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How prostatitis is examined


How Prostatitis Is Examined

How is prostatitis diagnosed in men


Prostatitis is a very common disease among men. At the same time, the diagnosis of prostatitis is often carried out too late, already in the acute or chronic period. This is because the representatives of the stronger sex simply ignore the first signs of the disease. And most men have never been to a urologist at all, believing that problems with the prostate arise already in old age. This is absolutely not true. Prostatitis can occur between the ages of 20-50. The risk of diseases of the genitourinary system increases from the moment an active sexual life begins. Therefore, it is so important to regularly undergo elementary examinations by specialists.



What is prostatitis?


Prostatitis is an inflammatory process in the prostate gland. The prostate gland plays an important role in the male reproductive system. The vas deferens and the urethra pass through the prostate. The ejaculate passes through the prostate before ejaculation. If there is inflammation of the gland, both channels are compressed, urination and ejaculation are difficult. Speaking about the endocrine properties of the organ, the prostate converts the male sex hormone testosterone into its active form. And it is prostatitis that often causes erectile dysfunction, male infertility.


The danger of the disease lies in the fact that there is a risk of prostate cancer, prostate adenoma. Such diagnoses are usually made in adulthood. Also, those men who ignored all the doctor's prescriptions and did not carry out proper therapy are at risk. What leads to this disease? The main cause of inflammation of the prostate gland is a violation of blood circulation in the organ. Stagnation begins to form, the ducts clog. This is what causes inflammation. The blood flow is disturbed due to excess weight, sedentary work, a sedentary lifestyle.


Often, infectious and sexually transmitted diseases lead to prostatitis:



  • Gonorrhea;
  • Chlamydia;
  • Tuberculosis;
  • Influenza;
  • Frequent complicated sore throats.

The presence of an infection in the body is always accompanied by an inflammatory process in some organs. Could be bacterial prostatitis. At the same time, bacteria enter the body through the biological fluids of the body (during sexual intercourse, through the blood, lymph). There are also such causes of prostatitis: hypothermia, injuries of the pelvic organs, low physical activity, prolonged abstinence from sex, interruption of sexual intercourse, frequent constipation, immune system dysfunction, urological diseases, hormonal failure, diabetes mellitus.



Finger diagnosis of prostatitis


Diagnosis of prostatitis in men, as a rule, begins with the collection of anamnesis. The patient is interviewed and examined. The doctor finds out what symptoms bother men, when they become more acute, under what circumstances they disappear and reappear. Also, it is important for the doctor to know if among the blood relatives there are patients with prostatitis, prostate cancer, adenoma. After all, the factor of heredity is important.


A reliable diagnostic method is a digital examination of the prostate through the rectum. It is not worth neglecting this diagnostic option. Most physicians start with this research. The digital rectal examination procedure is performed as follows:



  • The essence of the procedure, preparation is explained to the patient;
  • The patient takes a knee-elbow position near the couch;
  • The doctor puts on disposable sterile gloves, lubricates his finger with gel;
  • Gently inserts a finger into the anus towards the spine;
  • At a distance of 5 centimeters from the passage, the doctor will feel the prostate gland, and will be able to assess its size, structure, consistency, sensitivity.

If during the examination a man has hemorrhoids, cracks in the rectum, he may feel pain. The normal size of the prostate gland is 3 cm in diameter. If the bladder is full, the prostate may be slightly larger. Necessarily, in the normal state of the organ, a flat and smooth surface will be diagnosed. The consistency is quite dense, but at the same time elastic. It is very important that during the diagnosis, the doctor can well feel two different lobes, which are separated by a furrow. This will indicate the absence of an inflammatory process.


If a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, the organ increases in size, has a bumpy, uneven surface. To the touch, the prostate is very hard, practically does not have elasticity. And only finger diagnostics will help to evaluate all the qualities of the prostate gland. Therefore, such diagnostics cannot be avoided, it is considered one of the most reliable and fastest.


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Laboratory methods for examining the prostate


For laboratory diagnostics, it is necessary to submit biological fluids for analysis. First, blood is taken from a vein. If, according to the result of the diagnosis, more than 4-5 units of leukocytes are detected, we can talk about the presence of an inflammatory process in the body of a man. But, it always guarantees prostatitis. Therefore, it is important to make a swab from the urethra.


When taking material from the urethra, the doctor inserts an applicator with a swab into the urethra and turns it. All the material obtained from the tampon and from the applicator rod is sent for laboratory diagnostics. If more than 4 polymorphonuclear leukocytes are detected in the analysis, it will indicate the presence of urethritis. In turn, urethritis often provokes prostatitis. Urethritis develops against the background of sexually transmitted diseases. And, to determine the type of infection, a scraping from the urethra is taken.


