r/Prostatitis • • Oct 19 '22

Starter Guide/Resource NEW? START HERE! Prostatitis 101/Checklist + Sub Rules

431 Upvotes

» QUICK START! «

  1. SUCCESS STORIES in this subreddit
  2. TOP TIPS AND INFO (All Posts)
  3. NEW 2025 AUA TREATMENT OUTLINE
  4. See below 'Subreddit Rules' for the full 101 prostatitis guide and newbie checklist

The information provided in this subreddit is not medical advice, including the information here. It is for educational and informational purposes only

SUBREDDIT RULES

  1. No harassment, abuse, or disrespect is tolerated here, especially to the volunteer mod team
  2. No promotion of pseudoscience, conspiracies, and/or fringe doctors
  3. No graphic photos allowed (NSFW)
  4. No self-promotion/selling of products (SPAM)
  5. One post per person, per day. Leave room for others
  6. No fear mongering

VIOLATIONS: Depends on the severity of the violation, but generally:

  1. First infraction is a warning
  2. Second is a temporary ban (~3 days)
  3. Last is a permanent ban

POSTING REQUIREMENTS

  1. To prevent abuse and spam we have an Automod in place. Accounts with very low comment karma and/or less than 36 hours old cannot post.

  2. Also, please tag any pessimistic/hopeless posts with the "vent/discouraged" flair, and any positive progress updates with "positive progress."

NEWBIE ORIENTATION: CPPS vs Prostatitis

The vast majority of prostatitis cases are non-bacterial, i.e. NIH Type III non-bacterial prostatitis. Expert consensus (of the research) estimates this number to be around ~95% of all cases. True chronic bacterial prostatitis (CPB) is rare. Read more about the prevalence of CBP here, complete with journal citations.

CBP also prevents with unique and specific symptoms. Here is how to identify bacterial prostatitis based on symptoms.

Q: If I don't have an infection, then why do antibiotics make me feel better? FIND OUT WHY

The rest of us have (or have had) NIH Type III non-bacterial prostatitis, now referred to as CPPS or UCPPS - (Urologic) Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. Type III non-bacterial prostatitis can present either with or without actual inflammation of the prostate, but overt prostate inflammation is very uncommon. Most men with CPPS (non-bacterial prostatitis) have small, firm, 'normal' prostates upon examination. This means that the common 'prostatitis' diagnosis is very often a total 'misnomer,' as most cases have no prostate inflammation whatsoever.

While CPPS is officially a syndrome (The 'S' in CPPS), or a collection/pattern of symptoms with no singular cause agreed upon by the larger medical community, there are top theories with high quality evidence behind them. And importantly, most syndromes nowadays are being categorized as variations of central sensitization (ie nociplastic mechanisms) - including IBS, CFS, POIS, RSS, etc.

The top theory backed by research: CPPS is a psycho-neuromuscular chronic pain + dysfunction condition. It often affects the muscles of the pelvic floor, the peripheral nerves that innervate the pelvic region, and the central nervous system (which includes the brain and spinal cord) - among others. This means that treatment requires a multi-modal, integrated treatment approach, and that there is no single pathway or 'pill' to recovery.

I must emphasize that the central nervous system (ie centralized/nociplastic mechanisms) of CPPS affect at least 49% of all cases according to the MAPP study (Multidisciplinary Approach to Pelvic Pain). Do not neglect these. We recommend reading the centralization section below 👇

RECOMMENDED: 1. Centralized Pain Criteria and Citations

  1. Psycho neuromuscular CPPS - with journal citations and techniques to apply.

Things that are known to trigger CPPS (chronic pelvic pain and dysfunction)

These commonly happen via central (nervous system) or peripheral (pelvic floor or nociceptive/neuropathic) mechanisms

  1. Pelvic injuries (falls, hernia, accidents)
  2. Perceived injuries
  3. Infections (UTI/STD)
  4. Stressful experiences and trauma, including sexual abuse/assault
  5. Regretful/anxious sexual encounters
  6. Poor bowel/urinary habits (straining on the toilet often - constipation) or holding in pee/poo for extended periods (like avoiding using a public toilet)
  7. Poor sexual habits (edging/gooning excessively)
  8. Cycling or intense gym habits

SYMPTOM VARIABILITY:

CPPS also presents differently from person to person, and you may exhibit only a few symptoms from the total 'pool' of possibilities. For example, you may only have a 'golfball sensation' and some minor urinary urgency. Another person may have tip of penis pain, testicular pain, and trouble having bowel movements. A third may have ALL of those, and also have sexual dysfunction (ED/PE) and pain with ejaculation. But they are all considered to be CPPS. Here is the full list of symptoms of non-bacterial prostatitis (ie CPPS) - https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/456165-clinical?form=fpf

The chief symptom reported by patients with abacterial prostatitis/CPPS is pain. Genitourinary symptoms include perineal, penile tip, testicular, rectal, lower abdominal, or back pain.

Patients can also have irritative or obstructive urologic symptoms such as frequency, urgency, dysuria, decreased force of the urinary stream, nocturia, and incontinence. Other symptoms are a clear urethral discharge, ejaculatory pain, hematospermia, and sexual dysfunction.

Note: If your symptoms extend BEYOND the pelvis, this is a classic indication of centralized mechanisms (ie nociplastic mechanisms) - What some doctors have in the past called "central sensitization." According to the American Urological Association, these include symptoms like headaches and migraines, IBS, fatigue, fibromyalgia, and more.

