|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Prostatitis Diagnosis

Prostatitis is a broad term used for a group of symptoms associated with your prostate. When you have prostatitis, you'll experience symptoms of painful and difficulty in urination, pain in your groin and inflammation of the prostate. Some cases of prostatitis are attributed to bacterial infections. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 10 percent of prostatitis cases have bacterial causes. In order to diagnose the condition, your doctor may administer many tests to exclude other conditions.

  1. Questionanaire

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, there is a questionnaire known as the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptoms Index that may be given to you to fill out. The questionnaire determines how often you experience pain, discomfort, and painful urination, and how these symptoms affect your over all well-being. The higher you score on the questionnaire, the more likely you suffer from prostatitis.

    DRE

    • A DRE is a digital rectal exam. According to the Urology Channel, this type of exam checks for inflammation of your prostate and whether it is tender to the touch. Your physician will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into you rectum to feel the surface of your prostate. Your physician will also determine the size and shape of your prostate to check for any abnormalities.

    Urine/Semen Test

    • Your physician will ask for samples of your urine and semen to look for leukocytes (white blood cells). Leukocytes are an important aspect in your body's ability to fight off infections. If you have a high amount of leukocytes within your urine or semen, this means that an infection is present. A high number of leukocytes associated with either your urine or semen sample is a good indicator for prostatitis.

    Cystoscopy

    • A cystoscope is a very fine instrument that is placed into your urethra and then into your bladder. On the end of the cystoscope is a light and a very small magnifying lens or camera. A cystoscopy may be performed to check for any abnormalities or other possible medical conditions, such as cancer, that may be causing your symptoms.

    Treatments

    • Once you have been diagnosed with prostatitis, there are various methods to help you cope with your condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, alpha blockers such as alfuzosin may be given to help lesson painful symptoms associated with urination. Ibuprofen or Motrin can help ease pain symptoms. Soaking in a warm bath and sitting on a soft pillow may also lesson pain symptoms. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or spicy foods, as this can exacerbate your condition.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles