Is bacterial prostatitis contagious?
Aug 17, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Niu Gang
Introduction
If prostatitis is caused by gonorrhea, it can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Some cases of prostatitis are bacterial in origin; however, the causative bacteria are not highly virulent or particularly aggressive, and even if they enter the vagina, the vagina’s natural defense mechanisms can eliminate these pathogens.
This situation is not absolute—it depends on the underlying disease. For instance, if prostatitis is caused by gonorrhea, it can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. However, some cases of bacterial prostatitis involve pathogens with relatively low virulence and are not particularly unusual or highly aggressive. Even if such bacteria enter the vagina, the vagina’s natural defense mechanisms can often eliminate them. Therefore, we cannot make blanket generalizations.
For bacterial, acutely active prostatitis, we recommend abstaining from sexual activity, as this facilitates the patient’s recovery. Moreover, this precaution also protects the female partner. Once symptoms have stabilized, resuming sexual activity is acceptable.