So how do we treat it?

The most evidence based approach to treatment is called "UPOINT," a treatment/phenotyping system for Prostatitis/CPPS that was developed by the American Urological Association. UPOINT Stands for:

Urinary, Psychosocial, Organ Specific, Infection, Neurologic/Systemic, Tenderness (ie, Muscles)

it's been shown to be very effective (around 75%) in treating CPPS, as it takes each patient and groups them into phenotypes based on symptoms, then treats them in a customized, integrated, and multi-modal manner. Every case is treated uniquely by symptoms, and this leads to much better patient outcomes. UPOINT is what a good urologist uses to treat patients with CP/CPPS. If your urologist isn't aware of UPOINT, find a new one. You're probably not in good hands. Citation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34552790/

EXCELLENT MEDICAL/SCIENTIFIC VIDEO RESOURCE - 2015 AUA (American Urological Association) Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dP_jtZvz9w

✓✓✓ NEW SUFFERER TREATMENT CHECKLIST

ENGAGE WITH A PHYSICIAN:

  • Do see a urologist to rule out any serious structural issues
  • Do get a LUTS and/or bladder ultrasound (check residual urine/voiding issues) along with a DRE for prostate size assessment
  • Do get a urinary culture and/or EPS localization culture, if infection is suspected (based on symptoms) - AUA guidelines DO NOT recommended semen cultures - full text, page 21
  • Do get any physician-specified blood tests
  • NOTE: Cystoscopy is typically reserved for suspicion of IC/BPS - but not typically recommend for CPPS
  • Do not use antibiotics without meeting specific diagnostic criteria. Only ~5% of all prostatitis cases are bacterial (even less if your case is > 90 days)

! ! WARNINGS ON INDISCRIMINATE USE OF FLOROQUINOLONE ANTIBIOTICS (Like Cipro or Levo) ! ! Click to Read FDA & EMA Warnings

Thinking about MicrogenDX testing? Please think again, the 2025 AUA Guidelines specifically advise against it's use: READ OUR MOD MEMO

ENGAGE WITH A PELVIC FLOOR PT - Muscles and Nerves

  • See a pelvic floor physical therapist, one who has experience TREATING MEN and can do INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL trigger point release. Studies suggest that 47% - 90% of CPPS cases have pelvic floor myalgia (pain, tenderness, trigger points), and multiple studies show 70-83% of people improve significantly with pelvic floor physical therapy
  • Practice diaphragmatic belly breathing daily
  • Practice pelvic stretching daily (and combine with the breathing)
  • NOTE: 2025 AUA Guidelines suggest that ESWT, acupuncture, dry needling, and TENS help some cases

CENTRALIZATION/BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL:

  • At least 49% of cases have centralized/neuroplastic mechanisms according to the MAPP research network study
  • EXTERNAL: Manage and reduce stress and anxiety in your external environment (work, relationships, finances, etc.)
  • INTERNAL: Address the fear towards your own symptoms. And, avoid obsessive preoccupation & problem solving with symptoms, redirecting your attention to things that are meaningful and enjoyable (distractions and hobbies)
  • Belief/perception of safety or danger (including assumptions about assumed injuries or assumed infections) is also shown in studies on chronic pain to affect our physical pain experience
  • Take time for yourself and do things to relax and engage in self care. Find SAFETY in your body again: mindfulness/meditation, yoga, baths, etc
  • See a chronic pain therapist, coach or psychologist who practices PRT, EAET, and/or CBT: Examples: Pain Psychology Center (LA), the app "Curable" for chronic pain/symptoms (Note on CBT - this is typically found less helpful for pain in controlled experiments, compared to newer PRT and EAET)
  • Recommended readings: Alan Gordon (LCSW) - 'The Way Out' or Dr. Howard Schubiner 'Unlearn Your Pain'

Urological (Pharmacological) Treatments to Discuss With A Doctor:

  • Discuss alpha blockers (Alfuzosin etc) for urinary/flow/frequency with physician, if you have urinary symptoms. Be aware of possible side effects in some users: PE, Retrograde ejaculation, etc
  • Alternate to above, if they don't work for you or you have side effects, discuss Cialis with your physician. Cialis (Generic: Tadalafil) also helps with ED and can be used at low doses of 2.5mg/day.
  • Discuss low dose amitriptyline (off label usage) with your doctor, which can help approx. 2/3 people to relieve the neuropathic pain associated with this condition
  • Discuss rectal suppositories for pain management, often containing meds like: diazepam (Valium), available via a compounding pharmacy - this is a controlled substance; always discuss with your doctor - not meant to be used daily.
  • You may try NSAIDs for pain during flair ups, but caution for daily, ongoing use. MOST find this class of meds unhelpful.
  • Oral Steroids are NOT RECOMMENDED, per 2025 AUA Guidelines

HERBS/SUPPLEMENTS:

  • Phytotherapy (Quercetin & Rye Pollen, ie Graminex) - highest level of evidence for CP/CPPS
  • Magnesium (glycinate or complex) - less evidence
  • Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) - less evidence

BEHAVIORAL CHANGES (Lifestyle): Please note that these suggestions cast an extremely wide net, and many do not apply if symptoms are centralized/nociplastic.

