How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Prostatitis (Mild) - Triage

Audience: adult

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can cause discomfort and urinary symptoms. Mild prostatitis often involves symptoms like pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, or a frequent urge to urinate. Preparing well for your video visit can help your healthcare provider understand your condition better and guide you on next steps. During the visit, you will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any treatments you have tried. Telemedicine can be a convenient way to get advice and decide if further tests or in-person care are needed. However, certain symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for prostatitis, and know when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with chills — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden inability to urinate or severe difficulty urinating — go to the emergency room.
• Severe pelvic or lower back pain that worsens rapidly — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to mild prostatitis.
• Providing education on symptom management and self-care.
• Determining if further tests or in-person evaluation are needed.
• Prescribing initial treatments or medications when appropriate.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical examination of the prostate.
• Conducting urine tests, blood tests, or imaging studies.
• Managing severe or complicated prostatitis cases.
• Treating emergencies such as urinary retention or severe infections.

What is Mild Prostatitis?

Mild prostatitis is a condition where the prostate gland becomes inflamed but symptoms are not severe. It may cause pelvic discomfort, pain during urination, or a feeling of needing to urinate often. The cause can be bacterial infection or other factors like muscle tension. Symptoms may come and go and can affect daily activities.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, gather information to share with your healthcare provider. This includes:

What to Expect During the Video Visit

During the video visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms, their severity, and how they affect you. They may ask about your urinary habits, pain levels, and any other health concerns. While a physical exam cannot be done, your provider can help decide if you need tests like urine analysis or imaging. They will also discuss treatment options and self-care strategies.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation, such as:

If you experience these, seek emergency care immediately.

Managing Mild Prostatitis at Home

Your provider may suggest ways to ease symptoms at home, such as:

Regular follow-up may be recommended to monitor your condition.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your symptoms, including when they started and how often they occur.
• List any medications, supplements, or treatments you are currently using.
• Find a quiet, private place with good lighting and internet connection for your video call.
• Have your medical history ready, including past prostate or urinary issues.
• Prepare questions or concerns you want to discuss with your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any treatment plan or medication instructions given by your provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Seek immediate care if red-flag symptoms develop after your visit.
• Maintain healthy habits such as hydration and avoiding irritants to support recovery.

FAQs

What causes mild prostatitis?

Mild prostatitis can be caused by bacterial infections or other factors like muscle tension or inflammation without infection. Sometimes the exact cause is not clear.

Can telemedicine diagnose prostatitis?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and guide next steps, but it cannot replace a physical exam or tests needed to confirm prostatitis.

How is mild prostatitis treated?

Treatment often includes antibiotics if bacteria are suspected, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding irritants and drinking fluids. Your provider will tailor treatment to your situation.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Seek emergency care if you have a high fever with chills, severe pain, sudden inability to urinate, or signs of infection spreading like weakness or confusion.

Can prostatitis go away on its own?

Some mild cases may improve with self-care and time, but it is important to get medical advice to avoid complications.

Sources

1. Prostatitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Prostatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Prostatitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Prostatitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention.