If prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, it can usually be treated with antibiotics. Depending on the cause, prostatitis can come on gradually or suddenly. It might improve quickly, either on its own or with treatment. Some types of prostatitis last for months or keep recurring (
How long does prostatitis last for?
Acute prostatitis starts quickly. Long-term (chronic) prostatitis lasts for 3 months or more. Ongoing irritation of the prostate that is not caused by bacteria is called chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.
How long can prostatitis last untreated?
Chronic prostatitis develops gradually and can last for months or even years. Doctors consider prostatitis to be chronic if symptoms continue for 3 months or more . It may not respond well to the first treatments a doctor recommends. Acute prostatitis is a temporary condition that occurs suddenly.