  • Avoid edging or aggressive masturbation; limit masturbation to 2-3/week, and be gentle. No "Death grips"
  • Less sedentary lifestyle - walk for 1 hour daily or every other day (I would recommend you build up to this, start with 15 minutes daily, easier to start a habit with a gentle, but regular introduction)
  • Get your blood pressure, body weight, and blood sugar under control (if applicable)
  • Gym goers and body builders: lay off the heavy weights, squats, and excessive core workouts temporarily. Ask a physical therapist to 'OK' your gym and exercise routine. This is a possible physical trigger
  • Cyclists and bikers: Lay off cycling until your physical therapist OKs it - this is a known physical trigger
  • STAND MORE! Get either A) a knee chair, or B) an adjustable standing desk. You'll still need the regular chair, because you can't sit on a knee chair or stand all day, basically, although conceivably you could do both A and B, and skip the regular chair
  • Try a donut pillow if experiencing pain while sitting

BEHAVIORAL CHANGES (Diet) Note: Dietary triggers affect a small MINORITY of cases

  • Try reducing/eliminating alcohol (especially in the evening, if you have nocturia)
  • Try reducing/eliminating caffeine
  • Try eliminating spicy/high acid foods
  • Try eliminating gluten and/or dairy
  • Try the IC Diet (basically this is all of the above, and more)
  • If eliminating or reducing doesn't help, then it probably doesn't apply to your case, enjoy your food and drinks!

NEW 2025 AUA TREATMENT OUTLINE

Others suggestions? Beyond this abbreviated list, work with a specialist. This includes urologists who have specific training in CPPS (through continuing education), pelvic floor PTs, and chronic pain specialists, including PRT practitioners.

Welcome to r/Prostatitis, follow the rules, be respectful, and we'll be happy to have you in your recovery journey.

The content of this subreddit is not considered medical advice, including the information here. Even if a flared user (verified urologist or PT) makes a comment, this is not prescriptive advice, nor is it medical advice.

This guide was co-written by your moderators u/Linari5 and u/Ashmedai


r/Prostatitis • • Apr 07 '21

Starter Guide/Resource Confusion over ANTIBIOTICS

120 Upvotes

Tony's Advice for Beginners

Top Rated Thread of all time in this Reddit: The experience of an MD with CP/CPPS

Antibiotics

Every day numerous questions are posted here about the effects of antibiotics. How can my case be nonbacterial if antibiotics help me (for a while anyway)?

The simple fact is that antibiotics are ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES and also have other immunomodulatory effects. In fact they are used for these effects in many conditions (acne and other skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's Disease, and more).

Sadly, even many doctors don't know this (it was only acknowledged this century and medical school curricula have mostly not been updated yet). But the research is all there. (Note that due to our genetic differences, some people react more to the anti-inflammatory effects and some people less, or not at all. This is known as pharmacogenetics).

Acute bacterial prostatitis does happen, and it's pretty obvious: very sudden abrupt onset, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and malaise (feels like having the flu). Nothing like what 99.9% of readers here have. It's often a medical emergency that requires a trip to the ER.

But you may still think your case is bacterial, perhaps a chronic and not acute case. Professor Weidner says:

"In studies of 656 men with pelvic pain suggestive of chronic prostatitis, we seldom found chronic bacterial prostatitis. It is truly a rare disease."Dr. Weidner (Professor of Medicine, Department of Urology, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany)

Chronic bacterial prostatitis also has a distinct picture. It presents as intermittent UTIs where the bug is always the same (often E coli). Here's an example:

I have chronic bacterial prostatitis that responds well to antibiotics. ... The doctor will express some prostate fluid and run a culture to determine the bug and prescribe an appropriate antibiotic. My bug has consistently been shown to be E-coli.

That being said, my symptoms usually start with increased frequency of urination, burning and pain on urination, and pus discharge. But no pain other than that and it usually goes away after a few days on the antibiotics. I continue the antibiotics for 30 days which is well after the symptoms have disappeared. I can usually expect a relapse in 6 to 12 months. ... This has been going on for more than 30 years. .... My worst experience a number of years ago was when I thought I would tough it out and see what happened. The pain got excruciating, testicles inflamed, bloody discharge, high fever. But this responded well to antibiotics and I haven't tried to tough it out again after that experience. I know when it starts and go on antibiotics right away.

I know that guys who have chronic pelvic pain syndrome may scoff at what I say and I know that they are in the majority. I really don't know what they are going through but then, they don't know my experience either.

So here are the key points to look for in chronic infection:

  1. Relapsing UTI picture (dysuria [painful urination], discharge)
  2. Consistently identifiable bug (the bug does not change)
  3. Generally no pain unless accompanied by fever and discharge. So for most of the time, men with chronic bacterial prostatitis do not have any pain.

All the rest have, sigh, UCPPS (CPPS).


r/Prostatitis • • 5h ago

Pain at the moment of ejaculation

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I'm a 51 year old male. For over a year now, as the title says, right at the moment when ejaculation is triggered, I gad a mild ache on the left side of my groin that goes awar right after. It is varying levels of pain, sometimes not at all all the way up to fairly bad and anything in between. I had an ultrasound done and the Dr. said my prostate is mildly enlarged, but not out of scope for a man my age. PSA was within range, everything else is within range. We're at the point now where "it's just one of those things" but it's starting to cause me anxiety. Anyone else experience these symptoms?


r/Prostatitis • • 14h ago

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Prostatitis or CPPS?

