How to check for prostatitis

Prostatitis can be diagnosed through laboratory examinations, imaging examinations, digital rectal examination, uroflowmetry, and prostatic fluid examination. Prostatitis is a common disease in men, which may be related to factors such as infection, immune abnormalities, and urinary reflux. It usually presents with symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, and perineal discomfort. It is recommended to seek medical treatment in time for a clear diagnosis.

1. Laboratory examination

Increased white blood cells can be found through routine urine testing, and urine culture can be performed to identify the type of pathogen if necessary. Routine blood tests may show an increase in the proportion of neutrophils and abnormalities in inflammatory indicators such as C-reactive protein, which can help determine the degree of infection. Some patients need a prostate-specific antigen test to rule out the possibility of prostate cancer.

2. Imaging examination

Ultrasound examination can observe the size, structure and residual urine volume of the prostate, and transrectal prostate ultrasound has a higher resolution. CT or magnetic resonance imaging can clearly display the tissue surrounding the prostate and is suitable for patients with complex prostatitis or suspected abscess formation. These tests are noninvasive and can help determine the extent of inflammation and complications.

3. Digital rectal examination

Doctors can evaluate the hardness, tenderness and surface smoothness of the prostate through finger palpation. In the acute inflammation stage, the prostate is obviously enlarged and accompanied by severe tenderness. Prostatic fluid samples can be collected for examination at the same time, but prostate massage is contraindicated during acute infection. This examination has important reference value in determining the type of prostatitis.

4. Uroflow rate measurement

Urodynamic examination can quantify parameters such as maximum urinary flow rate and average urinary flow rate, and evaluate the degree of lower urinary tract obstruction. The bladder is required to be filled during the examination, and the examination is repeated three times and the average value is taken. Abnormal results indicate possible prostate enlargement or urethral stricture, which requires comprehensive judgment in conjunction with other examinations.

5. Prostatic fluid examination

Massage the prostate to obtain secretions for microscopic examination. Normal prostatic fluid should have less than 10 white blood cells per high-power field, and lecithin bodies should be evenly distributed. Pus cells and bacteria can be seen in bacterial prostatitis, and positive culture can identify the causative bacteria. Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis with leukocytosis but negative cultures.

After being diagnosed with prostatitis, you should avoid sitting for long periods of time, drinking alcohol, and spicy food. Daily warm water sitz baths can relieve discomfort. In the acute stage, bed rest is required, and antibiotics such as levofloxacin tablets, cefixime dispersible tablets, etc. are used according to doctor's instructions. Chronic patients can cooperate with physical therapy and regularly review prostatic fluid indicators. During treatment, maintain a moderate sexual life and pay attention to perineal hygiene.