How to check for prostatitis

Prostatitis can be diagnosed through prostatic fluid examination, routine urine examination, digital rectal examination, ultrasonography, and urinary flow rate examination. Prostatitis may be related to bacterial infection, bad living habits, immune abnormalities, urinary reflux, mental stress and other factors. It usually presents with symptoms such as frequent urination, urgent urination, and perineal pain.

1. Prostatic fluid examination

Prostatic fluid examination is an important method for diagnosing prostatitis. Prostatic fluid is obtained through rectal massage of the prostate for microscopic examination and bacterial culture. The number of white blood cells in the prostatic fluid exceeds 10 per high-power field or the decrease in lecithin bodies indicates possible inflammation. Bacterial culture can identify the type of pathogen, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, etc. Abstinence is required for 3-5 days before the examination to avoid affecting the accuracy of the results.

2. Routine urine examination

Routine urine examination can help determine urinary system infection. White blood cells, red blood cells or bacteria may appear in the urine of patients with prostatitis. A midstream urine culture can help differentiate between urethritis or cystitis. The urethral opening should be cleaned before examination to avoid contaminating the sample. If the urine routine is abnormal, it needs to be combined with other examinations to further confirm the diagnosis.

3. Digital rectal examination

A digital rectal examination provides direct palpation of prostate size, texture, and tenderness. Patients with acute prostatitis have obvious prostate swelling and tenderness, while chronic prostatitis may have uneven texture or slight tenderness. During the examination, the patient needs to be in a knee-chest or side-lying position, and the doctor wears gloves and applies lubricant and then palpates through the rectal wall. The examination may be slightly uncomfortable but is generally tolerable.

4. Ultrasound examination

Transrectal ultrasonography can clearly show the morphology and structure of the prostate and observe whether there is enlargement, calcification or abscess formation. Chronic prostatitis can show uneven echoes or stone shadows in the prostate. The bladder needs to be emptied before the examination. There may be a feeling of pressure when the probe is inserted through the rectum. Ultrasound examinations are radiation-free and can be performed repeatedly.

5. Urinary flow rate examination

Uroflowmetry evaluates urinary function by measuring the speed of urination and the flow curve. Patients with prostatitis may experience decreased urinary flow rate and prolonged urination time due to urethral irritation or prostate enlargement. During the examination, you need to urinate naturally to a special device with a full bladder. Abnormal results need to rule out other diseases such as prostatic hyperplasia.

If you suspect prostatitis, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and avoid sitting for long periods of time, drinking alcohol and spicy food. Maintaining a regular schedule and moderate exercise can help improve pelvic blood circulation. In the acute stage, antibiotics such as levofloxacin tablets, cefixime dispersible tablets, etc. need to be used as directed by the doctor. Chronic patients can use warm water sitz baths to relieve symptoms. Regular follow-up visits can help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.