How to prepare for a video visit about Prostatitis (Mild) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can cause discomfort or mild symptoms in children and adolescents, although it is less common in this age group. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess symptoms and decide if further care is needed. During the visit, you may discuss symptoms like pain during urination, fever, or discomfort in the lower abdomen. Preparing for the visit by gathering information about symptoms and any recent health changes helps the provider understand the situation better. Telemedicine can offer convenient access to care, but some signs require in-person evaluation. This guide helps pediatric patients and caregivers prepare for a video visit about mild prostatitis symptoms, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and know when to seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) lasting more than 24 hours — seek urgent medical care.
• Severe pain in the lower abdomen or groin that worsens quickly — go to emergency care.
• Difficulty or inability to urinate — seek immediate in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom discussion and history taking.
• Providing advice on symptom management for mild prostatitis.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or tests are needed.
• Answering questions about prostatitis and general health.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical prostate exams.
• Ordering or conducting laboratory tests (urine, blood).
• Treating severe or complicated infections.
• Managing emergencies or severe symptoms.

What is Mild Prostatitis?

Mild prostatitis means the prostate gland is slightly inflamed, often causing discomfort but not severe illness. In children and teens, prostatitis is rare but can happen. Symptoms may include mild pain when urinating, feeling the need to urinate often, or discomfort in the lower belly or groin area.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, write down your symptoms, including when they started and how they feel. Note any fever, pain level, or changes in urination. Have a list of any medicines or supplements you take. Find a quiet, private place with good internet connection for the call. Make sure your device camera and microphone work well.

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and health history. They may guide you through simple self-exams or ask you to describe your pain or discomfort. They will decide if you need tests or an in-person exam. They can suggest ways to manage mild symptoms or when to get urgent care.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If you experience high fever, severe pain, difficulty urinating, blood in urine, or sudden worsening of symptoms, seek in-person medical care immediately. These signs may mean a more serious infection or complication.

How Telemedicine Helps and Its Limits

Telemedicine can help you talk to a provider quickly and safely from home. It is good for discussing symptoms, getting advice, and deciding next steps. However, it cannot replace physical exams, lab tests, or urgent treatments that require in-person visits.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down all symptoms, including when they started and how they feel.
• List any medicines, vitamins, or supplements currently taken.
• Find a quiet, private space with good lighting and internet connection.
• Test your device's camera and microphone before the visit.
• Have a family member or caregiver available if you need help during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on symptom management.
• Schedule any recommended in-person visits or tests.
• Monitor symptoms closely and watch for red flags.
• Take prescribed medicines as directed, if any are given.
• Contact your provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can children get prostatitis?

Yes, although prostatitis is less common in children and teens, it can occur. It usually requires evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine the cause and best treatment.

What causes prostatitis in young people?

Prostatitis can be caused by infections, inflammation, or other medical conditions. In young people, infections are a common cause, but sometimes the exact cause is not clear.

How is prostatitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis often involves a medical history, physical exam, and sometimes urine or blood tests. In telemedicine visits, the provider will assess symptoms and may recommend in-person tests if needed.

Can I treat prostatitis at home?

Mild symptoms may improve with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, it's important to follow your healthcare provider's advice and seek care if symptoms worsen.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room if you have a high fever, severe pain, trouble urinating, or blood in your urine. These could be signs of a serious infection needing urgent treatment.

Sources

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

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine can help with initial assessment and advice but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment when needed. Always seek urgent care if you experience severe symptoms or red flags.