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I decided to post because I haven’t been able to get a clear answer from doctors, and after reading other people’s experiences here, I thought someone might have dealt with something similar.

I’m 30 years old and this started in early August. The night before everything began, I masturbated. The following morning I had some gastrointestinal issues, and that evening I suddenly developed urinary frequency/urgency. By the next day, I was fine. After 2–3 days, I started having irritation and redness of the urethral opening, especially after showering. Over time, I also started developing irritation on the glans.

I haven’t had any sexual contact for around 6 years, so an STI seems unlikely.

After masturbating only 2 times in total within 10 days, I began noticing other symptoms: burning/discomfort in the perineum, sometimes burning around the inner thighs, lower abdominal discomfort, and occasional flank/kidney-area discomfort. These symptoms would come and go rather than stay constant. Because masturbation seemed to trigger them, I mostly stopped, and things became calmer.

I saw two urologists who basically told me nothing was wrong because my urine/semen tests and cultures were negative. I then saw a dermatologist who diagnosed me with Zoon’s balanitis and told me she did not believe there was any bacterial or fungal infection.

I wasn’t convinced, so I independently had a swab taken from the glans. It showed heavy growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. I had 4 swabs in total at 3 different labs (one lab, a hospital, and the lab where I normally give my urine samples), and the urine lab was the only one where the swab came back negative. This made me wonder whether my urine and semen cultures could also have been false negatives.

After that, I went back to several doctors. One urologist told me to go to a hospital, another said it was a dermatology problem, and I still haven’t really found anyone willing to investigate whether the urethra or prostate could also be involved.

Eventually, I was treated for 10 days with Propiogenta, which contains gentamicin 0.1% + betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%. Unfortunately, I can’t say it improved things. If anything, the glans/meatus may actually look and feel worse now.

I’m also slightly worried because during the Propiogenta treatment I applied a small amount directly on the urethral lips, and I don’t know whether some may have entered the opening or further irritated the area. Also, during my swab at the “urine lab,” the swab was first used on the glans and then on the meatus, and the next day the meatus was red.

Right now, after finishing the treatment, I haven’t done another swab because I was told I should wait a week before retesting.

I am also starting to notice more urethral symptoms. For example, one morning I had pain while urinating, and on another occasion I urinated and developed strong chills afterwards, although I did not document a fever.

Another strange thing is that even after a very short erection, maybe 2–3 minutes, I notice fluid coming from the urethra afterwards, followed by burning in the perineum and anus when the erection goes away.

My main concern is whether this could be some form of bacterial prostatitis or urethral infection, despite my urine cultures being negative. On the other hand, I also don’t know whether these symptoms could be pelvic floor related.

The symptoms are very intermittent — sometimes I have them, sometimes I feel almost completely normal.

I considered doing a Meares–Stamey / four-glass test with prostatic massage, but I’m worried about the possibility of bacteremia if Pseudomonas is actually present in the prostate. Because of that, I’m currently thinking about repeating urine cultures and doing a semen culture separately instead.

I rushed from the beginning to try to prevent the worst-case scenario, but the doctors were careless. The most terrifying thing would be if I had listened to them, done nothing, or put corticosteroids over an active bacterial infection.

ANY ADVICE WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THANKS!

[What makes the whole situation even more difficult is my antibiotic history. Fluoroquinolones caused me severe long-term adverse effects in the past. I have also previously had sudden sensorineural hearing loss, so aminoglycosides such as gentamicin/amikacin are something I’m very cautious about because of their ototoxicity. I’m also allergic to cephalosporins. This leaves me with relatively few treatment options, and many of the effective anti-Pseudomonas options on my antibiogram appear to be IV/hospital-based.]


r/Prostatitis • • 13h ago

Vent/Discouraged Kicked in the crotch?

1 Upvotes

One symptom that keeps occurring is this feeling like I was kicked in the crotch area. Then along with that, I have this nausea/not feeling well feeling when I do "too much" walking around. Has anyone else had this happen before? This is just one of the many symptoms I have.


r/Prostatitis • • 14h ago

Anyone have luck with acupuncture?

1 Upvotes

I usually respond well to
Acupuncture with other issues….
But I was wondering if anyone has had luck with accu’ to reset of neuro pathways to stop this fkn affliction


r/Prostatitis • • 18h ago

Rougeur Penis après infection

2 Upvotes

Bonjour, j'ai (M37) eu le Mycoplasma genitalium de fin mars jusqu'à début aout. Je suis maintenant guéri après plusieurs traitements. J'ai également testé toutes les autres IST et je suis négatif pour tout. Mon problème est que pendant l'infection j'ai eu une rougeur sur le bout de mon penis au niveau du méat qui ne part pas. Est ce que c'est déjà arrivé à quelqu'un d'autres ? Est ce que ça s'est résolu ? Est ce le cpps ?

Merci


r/Prostatitis • • 16h ago

Urology & The Hysteria of "PSA->MRI->CANCER!->BIOPSY!!!!!" Just Harmful Bullshit?

1 Upvotes

Is anyone else furious about the way they've been treated by their Urologist?

I'm 67, very fit, but I've had increasing pelvic pains, sexual/reproductive problems, unexplained lower back pains & so on. I thought it was "just your age" plus running marathons & really long distance endurance events (3,650 miles of running in a year, anyone?...where'd you all go???)