To confirm or refute the diagnosis of prostatitis, it is worth diagnosing prostate secretion. Also, such a study will help to identify the functional state of the body. In the study, laboratory assistants determine the number of leukocytes, lecithin grains and flora. If the leukocyte is more than 10, there are many grains, and the flora is practically absent, we can safely say that there is inflammation of the prostate.


It is important to properly fence the secret. The man must empty his bladder completely. prostate massage is performed to release fluid. If after the massage the secret is not allocated, the urine sediment is examined, which is excreted within five minutes after the massage. It is very important to conduct a general urine test. Normally, no protein should be detected in the material. A healthy man has no more than 5 leukocytes in his urine. The doctor may also prescribe a bacteriological diagnosis of urine. This will give a broader picture of the patient's condition.



Instrumental diagnostics of the disease


As an additional research method, the doctor may prescribe ultrasound diagnostics. Such an examination will help to more accurately determine the size of the gland. Also, ultrasound will show changes in the seminal tubercles, ducts. It is very important to carry out instrumental diagnostics in case of suspicion of the formation of stones in the gland. What often happens during chronic prostatitis.


The ultrasound probe is inserted rectally. This diagnostic is used in such cases:



  • Acute bacterial disease of the prostate;
  • Pathological abnormal processes in the gland;
  • Monitoring the effectiveness of prostatitis treatment;
  • Suspicion of cancer on digital examination of the gland;
  • Pain during ejaculation;
  • Bacterial cystitis, urethritis.

Myography is prescribed to determine the level of pressure in the urethra. If there is a risk of an abscess or cancer, the doctor will refer the patient to an MRI or CT scan. An additional diagnostic method is cytoscopy. It is carried out according to strict indications: injuries of the genital organs, preparation for surgery, with hematuria, pain in the scrotum, in case of obstructive urination.


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Diagnosis of prostatitis at home


It is very important to recognize the first symptoms of the disease in a timely manner. That is why self-diagnosis of prostatitis at home plays an important role. Every man can suspect a problem by listening and looking more closely at his body. So, for the initial stage of prostatitis, the following symptoms will be characteristic:



  • Pain during urination;
  • Pain during ejaculation;
  • Premature ejaculation;
  • Intermittent urination;
  • High secret;
  • Increased body temperature;
  • Pain in the perineum, scrotum, testicles.

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Often, the pain syndrome spreads to the back, lower back, legs, and anal passage. The process of defecation can be difficult. The presence of at least one of the signs indicates an inflammatory process in the body. Also, you can carry out another diagnostic method in the house. To do this, a man must urinate in three different containers. In case of prostatitis, urine in jars 1 and 3 will be cloudy.If the liquid is cloudy in only 1 of the vessels, there is some kind of inflammatory process. In any case, it is very important to immediately seek help from a doctor. After all, timely treatment guarantees a complete recovery, and a full sexual life.


Well, my husband was frightened. Everything connected with the clinic causes wild horror in my boy. But I think it's good - for prevention purposes. If he does not follow all your and my recommendations, he will definitely end up in the skillful and tenacious hands of a urologist. Thank you friends!


Yes, you will not envy men, knowing their attitude towards themselves and their ailments. I believe that every man is a protector, so protect yourself, your woman, your family.



Diagnosis of prostatitis in men what you need to know?


Inflammation of the prostate gland, unfortunately, is a very common disease, especially when it comes to middle-aged and elderly men. In the absence of therapy, the disease can lead to a host of complications. That is why correct and timely diagnosis is so important. Prostatitis is often characterized by a sluggish course, and many patients ignore the symptoms, thereby refusing medical care. Is it possible to diagnose the disease at home? What procedures are required for the diagnosis of prostatitis in men? The answers to these questions will be useful to many representatives of the stronger sex.



Prostatitis: what is a disease?


Prostatitis is a disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the tissues of the prostate gland. This organ produces a specific secret, which, mixed with sperm, ensures the viability and activity of spermatozoa. This is a very common problem, because according to statistics, 50% of men over 50 suffer from this disease. Inflammation of this gland affects the functioning of the entire genitourinary system, causing urination disorders and problems with potency, secondary infectious diseases, etc.



The main causes of the development of the disease


Diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis are directly related to the causes of the development of the disease, because an effective treatment regimen largely depends on this factor. In most cases, the cause of the inflammatory process is the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the tissues of the gland. The infection can be specific, for example, sexually transmitted (chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonococcus).


