Risk factors for prostatitis 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.
Bacterial prostatitis is caused by the growth of bacteria that are not normally found in prostatic fluid, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella. There is no known cause for nonbacterial prostatitis or prostatodynia, but atypical organisms (e.g., viruses, chlamydial organisms) have recently been suggested.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 10 Jun 1998
Reviewed by: David M. Kaufman, M.D., Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 09 Apr 2008
Prostatitis, Prostatitis Risk Factors, Causes reprinted with permission from urologychannel.com
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