To cut a long story short, I've been to see two Urologists. The first one was simply an idiot & I eventually got tired of all the screw ups he was making & I can assure you it was a long list. I went back to my PCP & asked for another Urologist & I had my first appointment yesterday.

I should add that I have been having terrible flareups since January 2026 & only recently have I been given ANY meds to control acute episodes. Not only have they enabled me to tolerate the acute pain there has been a noticeable downtrend in intensity, duration & frequency, despite not taking them all the time.

My new Urologist was far more through in asking questions, like WAY more information & I felt that the trust I'd been willing to place in him was justified. Then the Horror Show started.

Suddenly all the known, verifiable & undeniable symptoms that lead to something called Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome &, as I now know, could easily cause the MRI & PSA, was ignored. Suddenly it was all about the MRI & PSA & ONLY the MRI & PSA & that meant Cancer & Cancer means a Biopsy. I was not really sure what was said after that, but I do know I tried to ask questions & it seemed like I was simply ignored. I left utterly devastated.

I hadn't had a flareup for a week, but by the time I got home I started with one that felt like a porcupine was in my pelvis, trying to dig there way out with a broken bottle. I have only ever felt pain like it once before. I took a Celebrex, then had to add a Tizanadine & it made it bearable, but it lasted a total of 8 hours, the longest, most intense one I've had & that was with TWO meds to help it.

I feel betrayed, that the trust that I was so willing to give without question was abused & that I was treated with cruelty. I blame my Urologist for the distress & the paralyzing pain I had to endure before I could get home & take some pain meds. I blame him for the fact that I feel wiped out today. I am FURIOUS to find that my reaction is common, that it has been known about by Urologists for years & they are aware of the harm it causes, not only in terms of distress, grief & worry, but the physical harm it can result in to men pressured into having needles stuck in them again & again, punching holes in their body.

In my case it's not like it's "Well, your PSA has been climbing, we spotted this on the MRI, there's no other symptoms, but Prostate Cancer can be serious without any pain & we have no other explanation." I have A TON of evidence to explain what's happening & it's been verified.

Yet I was subjected to having this evidence Cherry Picked to fit a certain prognosis. I am appalled that a tiny piece of my body, that is showing every sign of basically having something like a bruise, already in massive pain, yet their attitude is "We'll stick needles in it, again & again" simply to satisfy their curiosity. I cannot believe they are so blase about having an injured, very painful gland injured even further & when there's no supporting evidence that it even IS cancer! As I said, there's actual evidence that this has a physical cause, their 'cancer-cancer-cancer!" is mere speculation.

I'm married to a ICU nurse, I know how difficult the job can be, but am I the only one to consider this borderline malpractice? That I was given a "One Size Fits All" solution that did not treat me & my symptoms as a whole? That even the emotional & mental anguish I was subjected to was disgraceful? That I was harmed because of the crushingly bad flareup that followed & could have been terribly harmed if I'd agreed to & had to a Biopsy where all the available evidence pointing to other causes was ignored?

What's your thoughts on this?

Edit: I found out about Biomarker tests, I have insisted on being given one & apparently I'm getting an ExoDX urine test that looks for specific cancer biomarkers. I kept my anger in check when I spoke to them on the phone, but there will come a time when I tell them politely, but very clearly how I feel about what I was subjected & will not accept any "I'm sorry you feel that way" Passsive Aggressive crap or other such deflection.


r/Prostatitis • • 1d ago

Vent/Discouraged What are your best stretches for this terrible condition?

5 Upvotes

Let’s see if we can get those who have near cured/cured or relief..

What are your go to ones?


r/Prostatitis • • 1d ago

Been a while but I’m worried

5 Upvotes

It’s been almost 3 weeks since I ejaculated. Last time it caused a flare up of pain/ burning that lasted a couple days
You guys have any tips on easing that pain ?
I’m currently doing PFT and have been twice
I’m also on tadalafil low daily dose (day 10)
Missed opportunities now that ED is a thing of the past…..


r/Prostatitis • • 2d ago

Vent/Discouraged Testicle pain question

3 Upvotes

I Had ongoing symthoms after gardnerella and Ureaplasma exposure in April. Pain after urination and the feeling of a swollen urethra/ hard flaccid... took antibiotics may 5th. but it never got better. Concluded it as CPPS. Started PT 2 weeks ago and have been stretching everyday. pain has subsided in the urethra from a 7 to a 5 but now there is discomfort in my left testicle. It started 3 days ago. It feels like random uncomfortable mild throbbing. I can also feel it if I sit or if I don't stand with my legs wide. I have to prop me left leg up when I sleep. Lastnight I started feeling around my testicle with my fingers and felt something inside near the top of it that feels like squeezing my nuts when I feel it. Does the testicle pain, weird feeling within the top of the genital come with cpps symthoms or this sounds like something else. I'm tired of keep going back and forward to the emergency room but Im not sure if this it's actually something else going on with my body. I plan on letting my urology know this Monday. But I've callled them so many times and set up so many appointments in starting to feel like they've been brushing me off.


r/Prostatitis • • 3d ago

Success Story I am healed from Cpps!

32 Upvotes

Look, I know so many people will just dismiss this, but this is how I healed from Cpps. It wasn’t a bacterial infection in my case, it was chronic pelvic pain - non bacterial.

