- According to statistics, 60% of men over the age of 30 have experienced symptoms of chronic prostatitis at least once in their lives. Conventionally, they can be divided into several groups.
• Related to intimate life.
Shortening or, conversely, a significant lengthening of the time of sexual intercourse, the disappearance of an erection before or during intimacy, as well as the disappearance of an erection in the morning.
• Urination disorders.
They manifest themselves in the form of frequent urges, especially at night. A painful feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Itching and burning during the act of urination.
• Pain.
In the perineum, but also in the organs of the scrotum and bladder, the lower abdomen, the inner surfaces of the thighs and even in the lower back.
Finger rectal examination.
The list of mandatory manipulations of a urologist, which he will conduct at the initial appointment, includes a finger rectal examination. It allows to evaluate the surface and consistency of the organ, soreness during palpation. If you have applied to a commercial clinic, the cost of the service will be included in the admission. The doctor may refrain from finger rectal examination if you are going to be tested for PSA, since after this study, the tests may be false positive.
Prostate secretion sampling.
It is usually performed when chronic prostatitis is suspected. The urologist performs a finger massage of the prostate until a drop of gland secretion is released from the penis. She is being taken away for research. The secret is analyzed for microscopy and microbiological seeding. It allows you to identify the presence of inflammatory cells - leukocytes and the type of bacterium that caused it. The sensitivity of the microorganism to antibiotics is also determined in order to prescribe effective therapy. Manipulation causes discomfort, but it can be replaced by semen seeding or urine analysis. However, in Russia, traditionally preference is given to the analysis of prostate secretion. Therefore, it is better to ask in advance about possible alternatives to this study. In commercial clinics, it is not included in the cost of admission and is paid additionally.
Smear for sexually transmitted infections.
Sexually transmitted infections can not only cause, but also maintain the course of chronic prostatitis. Even the most harmless of them must be cured. It is taken by a urogenital probe from the penis. The procedure is unpleasant and it can also be replaced by a urine test, which is better to ask in advance. In commercial clinics, it is not included in the cost of admission and is paid additionally.
Transrectal ultrasound examination.
Ultrasound examination is performed by a special internal sensor through the rectum – so the prostate is better visible. The research allows you to measure the volume of the prostate gland, to study the areas of organ tissue damage. With the help of transrectal ultrasound examination, the phase of the course of the disease is determined, which is very important for further treatment. In commercial clinics, it is not included in the cost of admission and is paid additionally The research should be done with an external sensor, but the information content is much lower. In Russia, ultrasound is performed by a doctor, not a nurse, as is customary in the United States. However, the urologist does not always know the technique, and you can be referred to another specialist. Personally, I perform transrectal ultrasound examination at the appointment on my own.
If you have any questions, you can write in the comments below this article or in a personal message. I will definitely answer.
Do you want to get a consultation or make an appointment with me? This can be done on the website - DrFilimonow.