Swollen Prostate:

Anatomy of Prostate Gland and Its Swelling -
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland, which is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It secretes seminal fluid, a milky substance, which combines with sperm to form semen. During sexual climax, the muscles in the prostate propel the semen through the urethra and out through the penis. Prostate swelling or prostatitis is a term used to describe inflammatory conditions of the prostate gland. It is thought that most cases of prostate swelling are a result of bacterial infection, but evidence of infection is not always found. An infected or inflamed prostate can cause painful urination and ejaculation, and if untreated, serious complications.
Prostate swelling can affect men of any age and it is estimated that 50% of men experience this disorder during their lifetime. It is the most common urological disorder in men over the age of 50 and the third most common disorder in men younger than 50 years.

Diagnosis Of Prostate Swelling -
Digital rectal exam (DRE) -
It is used for determining if the prostate gland is tender or swollen. To perform a DRE, the physician inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel the surface of the prostate gland through the rectal wall and then assess its size, shape, and consistency.

Three-part urinalysis -

It is a standard diagnostic tool. Two urine specimens are collected and analyzed, followed by prostate massage and then a third urine sample which contains prostatic fluid. During prostate massage, the physician inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to massage the surface of each lobe of the prostate, resulting in the release of prostate fluids. Prostate massage is not to be used if ABP is suspected because massage may encourage the spread of bacteria. Urinalysis verifies the presence of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the urine. Leukocytes help the body to fight infection and there high number indicates a bacterial infection. A urine culture is then performed for identifying bacteria.
Nonbacterial prostate swelling is diagnosed when tests show no bacteria in the urine or prostatic secretions. There is no test for diagnosing prostatodynia (occurrence of prostatitis symptoms, without bacterial infection or inflammation); this is diagnosed after eliminating other probable causes like kidney stones, urethral cancer etc.

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