Diagnosis of Prostatitis


The diagnosis of prostatitis may be done on the basis of the following tests:

  • Medical History: Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and medical history.
  • Physical Examination: Your doctor may examine your genitals and abdominal area and may also perform a digital rectal exam to examine the prostate gland. This helps to detect swelling, inflammation or tenderness of the gland.
  • Blood Tests: An analysis of the blood sample is helpful in detecting infection in the blood.
  • Urine and Semen Screening: Examining the urine and semen helps to detect signs of infection. The samples may be taken before, during and after your doctor examines the prostate.
  • Cystoscopy: In this procedure, a cytoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. This test is usually performed in order to rule out other problems that may be triggering the symptoms.
  • Bladder Tests: These tests are used to evaluate the ease with which you can empty your bladder. This helps to monitor the extent to which the prostatitis is affecting urination.

References
  1. Richard Chen, J.Curtis Nickel, Acupuncture ameliorates symptoms in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, Urology, Volume 61, Issue 6, June 2003, Pages 1156-1159, ISSN 0090-4295, 10.1016/S0090-4295(03)00141-9.
  2. V. Steenkamp, M.C. Gouws, M. Gulumian, E.E. Elgorashi, J. van Staden, Studies on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of herbal remedies used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 103, Issue 1, 3 January 2006, Pages 71-75, ISSN 0378-8741, 10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.007. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874105004630)