Prostatitis is caused by inflammation or infection in the prostate gland. There are actually two different types of prostatitis. The most common type of prostatitis is infectious prostatitis, caused by a bacterial infection in the prostate gland. Infectious prostatitis is treated with antibiotics; because infections clear very slowly out of the prostate gland, it is usually necessary to treat for a long time with the antibiotics, usually around 4-6 weeks in total. However, most people start to feel better within a week or so of starting the antibiotics and, if they can tolerate the antibiotics every day for the full 4 to 6-week course, then a complete resolution of the problem is likely. There is also a noninfectious form of prostatitis, which caused chronic, persistent pain and urinary discomfort. Unfortunately, noninfectious prostatitis doesn't have a definitive cure, and treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms. Although there are medications that can help, the condition is unlikely to go away entirely.