Acute prostatitis is an infection that causes severe symptoms. It is the most serious and least common type of prostatitis. Men with this illness are usually very sick, and their symptoms come on suddenly.

A urine test will reveal bacteria, and using a digital rectal exam, a health professional will find the prostate to be warm, swollen, and very tender.

Serious complications may develop from acute prostatitis, including an abscess in the prostate.