Follow up Question

Your reply to an earlier post of mine was as follows " Evaluation of the prostate would be a reasonable next step. This can include expressing some prostatic fluid for analysis and culture to ensure there is no infection present there. I would also consider a transrectal ultrasound which can image the prostate for any abscesses. "  

My question to you is A.) Are these two procedures painful ?  B.) Does " expressing some prostatic fluid " mean using a syringe or needle to extract the fluid ?  If the answer to the last question is no, how is the procedure performed and C.) Do either of these two procedures invole going into the urinary tract (such as wiht a DNA swad, as that is more painful than the current discomfort I feel)

If the answer is yes to the above questions and there is a lot of discomfort with these procedures are there other tests that do the same things with less pain (such as a scrotal sonogram or MRI)

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Expressing prostatic fluid can be done via a digital rectal exam where the prostate is literally massaged and any fluid that is expressed collected and sent off for analysis.

More information can be found here:
www.fpnotebook.com/URO44.htm

The actual massage should not involve any instrumentation of the urethra.  

As for other studies, an MRI or transrectal ultrasound can be considered to further image the prostate.  

You can discuss these options with your personal physician or urologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b