What is the first test to diagnose prostatitis?

The first test to diagnose prostatitis is typically a urine test and culture. This test is crucial because prostatitis can be associated with bacterial infections, and analyzing a urine sample helps identify the presence of bacteria or inflammatory cells. Additionally, obtaining a urine culture is essential for guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy if a bacterial cause is suspected.

While blood tests can be useful for evaluating other conditions or infection markers, they are not typically the initial diagnostic step for prostatitis. A CT scan of the abdomen may be used in complicated cases to assess for abscesses or other complications but is not a first-line diagnostic tool. A rectal examination can help assess the prostate's condition and tenderness, providing supportive clinical information, but it does not directly diagnose prostatitis. Thus, urine testing remains the primary and most effective initial diagnostic tool for this condition.