The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that is located under the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra. When the prostate is inflamed, it is called prostatitis.
Prostatitis can cause significant discomfort and impact your quality of life. Symptoms include:
- Pain in the genitals or lower pelvis
- Frequently and urgently needing to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Sexual dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Our Prostatitis Clinic care team works with you to develop a plan of care to improve symptoms and your quality of life.
What to expect
When you arrive at the clinic, you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire that asks about pain, symptoms, how well you are urinating and your sexual function.
During your appointment, you will meet with a urologist to discuss your symptoms, medical history and any questions you may have.
The urologist may also perform a physical exam that includes a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate massage or drainage.
During a digital rectal exam, a gloved finger is inserted into the rectum in order to feel the prostate and check for abnormalities.
During a prostate massage or drainage, a special technique is used to massage the prostate. This can cause some prostatic fluid to come out of the end of the urethra, which is at the tip of the penis. When this fluid is examined under a microscope, it helps to confirm a prostatitis diagnosis.
Our Prostatitis Clinic care team will collect urine samples before and after the prostate massage.
We will then work with you to develop a plan of care that is specific to your needs. Your treatment may include any of the following:
- Medication
- Prostate massages
- Changes to your diet and lifestyle
Follow-up appointments to see if your symptoms improve with treatment are recommended.
Please note we are a teaching hospital, so you may see medical students, residents or other medical trainees as part of your care. Learners are supervised by other members of our dedicated health-care team who work together to provide you with comprehensive care.
What to bring
- Health (OHIP) card or valid health-care coverage
- A list of your current medication
- A list of questions you want to ask
How to access our services
You need a referral from a health-care provider to be seen at our clinic. Visit our referral criteria for more information.
