most men with prostatitis have chronic prostatitis / pelvic pain syndrome inflammatory or noninflammatory. the cause of this type of prostatitis is not known. few men with prostatitis have prostatitis associated with a bacterial infection. acute prostatitis and chronic bacterial prostatitis bacteria infecting the prostate cause acute prostatitis and chronic bacterial prostatitis. bacteria most likely enter the prostate by: traveling through the urethra. being present in the urine because of a bladder infection. being introduced through the use of a urinary catheter. chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome inflammatory (nonbacterial prostatitis) the specific cause of chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome inflammatory is usually not known. however health professionals believe the possible causes include: blocked urine flow. abnormal movement of urine and prostate secretions into the prostate. microorganisms that may infect the prostate. however if they are present they usually are not detectable in the urine. the immune system attacking the prostate ( autoimmune disease ). chemicals normally found in the urine such as uric acid which may get into the prostate and cause irritation. abnormal nerve or muscle function. chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome noninflammatory (prostatodynia) the causes of chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome noninflammatory may be the same as those for chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome inflammatory. some health professionals think that the prostate may not be involved at all but that a combination of factors including nervous system problems strained pelvic floor muscles and emotional issues cause the pain. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what causes prostatitis?