Diagnosing Male Genitourinary Conditions
The P.E.U.S. – Post Ejaculate Urine Sample – Protocol
UPDATED 2022: Technology has advanced enough that the P.E.U.S. protocol can be considered obsolete! This is great news because it means that tests designed specifically for such conditions are now available. Let me provide you with some of that information.
IDENTIFY YOUR BUG!!
Several labs can now run DNA tests to specifically identify your bug! Seek a lab that can test for most, if not all currently known bacteria, viruses, fungus, and parasites. You may find such labs by seeking keywords such as “Infectious Disease Genetic Testing,” “next-generation sequencing,” Microchem, MicroGem, etc.
What follows is the step-by-step guide to acquiring the test and the actual protocol necessary to complete the test. Please note that the test is designed specifically for men with genitourinary symptoms.
Order the Kit
It might be a good idea to reach out to the lab before placing the order to ensure that you get what you need. You are looking for a kit that will provide metagenomic sequencing using analytic algorithms and software. If you live in the United States, the lab may require your doctor’s approval. However, normally the order can be completed at home on your computer. Or, you can have your doctor help with the ordering process.
MicroGen Diagnostics (for example) currently offers “Prostate Semen Test Service.” While it does not appear to test for viruses, it runs a fairly comprehensive qPCR + NGS test of the semen along with the option to run a common STI evaluation.
Tips For a Great Result
At Least Three Days Before the Test
Cease consumption of any antiparasitics, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or anything that would otherwise damage pathogens. This includes any and all drugs and/or supplements. However, it can be speculated that you can increase your odds of receiving viable test results by discontinuing such substances earlier.
The Day Before
While not entirely necessary, it may be wise to massage the impacted testicle, prostate, and/or tissues several times throughout the day. It is theorized that this will help with the release and motility of some organisms.
Sample Collection
Ideally, you want to be as clean as possible. Cross-contamination hinders discovery.
- Wash and sanitize your hands.
- Put on nitrile gloves if they are available or provided.
- Wash and sanitize your penis using the towelette that is provided.
- Without lube, provide pleasurable friction on the head/glans of your penis, which leads to ejaculation.
- Cap the collection cup tightly.
NOTE: Allow the body to expel the semen with minimal manual assistance and ensure that you do not scrape the penis against the cup. You will want the semen to go straight from the urethra to the cup without any other contact or interference.
NOTE: You can massage the testicles during this process. Doing so will force a little more semen to be expelled.
Your kit will likely include a small piece of parafilm. It might look like trash, so be careful not to discard it. If you have one, you will separate the parafilm from the backing and stretch and wrap the parafilm horizontally around the cap of the cup. This will help to prevent sample loss when shipped.
Shipping
- Follow the instructions regarding the sample and the shipping container.
- Follow the shipping instructions.
Advanced Measures (For Medical Staff)
If after examining samples through your microscope, you have identified any artifacts that you would like to be included in the test, you can transfer the artifacts to the urine sample using a micropipette.
Test Results
Your infectious disease report will be provided to your health care provider upon completion. If you live outside of the United States, you will be provided your own report.
Most labs have professionals that are willing to speak with you about your results. During this consult, they will be able to explain what the report means if you have any questions. However, they cannot provide treatment guidance, advice, or prescribe medications.
Yes… it works!
Here are just a few of the reported potentially pathogenic organisms discovered using this method:
- Bacteria
- Corynebacterium pseudogenitalium – Currently the Most Dominate Species Discovered
- Gardnerella vaginalis – Second Most Dominant Species Discovered
- Cutibacterium acnes
- Corynebacterium jeikeium
- Corynebacterium minutissimum
- Porphyromonas bennonis
- Corynebacterium singulare
- Streptococcus agalactiae
- Dermabacter vaginalis
- Finegoldia magna
- Brevibacterium paucivorans
- Tessaracoccus timonensis
- Corynebacterium aurimucosum
- Corynebacterium kefirresidentii
- Corynebacterium appendicis
- Peptoniphilus harei
- Streptococcus mitis
- Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum
- Pseudoclavibacter alba
- Anaerococcus provencensis
- Brevibacterium mcbrellneri
- Dermabacter hominis
- Peptoniphilus lacrimalis
- Fungi
- Malassezia restricta
- Viruses
- Propionibacterium virus MrAK
If you would like to add your findings upon completion, please use the contact form. Your name will not be included. We are only interested in the organism(s) found. Thank you.
Conflict of Interest Statement: Dr. David Robertson has NO affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, or affiliations) in the lab, or materials discussed in this protocol.
Disclaimer
The scientific validity of this is still under investigation. Know the risks and potential benefits of experimental protocols and talk to your health care provider before participating if you are unsure. Choosing to participate in and or otherwise use this information is an important personal decision. Before you participate in and or use this information, discuss all options with your health care provider and other trusted advisors.
Dr. Robertson is a health researcher and educator, not a physician. The information provided here is not medical advice, a professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or service to you or any other individual. The information provided is for educational and anecdotal purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation, or the advice of your physician or other healthcare providers. Dr. Robertson is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or additional information, services, or product you obtain or utilize. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN.