Chronic bacterial prostatitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the prostate gland that develops slowly and continues for a long period of time. It is a chronic infection of the prostate gland.

See also:

• Prostatitis - bacterial acute
• Prostatitis - nonbacterial chronic

Chronic prostatitis is usually caused by a chronic bacterial infection of the prostate gland. It may occur with or follow:

• Acute prostatitis
• Epididymitis
• Urinary tract infection that often returns (is recurrent)
• Urethritis

The most common bacteria species that cause chronic prostatitis include:

• Escherichia coli
• Enterobacter cloacae
• Klebsiella pneumonia
• Proteus species

Risks include:

• Age over 30
• Certain sexual practices (such as anal sex without a condom)
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Injury to the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus)

These factors may cause congestion of the prostate gland, which produces a breeding ground for bacteria.

Other possible causes are related to stress and tightness of the pelvic muscles.