection. Acute bacterial prostatitis can cause urinary retention and sepsis and must be treated promptly.

  • Sudden fever, chills, feeling unwell and pain between the scrotum and anus fit with an acute infection.
  • Burning, frequent or urgent urination and difficulty starting the stream.
  • Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and do not use leftover medicines from a previous episode.
  • Drink small amounts regularly if medically safe, but do not force yourself to drink litres when there is retention.
  • Call the same day for fever, chills, pelvic pain and burning or difficulty passing urine.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

Browse A–Z
B
Bladder infectionA bladder infection, or cystitis, is usually a bacterial infection of the bladder. It may cause burning when passing urine, frequent urges and lower abdominal pain; without treatment, an infection may spread up to the kidneys.
U
Urinary problems in womenWomen may have frequent urgency, urine leakage, burning or difficulty emptying the bladder. Infection is one possibility, but the pelvic floor, prolapse, medicines, nerves and other bladder problems can also play a part.
U
Urinary problems in menMen may have difficulty starting, a weak stream, dribbling afterwards, a frequent urge to pass urine or passing urine at night. An enlarged prostate is a common cause, but infection, medicines, bladder problems and prostate cancer should be considered depending on the pattern.