What is a key symptom of chronic bacterial prostatitis?

Intermittent pelvic pain with dysuria is a key symptom of chronic bacterial prostatitis. This condition is characterized by the presence of bacteria in the prostate that leads to inflammation, which can manifest as pelvic pain and urinary symptoms. The pain is often experienced intermittently and may be associated with difficulties in urination, known as dysuria.

The nature of chronic bacterial prostatitis means that symptoms can fluctuate, and patients may not experience constant discomfort. The combination of pelvic pain and urinary difficulties is a classic presentation, aligning with what is understood about the pathophysiology of this condition.

Other options, while they may describe urological trouble or discomfort, do not reflect the typical symptomatology associated with chronic bacterial prostatitis. For instance, severe abdominal pain with fever would be more indicative of acute bacterial prostatitis rather than the chronic form. Likewise, constant urinary retention or frequent UTIs could suggest other underlying issues rather than being indicative of chronic bacterial prostatitis specifically. Thus, the symptom of intermittent pelvic pain with dysuria is the most representative of the chronic bacterial prostatitis diagnosis.