Possibly pathogenic microorganisms, in particular, staphylococci, Escherichia coli, streptococci, can also act as pathogens. These bacteria are present in the body of every person, but are activated when the immune defense is reduced. The risk factors in this case include the presence of chronic diseases, unhealthy diet, irregular sexual activity, sedentary lifestyle.



Diagnosis of prostatitis at home: what symptoms should I pay attention to?


With prostatitis, it is extremely important to notice the symptoms in time and seek qualified help. What are the signs to look out for?



  • The inflammatory process is accompanied by an increase in the prostate gland, which begins to compress the urinary canals. As the disease develops, men have problems with urination - the process is often accompanied by pain, and the urge to empty the bladder becomes more frequent. In addition, the urine becomes cloudy, which can often be seen even with the naked eye.
  • The second important symptom is problems with potency. Often patients suffer from erectile dysfunction. There is also premature ejaculation during intercourse.
  • Some patients complain of pain in the groin, perineum, and coccyx. Pain may increase during bowel movements. By the way, about 50% of men with prostatitis have no pain.

If you notice such deterioration in yourself, you should immediately consult a doctor, as delay is fraught with dangerous consequences.



Correct history taking


To begin with, primary diagnostics are carried out. Prostatitis is accompanied by a number of important signs, so the doctor collects all the necessary information about the presence of certain symptoms. For example, patients are asked what disorders of the genitourinary system are present and how long ago they appeared.


It is also important to know if a man has any other diseases, and whether he suffered from prostatitis in the past. The doctor is also interested in the presence of risk factors (what lifestyle a person leads, whether he has a permanent sexual partner, whether he uses contraception during sex, etc.). By the way, today there is a special questionnaire with a list of questions that the patient can fill out on their own. After evaluating the answers, the doctor can determine the likelihood of developing prostatitis in a man.



Diagnosis of prostatitis: tests


After collecting an anamnesis, the patient is prescribed additional studies.After all, if you suspect inflammation of the prostate, you need a thorough and comprehensive diagnosis. Prostatitis is an ailment that affects the entire genitourinary system, so the doctor needs to get the results of the following tests:



  • A complete blood count demonstrates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body (the number of leukocytes is increased).
  • Laboratory examination of urine is also important for diagnosis. With prostatitis, urine samples show an increased number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and protein. Sometimes additional bacteriological culture is carried out.
  • Sperm analysis makes it possible to evaluate the functioning of the reproductive system. During laboratory studies, specialists pay attention to the physicochemical properties of sperm, as well as the activity, motility and concentration of spermatozoa. Such an analysis allows us to find out whether the male reproductive system has been damaged.
  • A urethral swab is a rather unpleasant but very informative examination. The doctor inserts a special instrument with a narrow swab at the end into the inside of the penis (about 3-4 cm). The obtained cell samples are then sent to the laboratory. In this way, you can determine the presence of an infection and even determine its type.


Rectal examination of a patient


What other procedures does diagnostics require? Prostatitis is an indication for a rectal examination of the prostate gland. Before the procedure, the patient should perform a microclyster to cleanse the intestines. On palpation, the doctor may note an increase in the size of the prostate, the presence of pain, etc.


In addition, it is important to take samples of prostate secretion for analysis. For this purpose, prostate massage is performed. As soon as the first portion of the secretion of the gland departs, the doctor makes a smear on a laboratory glass. It is worth noting that with inflammation of the prostate, the procedure can be extremely unpleasant.



Prostate secretion analysis


The secret obtained during the massage is then sent to the laboratory for microscopic examination. After staining the samples, the specialist carefully examines them under high magnification. With prostatitis, an increased number of leukocytes is observed in secret.


In addition, it is necessary to study the characteristics of the microflora of the prostate gland. During the study, the specialist determines the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, their number and even sensitivity to certain drugs.



Ultrasound examination of the prostate


Diagnosis of chronic prostatitis necessarily includes an ultrasound examination of the gland. The procedure is quite simple to carry out. During the examination, the doctor can examine the structure and density of the prostate gland, determine its size, see the presence of neoplasms, if any.


Transrectal ultrasound is considered more informative, which is carried out by inserting a special sensor into the rectum. In this way, a specialist can determine the presence of suppuration and abscesses in the tissues of the prostate gland, check the condition of the intestines and seminal vesicles.