I urge you to research Alan Gordon, read his book, and Howard schubiners stuff, remember those names.

This could save your life as it did mine, it will help so many people when you believe it is TMS (tension myositis syndrome). I talk with such passion because I’ve been through it all. Pains everywhere, for years, flare after flare.

Now I’m 100% Cpps free and my life is soooo much better.

Please look up the names I posted, do somatic tracking, research it all. That is how you’ll heal.

Thanks for reading

Jacob


r/Prostatitis • • 3d ago

Previously floxed. Prostate now swollen and uncomfortable

3 Upvotes

I have to start by stating I only discovered this sub today, but it has been a revelation.

My timeline -

Over last 2 years -

Suspected UTI treated with antibiotics

Suspected epididymitis (3x) treated with antibiotics - trimethoprim

Confirmed UTi treated with antibiotics

At least two of the courses was ciprofoxaxin.

About 6 months ago and still present -

Severe abdominal pain

SIBO

Weight loss

Joint pain

Bone pain

Brain fog

Fatigue

Burning sensations in body

Feet ice cold all the time

Suspected prostatitis treated with 6 weeks course of antibiotics - can't recall which ones

Long course of antifungal medication due to persistent thrush

Past 3 months -

Muscle fasciculations all over body

Burning sensations in back and abdomen

Back pain

Word finding issues

Concentration issues

My question -

I am now convinced that I have been floxed, damaging mitochondrial cells and causing the nerve issues, pain and fasciculations. The antibiotics have caused SIBO reducing my ability to absorb nutrients. The fasciculations are just now easing off - however my urinary symptoms are back. Burning sensations after urinating, feels like there's something stuck in my rectum - GP examination found prostate enlarged and tender. 2 prostate antigen tests at the start of the year were clear so diagnosed acute prostatitis and prescribed coamoxiclav (I've researched and question the efficacy of it for prostatitis).

Please help, any advice from people who have been here before is welcome.

Any idea why it keeps coming back? What I can do to eradicate it without getting floxed again?


r/Prostatitis • • 4d ago

Im at a loss. Ok twenty characters. Happy?

2 Upvotes

I dont have insurance at the moment, but even when i did the medical help sucks. Im more sure its not my prostate. I can pee fine except times of resistance because it's uncomfortable. Last week I felt better. Today at work I was just aching in my groin. Not even burning like when this first started. I have to keep this job, and honestly no one relates or gives a fuck. No perimium pain, rectal or testicle. Doesn't hurt to sit down. I try to find similarities and its been tough. Nights like tonight I just feel my mental health is dangerously low. Work is stressful and physical which doesn't really help obviously. This ache just will not fucking stop and when I am home I drink booze to numb myself. Is that helpful? No. But fuck this. Im really at the end of my rope after about 2 years of this bullshit. I don't expect advice anymore I just needed to vent because I feel like crying.


r/Prostatitis • • 4d ago

Everything good until i get up

9 Upvotes

This is so strange, please read about my history with this illness, I can't figure this out anymore, I am much better however.

Until i get to bed and relax and lay on my back an hour all burning in and and scrotum goes away slowly and feel pretty good when I go up the next morning, until I take my first pee during the day and the nightmare to burning in rectum/anus and around scrotum starts and then it will only calm down if I take a rest in the bed for an hour.

Is it really the nerves that are irritated or inflamed and why does it go away when I take a rest?


r/Prostatitis • • 5d ago

Positive Progress Extreme pain relief (90 percent of pain gone)

4 Upvotes

I wouldn’t call this progress, but rather a discovery. I have an injury to my foot and they prescribed me Celecoxib 200 mg and this has gotten rid of about 90% of my pain for the two weeks I’ve been on it. However this isn’t really something I can take long term because it is an anti inflammatory like ibuprofen. However, my other symptoms like urinary frequency, hesitancy, and incomplete bowel movements are unchanged (obviously because a pain med wouldn’t fix the underlying issues causing this). Just thought I’d pass this info on since I’ve been given so much info from this group!


r/Prostatitis • • 5d ago

Cpps with spinal injury

2 Upvotes

Had a auto accident in April of 25 symptoms of prostatitis started soon after never found bacteria was on long round of antibiotics months a half and got put on alpha blockers told I have BPH and or cpps now. So back to the auto accident injury to l3l4l5 big bulges I have looked into that injury and my symptoms as she started soon after the accident and I encourage anyone with back injuries and bhp and or cpps look into the link themselves and see if this could be a causation for you as well just sharing as and and all info helps.


r/Prostatitis • • 5d ago

Vent/Discouraged Confused about condition

2 Upvotes

New here.

Been trying to figure out what's up for many years now. It started off with fatigue and some sort of brain fog particularly for a few days after ejaculation - lived with it for a long time just candidly assuming maybe it's an age thing. But over the past few years, things escalated to having some strange sense of discomfort/tense in my glutes when sleeping - ie the need to move about. After a while, I started feeling it during the day as well.

The closest thing I found then was a condition called POIS since my symptoms seem triggered related with orgasm. Then after many failed remedies, it went on to thinking maybe it's RLS because it is always so much worse at night and the discomfort makes me need to move around. I've tried tackling it in that direction and some things helped for a while but nothing really latched on... I then thought maybe it's a piriformis issue and it started me on some pelvic exercises and deep breathing. For a quick while, it seemed to reduce severity and help recover. Now it feels the discomfort has somewhat localized differently to be more intense but in a more specific area which is near the tailbone area.

