Prostate Abscess
A prostate abscess is a pocket of pus that forms within the prostate gland, usually as a complication of severe or untreated prostatitis (prostate infection). It occurs when bacteria become trapped inside the prostate, leading to localized infection, inflammation, and tissue breakdown. Prostate abscesses can cause significant pain, fever, and urinary problems, though some cases may present more subtly.
What is it?
A prostate abscess forms when a bacterial infection becomes walled off within the prostate gland, creating a fluid-filled pocket of pus. This may occur after prolonged or severe prostatitis, especially when antibiotics do not fully penetrate the infected tissue. People with diabetes, chronic urinary problems, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
Imaging—particularly CT, MRI, or transrectal ultrasound—can show areas of fluid collection, swelling, or pockets of infection. Early diagnosis is important because untreated abscesses can expand or spread infection to nearby tissues.
Important to Know
Prostate abscesses usually require both antibiotics and drainage to fully resolve. Without treatment, they can lead to complications such as sepsis, urinary obstruction, or chronic infection. The method of drainage depends on abscess size, location, and patient symptoms.
Red flag symptoms include high fever, chills, severe pelvic pain, difficulty or inability to urinate, or symptoms of bloodstream infection (such as rapid heartbeat or confusion). These require urgent medical attention. Follow-up imaging is often used to confirm that the abscess has resolved.