Prostatitis--diagnosis and treatment.

Prostatitis is a spectrum of disorders that impacts a significant number of men. Acute bacterial prostatitis may be a life-threatening event requiring prompt recognition and treatment with antibiotic therapy. Chronic bacterial prostatitis has a more indolent course and also requires antibiotic therapy for resolution. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is the most common manifestation of prostatitis and may be the most difficult to treat. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is an incidental finding of unclear significance. Understanding the diagnostic and management strategies for each of these entities is critical for general practitioners in caring for their male patients.