How to check prostate fluid

Prostatic fluid testing is usually done in a urology or men's clinic by taking a prostate massage sample. The main procedures include physical examination, digital anal examination, laboratory analysis and other steps, which must be performed by professional doctors.

1. Physical examination

The doctor will first observe whether the external genitalia are red, swollen or deformed, and touch the contents of the scrotum to rule out testicular and epididymal lesions. This basic assessment can help determine whether there are urinary abnormalities that would interfere with fluid collection.

2. Digital anal examination

The patient is placed in a knee-chest or side-lying position. The doctor puts on gloves and applies lubricant before inserting the index finger into the rectum. After touching the prostate, he first assesses its size and texture, and then massages along both sides of the gland toward the central sulcus. The normal prostate is chestnut-shaped when palpated, with a smooth surface and no tenderness.

3. Sampling operation

Massage until milky white fluid oozes out from the urethral opening, then use a slide or sterile test tube to collect the sample. The operation needs to avoid the acute inflammatory period. Excessive massage intensity will lead to false anhydrosis, and insufficient intensity will make it difficult to obtain effective specimens. Some patients need to collect urine in sections to assist diagnosis.

4. Laboratory testing

Samples need to be sent for examination immediately. Routine examinations include observation of the number of lecithin bodies under a microscope, white blood cell count, bacterial culture and drug susceptibility testing. Under special circumstances, PCR testing or tumor marker screening is required.

5. Imaging supplement

For those who have no secretion on repeated examinations, ultrasound examination may be required to determine the gland morphology. Transrectal ultrasound can clearly display the internal structure of the prostate, and combined with ultrasound-guided puncture can improve the accuracy of diagnosis of chronic prostatitis.

Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 3 days before the examination and the perineum should be kept clean. People who have acute attacks of hemorrhoids or rectal lesions need to inform their doctor in advance. There may be temporary perineal acid swelling after sampling, which can be relieved by a warm water sitz bath. If you find bloody secretions, persistent pain or fever, you must immediately return to the hospital to check for other pathologies. Daily attention should be paid to avoid sitting and cycling for long periods of time. Appropriate supplementation of zinc and lycopene can help prostate health.