Prostatitis may cause pelvic pain due to inflammation of the prostate – a small, walnut-shaped gland. The Urology Cancer Foundation explained the position of the prostate, which is “under the bladder and in front of the rectum”. Surrounded by muscles and nerves, the urethra – the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body – passes through the prostate.
The NHS highlighted two main types of prostatitis: chronic and acute prostatitis.
Acute prostatitis comes on “suddenly”, which can lead to severe pain “in or around your penis, testicles, anus, lower abdomen or lower back”.
Even going to the toilet for a number two can become painful.
There might be pain when urinating, trouble with a “stop-start” flow, urinary urgency, and needing to pee frequently at night.
READ MORE: Five ‘common warning’ signs of blood clots – doctor says to seek help ‘right away’
Sometimes, people might be shocked to discover they have blood in their urine.
Prostatitis can also make a person feel unwell, achy, and have a high temperature.
The condition could also lead to lower back pain and painful ejaculation.
“See a GP straight away if you have these symptoms so that the cause can be investigated,” the NHS says.
If the condition turns into chronic prostatitis, it can be challenging to treat.
“Usually there is gradual recovery with treatment, but this can take several months or years,” the health body adds.
One complication is if an abscess develops in the prostate gland, which would require an operation to drain it.
Anybody concerned about their symptoms is best to seek advice from a medical professional.
