Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis - Chronic Prostatitis

How is the infection diagnosed?

Unlike the acute form of bacterial prostatitis, the chronic form has no characteristic symptoms. If prostatitis is diagnosed and there are no acute symptoms, the prostatitis is assumed to be chronic.

Secretions from the prostate are examined to aid in the diagnosis. The healthcare provider inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and massages the prostate. The gland produces a drop of prostatic fluid that can be milked out of the urethra. The fluid is then examined under a microscope. If more white blood cells than normal are seen, the diagnosis of prostatitis is made. The diagnosis is also made if bacteria are cultured from this specimen, or from the urine voided right after prostate massage.