Diagnosis of prostatitis

Physical examination

Most often the symptoms and physical findings are enough to form a diagnosis of prostatitis. The best diagnostic tool is an exam called digital-rectal exam. During the exam, a doctor inserts a finger in the rectum and the swollen prostate can be felt. Patient should also know that it may be extremely tender when probed. Squeezing the gland slightly will produce a few drops of fluid that may be cultured to learn whether bacteria are present.
 
Examining and culturing urine samples

Many patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis also have recurring urinary tract infections which could be an important clue to the diagnosis.

Cystoscopy
 
The urologist may also insert a special instrument called a cystoscope through the penis to view the prostate directly from inside and see whether it looks inflamed or not.

Possible prostatitis complications

Prostate cancer
There is still no evidence that having acute or chronic prostatitis increases the risk of prostate cancer.
However, it is proven that it may increase the level of prostate-specific antigen which is a substance naturally produced in your prostate gland, and high levels in your blood may sometimes be a sign of prostate cancer.

Sterility
Because prostatitis interferes with the development of semen and proper ejaculation, it can sometimes affect fertility.

Other complications
In addition, untreated acute prostatitis can lead to an inability to urinate, and in severe cases may result in bacteria in your bloodstream. 

Treatment of prostatitis

Medications

Depending on the type of prostatitis you have, certain medications may help rid or control your symptoms. These medications include:

• Antibiotics – Ciprofloxacin® is one of the commonly used medications
• Alpha blockers - Tamsulosin® and Alfuzosin® are commonly used
• Pain relievers
• Muscle relaxants

 
Physical therapy

Several researches done in the past have proven that special exercises and relaxation techniques can improve symptoms of prostatitis in some men. Common techniques include:

• Exercise
• Ice - placing a small ice cube in the rectum, may relieve pain for hours.
• Biofeedback
• Sitz baths
• Prostate massage

Surgical procedures

Sometimes, a doctor may recommend surgery to open the blocked ducts if a patient has a bacterial form of the disease in which antibiotics couldn’t improve symptoms or fertility is severely affected.
 
Other treatments

Finasteride is a drug that lowers hormone levels in the prostate.