Preparing for an appointment

You might start by seeing your primary care provider. Or you might be referred immediately to a specialist in urinary tract and sexual disorders (urologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that might seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment, and when they began
• Key personal information, including major stresses or recent illnesses
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For prostatitis, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What is likely causing my symptoms?
• What other conditions could be causing my pain?
• What kinds of tests will I need?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Are there other treatment options?
• Are there brochures or other printed materials I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• When did you begin having symptoms?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Have your symptoms been continuous, or do they come and go?
• Were you recently diagnosed with a urinary tract infection?
• Have you had frequent urinary tract infections in the past?
• Have you had a recent injury to your groin?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?