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Prostatitis - nonbacterial - Overview

Alternative Names

NBP; Prostatodynia; Pelvic pain syndrome

Definition of Prostatitis - nonbacterial:

Nonbacterial prostatitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the prostate gland with no known cause.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are many theories about the cause of nonbacterial prostatitis, including:

Bacteria
Fungi
Irritation caused by a backup of urine flowing into the prostate
Parasites (trichomonads)
Viruses

Life stresses and some psychological factors may also contribute.

Most patients with chronic prostatitis have the nonbacterial form.

Male reproductive anatomy

Reviewed last on: 9/7/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Barry MJ, McNaughton-Collins M. Benign Prostate Disease and Prostatitis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 130.

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