Without a doubt, one of the most common male-specific conditions is prostatitis.The likelihood of experiencing this condition is significantly lower when you are younger than when you are older.Therefore, for this disease, the common sense that health should be protected from an early age is absolutely true.
What is prostatitis
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, accompanied by swelling.The prostate increases in size and presses against the urethra, the gland around which the gland is located.This interferes with the complete elimination of urine from the body, causing characteristic pain and difficulty emptying the bladder.
In addition, with prostatitis, the biochemical properties of prostatic fluid (one of the most important components of sperm) change.Prostatic fluid is the secretion of the prostate, which is responsible not only for sperm fertility but also for the antimicrobial protection of this important male organ.Male sexual desire directly depends on the quality and quantity of secretion components.
Causes of prostatitis in men
The prevalence of this disease is due to the fact that there are many causes that can cause it.Causes of prostatitis:
- Viral and bacterial infections.The cause of prostatitis can be not only sexually transmitted diseases, but also chronic inflammatory processes in the body (tonsillitis, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and sometimes even dental caries);
- fungal diseases;
- Stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs.This adverse phenomenon may occur in people with a sedentary lifestyle (office workers and drivers), irregular sexual life (long-term abstinence or promiscuous sex), frequent constipation and higher body weight;
- Frequent hypothermia;
- stressful situations;
- Injuries to the pelvic area;
- Poor circulation to the prostate;
- The body's immune defenses weaken.
Types of prostatitis
Prevalent classification of prostatitis is based on the cause of its occurrence:
- Infectious diseases (viruses, bacteria, fungi);
- non-infectious (stasis);
- Hormonal dystrophy (disorder of the body’s hormonal system);
- Allergies (anaphylaxis and autoimmune diseases);
- Vegetative vessels (impaired blood circulation to the prostate).
Other classifications are less relevant to the public and more about making diagnosis easier for doctors.Therefore, depending on the nature of the disease, acute and chronic prostatitis are distinguished based on the degree of involvement of glandular tissue in the inflammatory process (catarrhal, parenchymal, follicular, etc.).
Medically, prostatitis can be divided into the following types:
- Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis, as the name suggests, occurs without any signs.The only symptom of the disease is regular testing of urine for bacteria and white blood cells;
- Chronic granulomatous prostatitis.A fairly rare disease in which prostate tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue and many granulomas (small nodules) form.
What are the symptoms of prostatitis?
The first symptoms of prostatitis depend on the nature of the disease.The first symptoms of acute prostatitis are obvious discomfort, headache and fever.
Specific symptoms of acute prostatitis:
- Frequent and painful urination does not relieve symptoms.In severe cases, acute urinary retention may occur;
- Painful bowel movements;
- There is a burning sensation in the perineum.
Indirect symptoms of acute prostatitis include painful nocturnal erections, reduced or absent libido, and accelerated ejaculation.Additionally, severe pain during intercourse can make it difficult for men to reach orgasm.If you notice these signs, seek medical attention immediately!In its initial stages, prostatitis is easily treated.
Chronic prostatitis progresses slowly and has mild clinical symptoms, so many people do not pay attention to their health.Chronic prostatitis is active only in the acute phase.It occurs on average 1-2 times per year with symptoms characteristic of the acute form of the disease.
disease diagnosis methods
A urologist must diagnose prostatitis in a patient.First, he conducted a thorough interview with the patient.The doctor may ask the following questions:
- How long has the patient had this disease?
- How often does it break out?
- What symptoms does the patient notice?
- What is the nature of the subject’s sexual activity (regular/irregular)?
- What risk factors does the patient have for developing this disease (previous sexually transmitted infections, surgery in the pelvic area, other chronic inflammatory processes)?
After taking a history, the doctor begins an examination of the patient, including a digital rectal examination and scrotal palpation.If palpation reveals no changes in the prostate, the doctor must rule out other diseases of the genitourinary system.
