in chronic bacterial prostatitis there are bacteria in the prostate but usually no symptoms. the prostate infection is diagnosed by culturing urine as well as prostate fluid (expressed prostatic secretions or eps) which are obtained by the doctor doing a rectal exam and putting pressure on the prostate. if no fluid is recovered after this prostatic massage, a post massage urine should also contain any prostatic bacteria. prostate specific antigen levels may be elevated, although there is no malignancy.