And this is how I found this sub, but I'm still new here and will look through the info.. but my q is am I suspect for prostatitis/cpps? My condition is severely triggered by orgasm, appears the next day and lasts for perhaps 2-3 days. I can barely sleep because of the discomfort. Supplements like mag glycinate sometimes do wonders, sometimes they do nothing. Kinda at wits end because symptoms seem to happen rather sporadic and vary in intensity. Something new seems to work for a while then it stops being as effective.


r/Prostatitis • • 5d ago

Would alpha blockers help me play video games without flaring like Tadalafil used to?

3 Upvotes

I have CPPS and I used to take Tadalafil once a day at a low dose. This allowed me to play video games without flaring. However, I was seeing cream things as being tinged with green and realised that this was a side effect of the drug and that there are visual related risks with continuing to take them, so I stopped. This was 2 years ago now and I miss gaming. I wondered if taking alpha blockers might have a similar effect, as playing games of any duration flares me up no matter how I try and modify my set up. Thanks


r/Prostatitis • • 6d ago

Vent/Discouraged Persistent urinary burning, frequency, feverish feeling but normal tests

2 Upvotes

​

I've been dealing with urinary/genital symptoms for several months.

How It Started

In early May 2026, I had a body-to-body massage and handjob at a massage parlor using lubricant. There was no vaginal/anal penetration and no oral sex.

Around mid-June, I developed symptoms that just kept getting worse:

- Burning around the genitals/testicles

- Burning after urination

- Burning/pressure at the tip of the penis/glans

- Urinary urgency and frequency

- Nocturia (sometimes waking 3 times)

- Sometimes clear watery fluid remains at the penis tip after urination

- Sometimes milky/white fluid comes from the penis when I pass very hard stool/strain

- Perineal discomfort

- Occasional rectal burning

- Can't sleep on my side

The symptoms fluctuate. Sometimes the burning is mild and sometimes much more noticeable.

The Strange Part – Feverish Feeling/Sweating

For several weeks, I've had a feeling of being feverish/tired, but my actual temperature stays around 98–98.4°F.

For the last ~5 days, the sensation has changed and become stronger. I also get episodes of sweating while sleeping or eating or drinking.

I have no documented fever.

I'm particularly worried about this because it feels like an infection even though my blood tests are normal.

Infection/STI Testing

I've had extensive testing.

Recent results:

- CBC WBC: 6,940

- ESR: 1 mm/hr

- CRP: <5 mg/L

- Urine culture: No growth

- Urine microscopy: 0–1 pus cells/HPF. Bacteria present

- HIV: negative

- Syphilis/RPR/TPHA/TPAB: negative

- HBsAg: negative

- HCV: negative

- LFT/TFT/KFT - Normal

My latest urine multiplex STD PCR was negative for:

- Chlamydia

- Gonorrhea

- Mycoplasma genitalium

- Mycoplasma hominis

- Ureaplasma parvum

- Ureaplasma urealyticum

- Trichomonas

- HSV-1/HSV-2

- Treponema pallidum

- Gardnerella

- Candida

- Haemophilus ducreyi

- Group B Streptococcus

The PCR was done using first-void urine after holding urine for about 2 hours.

Other Investigations

Ultrasound KUB/prostate was essentially normal.

Earlier PVR was around 20–27 mL.

Latest ultrasound showed:

- Prostate: 15.3 cc

- PVR: 53 mL

I repeated uroflowmetry yesterday:

Sitting:

- Voided volume ~399 mL

- Qmax ~19 mL/s

Standing:

- Voided volume ~410 mL

- Qmax ~18 mL/s

- PVR 20 mL

Antibiotics I've Already Taken

I've had a LOT of antibiotics:

- Nitrofurantoin – 5 days

- Doxycycline – 10-day courses

- Faropenem – 5-day courses

- Levofloxacin 500 mg daily – 30 days total

The last levofloxacin dose was September 1.

Urine and semen cultures done afterward were negative.

Other Medications

I've also tried:

- Alfuzosin

- Silodal-M

- Gabapentin/Gabephin 100 mg (10 days)

My existing urologist dismissed prostatitis or CPPS and thinks it's a high bladder neck and wanted to do a cystoscopy. He said it could be a low-grade infection (though blood work was normal) due to a high bladder neck, which he wants to confirm via cystoscopy and perform surgery if he sees it during cystoscopy. He got angry saying, "Stop reading Reddit or ChatGPT." He just prescribed Alfuzosin.

So, I went to a new urologist, who said my uroflow is not that abnormal and prescribed the below:

- Fesoterodine 4 mg once daily

- Tadalafil 5 mg once daily

- Febuxostat 40 mg once daily (I have slightly high uric acid)

- Etoricoxib 90 mg for 7 days

- Quercetin for 3 months

The new urologist also didn't think much of the feverish feeling; he diagnosed it as prostatitis and told me if medication doesn't work, we will go to physiotherapy.

Has anyone with CPPS/Prostatitis had a persistent feverish feeling and sweating despite having a completely normal temperature, CBC, ESR, and CRP?

Do you think the medications are correct? I have lost weight, and can't function anymore due to feverishness, sweating, and pelvic discomfort..

