What is prostatitis? Is prostatitis frequent? Is prostatitis transmitted? What are the symptoms of prostatitis? Acute prostatitis Chronic prostatitis How is prostatitis diagnosed? Is there a treatment for prostatitis? Who is at risk of developing prostatitis? How can an individual with prostatitis prevent transmission? How can I prevent myself from developing prostatitis?

While prostatitis is an entity that has been well described and documented, it remains a difficult diagnosis and is often challenging to treat. On occasion the hope for a complete and definitive cure is evasive. In the case of an acute prostatitis, the urinary culture may often enable your physician to identify the bacteria responsible for the infection. In the case of chronic prostatitis, an effective test may be the direct microscopic examination and culture of prostatic liquid subsequent to a prostatic massage performed by your physician. Urinary cultures are typically not helpful in the event of a chronic prostatitis.

On occasion, urethral cultures or spermocultures (bacterial culture of the ejaculate) may be requested. A specialist may request an ultrasound evaluation of the urinary tracts, and on occasion an ultrasound evaluation of your prostate.

Over the age of 40, it may be considered prudent to exclude the possibility of a prostate cancer (the symptoms are not specific). Your physician or specialist may evaluate your risks for prostate cancer with the use of a digital rectal examination and a blood test known as PSA (prostate specific antigen). This latter test is not always 100% accurate and should be performed in association with your physician.