Symptoms of chronic prostatitis are similar to those of acute prostatitis but are not as severe. They usually begin more gradually. Patients may have no symptoms in between episodes, or they may experience mild symptoms all the time.

Symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine
• Decreased urinary stream
• Delayed start of urination (urinary hesitancy)
• Frequent urination
• Incontinence
• Low-grade fever
• Pain or burning with urination

Subtle symptoms may include:

• Low back pain
• Pain in the perineum or pelvic floor
• Pain with bowel movement
• Pain with ejaculation
• Testicular pain

Note: There may be no symptoms.

A physical examination may show:

• Discharge from the urethra
• Enlarged, mildly tender prostate
• Enlarged or tender lymph nodes in the groin area
• Swelling and tenderness of the scrotum

During a physical exam, the prostate gland may feel normal, or large and soft (boggy).

Urine specimens may be collected for urinalysis and urine culture.

Other tests may include:

• Culture of prostate secretions
• Semen analysis

Other possible tests are:

• Pressure flow studies
• Cystoscopy
• Transrectal ultrasound
• Prostate specific antigen (PSA)