Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if you have possible signs of sepsis, such as confusion, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, blue or mottled skin, or extreme weakness with an infection.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical assessment if you develop fever or chills together with painful, frequent, or difficult urination.
Acute bacterial prostatitis needs prompt testing and treatment.
Get urgent help if you:
Cannot pass urine
Have severe or rapidly worsening pelvic pain
Are vomiting and cannot keep fluids or antibiotics down
Become worse after starting treatment
Have a weakened immune system and develop possible infection symptoms
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate if symptoms are stable but keep returning, or if pelvic or urinary symptoms continue after antibiotics.
Make an appointment if you repeatedly develop urinary infections, have ongoing painful ejaculation, or notice persistent blood in urine or semen.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Prostatitis - bacterial. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.