Other research methods during diagnosis


As a rule, the above procedures are sufficient to not only make a diagnosis, but also determine the cause of the inflammatory process. But there are other methods for diagnosing prostatitis.


In some cases, patients are advised to sign up for computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. This is the most accurate method of examination, as it allows you to determine the size of the prostate gland, to identify the presence of neoplasms and stones. True, this procedure is expensive.


Cystoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that allows the doctor to carefully examine the urinary tract, the inside of the bladder, and the prostate gland. A thin probe with a small camera at the end is inserted into the urethra, and the doctor can study the picture on a large screen. If there are indications, a biopsy is also carried out simultaneously with cystoscopy - tissue sampling, which is subsequently sent for laboratory analysis. It is worth saying that this is not a standard measure for acute prostatitis. A biopsy is indicated if there is a suspicion of the presence of malignant neoplasms, which happens in chronic forms of inflammation and prostatic hypertrophy.



The main methods of treating prostatitis


Many representatives of the stronger sex are interested in questions about what prostatitis is. Symptoms, diagnosis, complications - this is certainly important information. But it is worth considering the basic principles of treatment.


In acute inflammation, the patient is immediately prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics. The therapy regimen also includes alpha-blockers, which normalize the outflow of urine, improve blood supply to the pelvic organs.


Therapy for prostatitis is a long and complex process. In some cases, patients are prescribed prostate massage.It is believed that this procedure helps to improve the blood supply to the pelvic organs, eliminate swelling and fluid retention. Nevertheless, massage can only be performed for chronic non-infectious prostatitis and only in a hospital setting - acute inflammation is an absolute contraindication.


Other methods of treatment also give good results, including laser and magnetic therapy, electrophonophoresis, and electrical neurostimulation. Patients are recommended proper nutrition, feasible physical activity and special therapeutic exercises to eliminate congestion in the pelvic organs (for example, Kegel exercises).



Diagnosis and examination of the prostate


The prostate is one of the important organs of the male reproductive system. The prostate gland regulates the process of urination, secretes hormones, and also affects the potency and ability to conceive. Unfortunately, diseases of this gland are very common, so the examination of the prostate in men should be carried out regularly, at least once a year. So what is prostate diagnostics and how to do it correctly?


If a man has problems with urination or the reproductive system, the doctor will prescribe a series of studies to make a correct diagnosis. For preventive purposes, it will be sufficient only to collect anamnesis and physical examination. Consider how the examination is carried out for prostate cancer and prostatitis in men.



Prostate blood test


First of all, the patient is assigned to take a laboratory blood test. The study can be carried out in different ways, it all depends on the preliminary diagnosis. There are the following types of research:



  • analysis for infections;
  • PSA blood test;
  • testosterone level analysis.

Infection testing can detect sexually transmitted diseases. A PSA (prostate specific antigen) test helps diagnose prostate cancer. A study on male hormones is prescribed for chronic prostatitis, it allows you to evaluate the work of the patient's endocrine system and identify the cause of impotence.



Preparing for a blood test for the prostate


To get an accurate result, you need to properly prepare for the analysis of prostate juice. To do this, the patient must follow the following recommendations:



  • You need to take the test on an empty stomach. At least 8 hours must have passed since the last meal.
  • Doctors recommend testing twice, 2 weeks apart.
  • Before taking the test, you can’t do prostate massage for 2 weeks, undergo a rectal examination, biopsy, cytoscopy.
  • It is forbidden to have sex 5 days before the test.
  • It is recommended to stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
  • Heavy physical activity is prohibited.

If the patient is taking any medications, they must inform the doctor in advance. Since drugs can affect the analysis, a false result will be obtained as a result.


The normal PSA blood test value can be seen in the table below.


An increase in PSA levels can indicate an inflammatory process, a benign and malignant tumor. A bad analysis does not always indicate the development of a cancerous disease, therefore, on the basis of analysis alone, a diagnosis is not made. If the PSA is high, the patient will be referred for further testing.


An analysis for testosterone is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. The normal value in a man of reproductive age should range from 6 to 30 nmol / l. For men over 60 years of age, low testosterone levels are a physiological norm, this is due to the male menopause. In young men, low testosterone may indicate an unhealthy lifestyle, chronic prostate pathologies, overwork, endocrine disorders.



Urine analysis for prostatitis


Due to the focus on the color characteristics and density of urine, the stage of development of prostatitis in the stronger sex is determined.


Urine analysis is a universal method that requires compliance with certain rules when passing it.



