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Prostatitis is a swelling of the prostate caused by an infection or inflammation that may be bacterial or non-bacterial. It has nothing to do with prostate cancer.
Bacterial infection usually occurs in younger men and may cause flu-like symptoms like fever, aches and chills. It is usually treated with antibiotics.
Older men may experience a chronic form of prostatitis that causes them pain when urinating or ejaculating, or pains in the lower belly, the base of the penis or along the shaft of the penis.
Treatment is often difficult and can involve long-term antibiotic therapy.
For further information and advice, call the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20.