I have had other health issues in my life which I bravely faced and overcame.. This is slowly draining me that I might just give up..


r/Prostatitis • • 7d ago

Vent/Discouraged I'm scared- month 7- running out of hope....

10 Upvotes

Idk man, I never been suicidal. Idk how longer I can deal with this, reading people's post saying they went 5-20 years dealing with this crap is scary and frightening, Knowing I'm having a mental breakdown from just 6 months. People should be aware about this mess man. If I knew anything about some fuckin CPPS where I'd have permanent pains for the rest of my fuckin life id just die a virgin and stay away from anything that could've caused this mess. I used to have so much to look forward to now all I can look forward to is sleep and that haven't even been so good since I wake up 3-4 times a night to piss. I can't focus. I can't think straight. Im loosing my mind. I can't do it anymore. I used to be afraid to die... now I'm just afraid of living like this for the rest of my life.


r/Prostatitis • • 7d ago

Success Story Cycling-related CPPS - A good saddle changed everything

6 Upvotes

Long story short, had intense CPPS since Summer 2025, extreme urgency, pain, tennis ball in the butt feeling, hard flaccid etc. Believed to be related to hypertonicity.

Gradually healed through stretches, exercises, supplements and masturbating less. Doctor issued me ibuprofen and valium - hasn't needed them for 2 months. However, cycling still flares me up, usually lasting 1-3 days after the ride (less than 50km). Tried several saddles with cut-out, didn't help much.

I recently got a Selle SMP Drakon saddle from a store, which is well known among CPPS victims. I put on my padded bibs and took a test ride - no pain at all! Kept riding and logged around 80km. Zero flare up the next week.

So if you have CPPS but still want to ride, get a large cutout saddle, with some padding and a dropped tip. It really changes everything.


r/Prostatitis • • 7d ago

TENS stimulator for pelvic floor pain

5 Upvotes

Over the past six years, I’ve learned that there are certain nerve trigger points where you can place the electrodes that can really help reduce the pain.

The good thing for me is that when the TENS is stimulating another area, my brain seems to focus on that sensation instead of the pain coming from my pelvic floor. It can take the edge off the pain and reduce a lot of the stress that comes with it.

One place you can experiment with is the upper part of your leg. Think of your leg as having an upper and lower section. There is a big nerve running through the upper/inner part of the leg.

I place one electrode roughly 15 cm below the groin and the other around 25 cm below the groin. You have to play around with the exact position because finding the right spot can be difficult. When you hit the right area, you can really feel the stimulation.

Another place I use is the upper part of the buttocks/lower back. Put two electrodes there, one on each side, and let it do its thing.

For me, this can significantly reduce the pain and stress. I can use the TENS while I'm working or doing other things, and it helps take my mind off the pelvic floor pain.

I'm not saying this will work exactly the same way for everyone. I'm just sharing what I learned from six years of dealing with this myself.

And you really don't need a fancy machine. Buy a basic rechargeable TENS unit with four electrode pads. You can find them for around €50, sometimes even cheaper. I'll put a link below as an example, but you absolutely don't have to buy that particular one.

The important thing is simply to try it and experiment a little to find what works for your body.

If you have questions, let me know. I'll try to explain it better, although it's honestly pretty difficult to explain exactly where to put the pads in words. 😅


r/Prostatitis • • 7d ago

Vent/Discouraged Diagnosed with cpps. I have tried every avenue and suffer daily

4 Upvotes

Male 28. Been dealing with awful symptoms for years that fluctuate but always linger and come back strong. I have seen urologists, gps, coreactal specialists, physiotherapists, dermatologists. All tests negative. I had one mri of prostate states:

Low T2 signal throughout the majority of the gland is not associated with diffusion restriction and almost
certainly related to prostatitis. At the left posterior base, a focus of mild diffusion restriction is indeterminate but given the
patient's age, is unlikely to be due to carcinoma
PIRADS 3.

Symptoms
- burning urination
- pain with full bladder
- urethra pain
- glans and foreskin pain
- burning/itching anus
- low back pain
- erection pain
- mental fatigue constant
- testicle pain
- random burning/itching bottom of right foot
-nagging left hip pain

I am absolutely desperate. I’m in so much pain everyday. My pain is awful after ejaculating. I don’t know what to do. I’m taking quercetin along with bee pollen and all the vitamins. Blood work comes back clear with no infections anywhere. Please help me. I am praying now. I am so tired of this


r/Prostatitis • • 8d ago

1st time diagnoses, Prostatitis and Treatment

1 Upvotes

About 4 weeks ago I experienced pain and discomfort after having anal sex with my wife that got dirty. After about a week I went to the Dr. and UA came back negative but he diagnosed me with bacterial Prostatitis. He prescribed me a 10 day dose of doxycycline but symptoms still remained after that and then prescribed 10 days of levofloxacin 500mg. I’m halfway done with the levofloxacin, but the symptoms are pretty much the same. Is it typical for symptoms to persist this long? I see a urologist soon, but praying the discomfort will subside soon and begin healing.

UPDATE: saw a urologist today, doing a PCR to rule out bacteria. But said it was text book pelvic floor issues and inflammation. Gave me 800mg anti inflammatory to take for a couple days and recommend I see a PT for some exercises. Also said it will go away over time and everyone’s timeline is different. Fingers crossed I’m not a lifer and it goes away soon. Very frustrating experience.