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Prostatitis: Pre- and Post-Massage Test

Topic Overview

The pre- and post-massage test is a simple, inexpensive test that may help diagnose the type of prostatitis you have.

  1. First, your penis will be cleaned to eliminate any bacteria, then you will give a urine sample (pre-massage sample).
  2. The doctor will ask you to stop urinating and bend over so your prostate can be massaged to collect secretions from your prostate gland. The doctor does this by inserting a gloved finger into your rectum and pressing several times on your prostate.
  3. You will then be asked to provide another urine sample (post-massage sample).

The two urine samples and, if possible, a sample prostate secretion, are examined for bacteria or cells that point to inflammation (leukocytes).

  • If bacteria are found in the post-massage (or prostate secretion) sample, you may have chronic bacterial prostatitis.
  • If cells that point to inflammation are found in the post-massage (or prostate secretion) sample, you may have inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
  • If no bacteria or cells that point to inflammation are found in the post-massage (or prostate secretion) sample, you may have noninflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

There are other possible results, and the test may not always give a clear answer.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer J. Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC - Urology
Last Revised December 3, 2011

Last Revised: December 3, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & J. Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC - Urology

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