Prostatitis Symptoms and Diagnosis: A Patient's Guide
Prostatitis can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms. Here are the common signs of prostatitis and how doctors determine if the prostate is inflamed.
As the symptoms of Prostatitis overlap with other conditions (like urinary infections or an enlarged prostate), getting an accurate diagnosis is important. Below are the common signs of prostatitis and how doctors determine if the prostate is inflamed.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Men with prostatitis might experience:
Urinary problems: A frequent or urgent need to urinate, often with a burning sensation. You might have trouble starting the flow, a weak stream, or dribbling at the end. Many men also find they need to urinate more often at night.
Pain or discomfort: Aching pain can occur in the lower abdomen, groin, or lower back. Some men feel pain between the scrotum and rectum (the perineum), or discomfort in the penis or testicles. The pain might be sharp or a constant dull ache.
Sexual difficulties: Prostatitis can make ejaculation painful. Some men also notice reduced sexual desire or erectile difficulties, often due to the pain and stress of the condition.
Flu-like symptoms: If prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, you might have fever, chills, and body aches along with the above symptoms.
Not everyone with prostatitis has all these issues, but these are the most common ones to watch for.
How Prostatitis Is Diagnosed
When you see a healthcare provider for these symptoms, they will take steps to find out if prostatitis is the cause:
Symptom review and history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including when they began and whether you’ve had any past urinary infections or prostate problems.
Physical exam (DRE): The doctor will perform a digital rectal exam by inserting a gloved finger into your rectum to feel the prostate gland. If the prostate is very tender or swollen, it suggests prostatitis.
Urine tests: You’ll provide a urine sample to be checked for infection or inflammation. If bacteria are found in your urine, it confirms an infection involving the prostate. In chronic cases, the doctor might also take a urine sample after massaging the prostate during the exam. Finding bacteria mainly in that post-massage urine indicates the prostate is the source of the infection.
Other tests: Occasionally, blood tests are done to look for infection signs, and imaging tests (like an ultrasound) are used if an abscess or other complication is suspected. These tests aren’t needed for most men with prostatitis, but they can help in unclear situations.
Using your symptom history, exam results, and test findings, the doctor can usually confirm a diagnosis of prostatitis and tell whether it’s bacterial or not. This is important because the treatment will differ based on the cause.
Conclusion
If you experience these kinds of symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. Prostatitis is one possible cause, and the only way to know for sure is through a proper exam. The good news is that prostatitis — once diagnosed — can usually be treated successfully. Depending on the type, treatment might involve antibiotics, pain relievers, or other therapies to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Most men start feeling better once the right treatment is underway, allowing them to get back to normal activities.