Prostate pain syndrome

The prostate is a small gland in men that's part of the reproductive system. It's about the size of a golf ball and wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder when you pee. The prostate makes a thick fluid that mixes with sperm from the testicles to create semen.

As men get older, it’s normal for the prostate to swell a little, but this usually doesn’t cause pain. If you have pain or discomfort around the prostate that lasts for more than 3 months, you might have prostate pain syndrome.

You might also hear it called chronic prostatitis, chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, chronic prostate pain syndrome, or CPPS.

Prostate pain syndrome is the most common type of chronic pelvic pain in men. Even though we understand some reasons why people get chronic pain, the exact cause of prostate pain isn’t always clear. What we do know is:

• It affects up to 15% of men.
• It can happen at any age, but is most common in men between 30 and 50.
• It is not caused by an infection, so antibiotics won’t help.

If you have prostate pain syndrome, you might feel ongoing pain and discomfort that can make daily life harder. You could also have problems when you pee. 

Common symptoms include:

• Pain in or around your penis (especially the tip) and testicles.
• Pain around your anus or the area between your anus and genitals (called the perineum).
• Pain in your lower tummy, rectum, or lower back.
• Pain when you pee, needing to pee often or urgently, or trouble starting and stopping your urine.
• Sexual problems, like trouble getting or keeping an erection (also known as erectile dysfunction), pain during or after ejaculation, or pelvic pain after sex.
• Blood in your semen (this is called haematospermia).

Erectile dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the medical term for having trouble getting or keeping an erection. Follow this link to read more about erectile dysfunction.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and go over your medical history, including any medications you’re taking. They might also examine your tummy and back.

Pain and quality of life assessment

You might be asked to fill out questionnaires to help your doctor understand how much pain you’re in and how it affects your daily life. They may also ask sensitive questions about any pain or trouble you have before, during, or after sex, and how your condition is affecting your mental health.

It can be hard to talk about anxiety and depression, but it’s important to be honest with your doctor. You won’t be judged, and your answers will help you get the support you need.

Urine test

If your doctor thinks an infection could be causing your symptoms, they may ask you to give a urine sample which is then sent to a lab for more testing. 

Prostate check

A prostate check (or digital rectal examination) is a quick test to see if your prostate is swollen or painful. During this test, your doctor will gently insert a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum to feel your prostate.

You might feel some pressure and have the urge to pee for a moment, but the test is over quickly. It might hurt a little if your prostate is inflamed, but the discomfort won’t last long.

Treating prostate pain syndrome can be tricky because it's not caused by an infection. The goal is to lessen your symptoms and help you feel better in your daily life.

This chapter contains general information about prostate pain syndrome. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: April 2025