Usually, at this stage, an experienced specialist can make the correct diagnosis.But sometimes doctors order additional tests.Often this is necessary for controversial cases or to choose the most effective treatment option.
laboratory diagnostic methods
- General analysis of urine and blood;
- Urethral swab;
- Sperm diagram;
- PCR analysis (to detect hidden infections);
- Prostatic fluid studies (for chronic prostatitis).For men over the age of 50, a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level test is required if prostate cancer is suspected.
Instrumental Diagnostic Methods
- Prostate ultrasound.This is the most convenient and informative way to examine your prostate.It can be performed externally through the abdominal wall or transrectally.The last method is extremely unpleasant, but provides the most information.Ultrasound can detect the presence of abscesses and stones in affected organs, as well as the degree of urethral stricture;
- Uroflowmetry.Allows you to determine the speed of urine flow.This study allows doctors to assess the permeability of the urethra and the contractility of the bladder.
In special cases, the doctor also prescribes several auxiliary diagnostic methods (cystoscopy, CT scan of the pelvic organs, biopsy, transurethral examination).
How to treat prostatitis
Like any other disease, prostatitis can only be effectively treated when it is in its acute form.Chronic prostatitis is extremely difficult to treat and often results in only significant relief.
Treatment of acute prostatitis
Patients with acute prostatitis must be hospitalized, as this condition is dangerous due to its complications, including the development of sepsis.
The key points in the treatment of acute prostatitis areantibiotic treatment.Acute conditions require immediate treatment, so medications are prescribed before testing to identify the causative agent of the disease.Patients were routinely taking fluoroquinolones according to World Health Organization recommendations.If analysis shows that the causative agent of acute prostatitis is not susceptible to this antibiotic, treatment needs to be reconsidered.
In addition to antibiotics, the patient was placed on strict bed rest and prohibited from prostate massage, as this could trigger sepsis.Analgesics and NSAIDs (to eliminate pain), rheological solutions (in case of severe intoxication of the body) and drugs to normalize blood microcirculation will help relieve the symptoms of prostatitis.
Surgical intervention is required only if there is complete inability to empty the bladder and an abscess is present.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis
The use of antibiotics in the treatment of chronic prostatitis remains controversial.Some doctors believe that it should only be prescribed if bacterial flora is detected in the prostate secretions.
Prostate massage is also a questionable procedure.This surgery involves only the lower part of the prostate.Of course, massage does not cause any harm, but its benefits cannot outweigh the psychological and physical discomfort the patient feels during rectal manipulation.Therefore, the current best treatment options for chronic prostatitis are as follows:
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immune modulators, and medications to improve circulation;
- If you have erection problems, take sedatives and antidepressants;
- Exercise therapy and physical therapy (electrophoresis, UHF, magnetic laser therapy, etc.).These treatments play a leading role in the treatment of chronic prostatitis.
Traditional remedies for prostatitis include hazel bark, poplar bark, pumpkin seeds, and parsley juice.It is worth mentioning that natural remedies should only be used in conjunction with treatments prescribed by your doctor.Otherwise, the disease may progress, leading to dire consequences.
consequences of prostatitis
The complications of this disease are quite severe.Here are the main ones:
- Loss of libido and erection.Against the background of these deviations, men often experience impotence, which is usually caused by psychological causes.
- infertility;
- Prostatic cyst and stone formation;
- Prostatic sclerosis is the replacement of scarred glandular functional tissue, resulting in impairment of its function;
- Prostatic adenomas are benign tumors of the prostate that can only be removed surgically;
- Prostate cancer.This is the result of an untreated adenoma.
Considering how easily treatable prostatitis is in its early stages and how serious its consequences can be, men should put aside false modesty and see a doctor immediately before it's too late.
Prevent prostatitis
Simple suggestions will help prevent prostatitis:
- Live an active lifestyle.Morning exercise is the best option, squats are especially helpful;
- It is better to take a contrast shower, go to a bathhouse before intercourse;
- Establish a regular sex life;
- Avoid stressful situations;
- Don't be too cold.It is best to have heated seats in the car;
- Avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks, which can increase blood pressure.
A healthy lifestyle never hurt anyone and also plays a major role in the prevention of prostatitis.
Prompt diagnosis and correct treatment of prostatitis are the guarantee of successful recovery.In good health!