Prostatitis is a condition of the prostate that often involves inflammation. The prostate is a gland near the bladder in men.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms such as painful urination or pain in the groin, you might wonder if a trip to urgent care can help.
Yes, CareWell Urgent Care offers diagnosis and treatment for prostatitis.
Here’s a closer look at symptoms and when to seek care.
When to Go to Urgent Care for Prostatitis
Several other conditions have symptoms like those of prostatitis. It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. Visit urgent care if you experience any of the symptoms of prostatitis.
Prostatitis Symptoms
Common signs of a prostate infection, or prostatitis, include:
- Painful urination.
- Difficult urination.
- Frequent urination.
- Urgent need to urinate.
- Cloudy urine.
- Abdominal, lower back, or groin pain.
- Testicular pain or discomfort.
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills).
Seek care immediately for the following severe prostatitis symptoms:
- Significant pain combined with a fever.
- Inability to urinate.
- Bloody urine.
What Is Prostatitis?
Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate gland and can have several causes. There are four types of prostatitis:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis. This is a painful, acute (sudden) condition caused by bacterial infection of your prostate. Sometimes, bacteria spread from another part of your reproductive or urinary system to your prostate.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis. A recurring or ongoing condition, chronic bacterial prostatitis may occur when an infection is not effectively treated or recurs.
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome/chronic prostatitis: This condition involves ongoing pain and discomfort without evidence of infection. Though the cause of this condition is not fully understood, certain factors may play a part, including a previous infection, stress, or hormone dysfunction.
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. This type of prostatitis is not apparent to the person who has it and may be noticed incidentally during a prostate exam.
Prostatitis Treatment in Urgent Care
Can urgent care treat prostatitis? Visiting urgent care for prostatitis diagnosis and treatment is an excellent choice. At CareWell Urgent Care, our experienced providers are equipped to assess, diagnose, and treat prostatitis.
Does Urgent Care Do Prostate Exams?
Your urgent care provider may perform a digital prostate exam to aid in diagnosing prostatitis. In this procedure, a provider will gently insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to check for inflammation of your prostate.
How is Prostatitis Diagnosed?
In addition to a prostate exam, clinicians may use several other tests to check for prostatitis or rule out other conditions.
- Urine test. Your provider may collect a sample of your urine to check for bacteria. Testing can identify the type of bacteria causing an infection and guide treatment.
- Prostate specimen test. Your provider may collect a urine sample after a digital prostate exam. During this type of exam, prostatic fluid may be secreted into the urethra. Collecting a urine sample at this point may better enable your clinician to test for bacteria from inside the prostate.
- Blood tests. Blood testing can give your provider important information about your prostate health and the presence of other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
CareWell Urgent Care offers a full range of onsite diagnostic testing.
How is Prostatitis Treated?
If you are diagnosed with prostatitis, your provider will order treatment based on your specific type of prostatitis. There are several treatment options:
- Antibiotics. An acute or chronic bacterial infection is typically treated with an antibiotic. Taking the entire course of antibiotics is essential, even if your symptoms improve early on. This may prevent recurrent or chronic prostatitis and other complications.
- Home care. You can do certain things at home to ease the symptoms of prostatitis as you recover. Soaking in a warm sitz bath may provide relief. Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and acidic or spicy foods can prevent further bladder irritation. Drinking plenty of water can help flush unwanted bacteria from your bladder and urethra.
If you need evaluation or treatment for suspected prostatitis, CareWell Urgent Care is a trusted choice. We take pride in combining exceptional medical expertise with convenient care near you. Visit any of our 12 Massachusetts and Rhode Island locations for outstanding care.
