Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, which can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.

The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and it plays a key role in producing semen. When this gland becomes inflamed, it can cause significant pain and discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region.

Types of prostatitis

There are four main types of Prostatitis:

Each type can present slightly differently, but pain when sitting is a common theme among those suffering from this condition.

Common symptoms of prostatitis

Prostatitis comes with a variety of other symptoms that can disrupt your daily life. These can include:

For some men, the symptoms may be mild and manageable, while for others, the condition can cause significant discomfort and distress. 

How prostatitis is diagnosed

Diagnosing prostatitis can be a complex process, especially for chronic forms of the condition. Your urologist may start by asking about your symptoms, particularly the intensity and location of the pain, and whether it worsens when sitting. They might also perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check the size and tenderness of the prostate.

Additional tests may include:

Why it hurts to sit with prostatitis

Sitting can be particularly painful for those with Prostatitis because of the location of the prostate gland. Since the gland is situated just below the bladder and above the pelvic floor, prolonged sitting can put pressure on it, exacerbating the pain and discomfort. 

For men with inflammation in the prostate, this pressure can intensify symptoms, causing sharp or dull pelvic pain, which may radiate to the lower back, groyne, or even down the legs.

The pain is often worse when sitting on hard surfaces or for extended periods. Imagine how a bruised muscle feels when pressure is applied to it. In the same way, sitting on an inflamed prostate can make symptoms much worse.

How to manage the pain when sitting

Treatment options for prostatitis

The treatment you’ll need depends on the type of Prostatitis you have. For acute bacterial Prostatitis, antibiotics are typically prescribed, and symptoms often improve within a few days. Chronic bacterial Prostatitis may also require long-term antibiotics, though treatment can take weeks or even months.

For chronic Prostatitis or CP/CPPS, treatment is more complex, as there’s no clear bacterial cause. Some of the options include:

Final notes

Living with Prostatitis can be challenging, particularly when the pain affects daily activities like sitting. However, there are ways to manage the discomfort and improve your quality of life. 

Making lifestyle adjustments, seeking appropriate treatment, and finding supportive cushions or seating arrangements can go a long way in helping you stay comfortable. With the right approach, you can reduce the pain and reclaim a sense of normalcy in your life.