  • For the study, morning urine is taken due to its saturated concentration. At the same time, avoid increased water consumption the night before, this can lead to distortion of the results.
  • Adhere to your usual mealtime routine. Limit your diet to fatty, salty, smoked, fried foods.
  • Do not drink alcohol.
  • Before collecting urine, take the morning toilet followed by towel drying the genitals.
  • Urine is collected in a special sterile jar, which is sold in any pharmacy. Glass containers are not used, especially those left after food products, since even after its sterilization, the possibility of the presence of microbes and bacteria that can distort the results of the study remains.
  • Remember that the first jet is directed to the toilet, and the subsequent liquid must be collected. After completing the required procedure, immediately go to the laboratory.
  • Do not expose the contents of the jar to sunlight, air and time, these factors can drastically distort the composition of urine. Do not be surprised if you are asked to retake tests. Most likely, laboratory technicians have detected diseases, but they want to make sure the results are accurate.


Urine indicators for prostatitis


When analyzing urine, indicators such as protein, erythrocytes, leukocytes, bacteria, fungi, parasites, microorganisms, ketone bodies, epithelial cells, salts and acetone are taken into account. Thanks to them, the presence of inflammatory processes in the prostate or bladder is determined and, as a result, prostatitis in men.


If a protein is found, then this indicates the development of pathogenic processes in the body. Ketone bodies are characteristic of diabetes. The leukocyte norm in male urine is 0-3, if the threshold value is exceeded, we can talk about the presence of prostatitis.


The study can be divided into general, bacteriological and cytological.



  • Complete urinalysis at the exit of the study provides information about the color and acidity of urine, as well as the presence of protein in its composition. The optimal color is yellow, colorless and transparent. With prostatitis, the liquid is milky white and cloudy. The acidity of urine during the disease is increased, while in the absence of prostatitis, the presence of an alkaline environment is inherent. Conducting a general analysis allows you to quickly analyze the state of the body and understand whether further syntheses are needed or not. If the results obtained are not convincing or are characterized by borderline values, a second study is carried out to confirm the assumptions.
  • Cytological analysis is most often carried out along with the general research method. This achieves a more systematic approach to the study of the problem and retains the possibility of monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. With this method of synthesis, three portions of urine obtained as a result of one urination are used. Consideration should be given to the sterility of the glassware required for the study. If a significantly increased value of leukocyturia is obtained, then it is possible to speak with great confidence about the presence of prostatitis, while data on the number of epithelial cells and erythrocyturia are not decisive in the study.
  • Bacteriological analysis of urine is used as an additional measure for diagnosing prostatitis. Information about the infection and its exact characteristics indicate the presence of bacterial prostatitis. A 3-portion method is also used to collect urine. With prostatitis, bacteria, fungi and other pathogens take place, whose amount in urine sometimes plunges into shock. Analysis for the presence of infectious pathogens is more laborious, therefore it takes a long time to obtain accurate results. The interpretation of the data obtained is carried out exclusively in conjunction with the indicators of other studies.


Prostate juice analysis


Prostate secretion analysis is a microscopic examination in which a laboratory technician examines the fluid secreted by the prostate. Such a study is prescribed if the following pathologies are suspected:



  • inflammation of the prostate gland;
  • inflammation of the urethra;
  • prostate adenoma, etc.

The main advantage of the analysis is the high accuracy of the results, but it is impossible to take prostate juice for acute prostatitis, hemorrhoids and fissures in the anus, as well as for prostate tuberculosis.



Preparation and analysis of prostate juice


Special preparation before passing the secret of the prostate is not required. It is recommended to stop drinking alcohol, drugs and smoking, and not to have sex during the last 24 hours. Before passing the secret, you must go to the toilet, you may also need a cleansing enema to clean the rectum.


An analysis is given with the help of prostate massage, and the doctor takes it. The patient removes underwear and takes a knee-elbow position, or lies on his side on the couch. The doctor puts on gloves, puts Vaseline on his hands and inserts his index finger into the anus. Within a minute, he massages the prostate. In the process of stimulation, prostate juice should stand out from the urethra, which must be collected in a sterile container.


It happens that during the massage the secret is not released. Then the patient is offered to take a urine test, which will contain prostate juice. In this case, the laboratory assistant examines the urine.


Many patients are interested in how the prostate secretion tank is done. In this case, the prostate juice is applied to a nutrient medium and kept in favorable conditions for the reproduction of bacteria.This analysis allows you to detect hidden foci of infection. Also, experts study the secret of the prostate under a microscope to assess its composition.



Transcript of results


In the table below, you can see normal results when analyzing prostate juice.