Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in men that surrounds the urethra. The prostate produces a fluid that is part of semen. The walnut-size prostate is located at the floor of the pelvis behind the base of the penis.

During ejaculation the prostate contributes a milky alkaline fluid to the semen to enhance the fertility of the sperm. Several maladies involving the prostate are fairly common in men, including prostatitis (prostate infections), benign prostatic hypertrophy (prostate enlargement), and prostate cancer.

There are different types of prostatitis:

Chronic non-bacterial/prostadynia (most common type)
Prostadynia (also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome)
Acute bacterial (common in men under 35)
Chronic bacterial (affects mostly men between 40 and 70)
The urethra passes through the prostate on its way from the bladder and bacteria can travel through the urethra to settle in the prostate. The prostate gland is susceptible to both acute infection and to chronic infection or inflammation. An acute infection can cause severe pain and tenderness in the region of the prostate, sometimes extending up into the genitals, pelvis, or back.

Bacteria that infect the prostate gland cause acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis. The bacteria usually come from the urinary tract or rectum. The causes of non-bacterial prostatitis and prostadynia are unknown, though some may be due to a bacterial infection that is undiagnosed. Some of the causes of prostatitis can be said as:

Recent bladder infection
Bladder outlet obstruction (e.g., a tumor, a kidney stone or enlargement of the prostate gland itself)
Medical procedures that involve inserting a catheter or other tubing into your urethra or rectum
Diabetes
Engaging in anal intercourse
Abnormalities in the anatomy of the urinary tract
Suppressed immune system

Symptoms of prostatitis can come on slowly or suddenly and can be mild, or quite severe. In non-bacterial prostatitis, symptoms often come and go. The symptoms include:

Difficulty urinating
Needing to urinate frequently and/or urgently (especially at night)
Lower abdominal pain or pressure
Pain or burning while urinating
Blood in the urine
Rectal or perineal discomfort
Painful ejaculation
Lower back pain
Fever or chills
Impotence (due to inflammation around the gland)

There are no guidelines for preventing prostatitis but for home treatment one should drink plenty of water or juices to urinate frequently to help wash out the infecting bacteria. Rest and eating is nutritious diet also help. Exercise and avoid stress.