Prostatitis

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Risk Factors

Risk factors include bladder outlet obstruction (e.g., stone, tumor, BPH), diabetes mellitus, a suppressed immune system, and urethral catheterization (i.e., small tube inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine). Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs; e.g., nongonnococcal urethritis, gonorrhea) increase the risk for developing bacterial prostatatis. Unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse can allow bacteria to enter the urethra and travel to the prostate.

Causes

Bacterial prostatitis is caused by the growth of bacteria that are normally found in prostatic fluid, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella. Urine that flows back into the urethra (urine reflux) that enters the prostate can also cause the condition. There is no known cause for nonbacterial prostatitis or prostatodynia, but atypical organisms (e.g., viruses, chlamydial organisms) have recently been suggested.

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