It has been estimated that up to half of all men suffer from symptoms of prostatitis at some time in their lives. When the prostate becomes inflammed it can impinge on urine flow and cause symptoms. The function of the prostate is to produce fluid and enzymes that contribute to the semen and are needed for male fertility. No bacterial growth Culture diagnosis of acute bacterial prostatitis is straightforward and easily accomplished in the laboratory. On the other hand, microbiologic diagnosis of chronic prostatitis and prostatodynia represents a particular challenge.
Chronic prostatitis has a poor record of treatment success.
Some patients relate the onset of their symptoms to sexual activity- sometimes associated with acute urethritis, while others have indicated no relationship to sexual activity. The use of antimicrobial therapy may or may not elicit a transient relief of symptoms. A number of organisms have been reported to possibly cause this syndrome. Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, mycoplasma, staphylococci, coryneforms and viruses. These data are controversial since other researchers have failed to demonstrate the presence of these microorganisms in culture or have found them in rare circumstances.