Up to 50 per cent of men will be affected by prostatitis at some point during their lifetime, estimates suggest.
Prostatitis occurs when the prostate gland - which is located below the bladder and produces most of a male's semen, becomes infected or inflamed, causing severe pain, urinary complications, sexual dysfunction and infertility.
It tends to occur in young and middle-aged men and can lead to a decrease in quality of life and even depression.
According to the Prostatitis Foundation, the disease can be subdivided into nonbacterial, acute and chronic forms.
Nonbacterial prostatitis - the most common form - is characterised by frequent urination and lower back pain. It is usually addressed using anti-inflammatory treatments or muscle relaxants, hot baths and frequent ejaculation.
Acute bacterial prostatitis tends to include fever and chills, lower back pain, and frequent and painful urination. It is often treated with antibiotics, bed rest and fluids.
Meanwhile, chronic prostatitis may be due to bacterial infection or inflammation and is generally treated with antibiotics and non-prescription dietary supplements, according to Dr Leroy Nyberg, director of urology programmes at the National Institutes of Health.
Up to 50 per cent of men will be affected by prostatitis at some point during their lifetime, estimates suggest.
