The prostate can easily be considered one of the most important organs in the male reproductive system.The prostate is a small gland, the size of a regular walnut, located around the urethra.The main function of this organ is to produce fluid - prostate juice, which actively participates in the formation of sperm and ensures their motility.
Prostate inflammation
According to the WHO, almost a third of the male population is diagnosed with prostate problems leading to later complications.Prostatitis is a disease of the endocrine organ, characterized in medicine as inflammation of the prostate gland resulting from tissue damage caused by viruses or bacteria.In addition, nonspecific infectious pathology can develop against the background of inflammation of the seminal vesicles, prostate appendages or urinary disorders.
Signs of prostatitis
Conventionally, prostate diseases are generally divided into several categories: bacterial, chronic and non-bacterial.In the first two cases, prostate problems begin due to the penetration of bacteria into the body.The acute bacterial form of prostatitis is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, severe pain in the groin of the abdomen and perineum, and cramps in the lower abdomen.A sick man begins to go to the toilet more often and sometimes droplets of blood come out with urine.
Prostatitis of nonbacterial origin presents as a form of chronic prostatic pelvic pain syndrome, while other symptoms may be completely absent.Chronic signs of prostatitis in men are manifested by pain during urination, in the groin, absence or disorder of sexual function.The particularity of this form of prostatitis is that it is most of the time asymptomatic.
It should be noted that the characteristics of the manifestation of prostatitis cannot be described as constant.Since each organism is individual, some signs may be completely absent and the disease may occur differently in different categories of men.Sometimes prostatitis begins with sudden manifestations of the inflammatory process - this is called an acute form.If the disease only bothers you occasionally, it is probably a chronic stage of prostate inflammation.
Causes of prostatitis
Many different categories of citizens can be considered at risk for this pathology, but most often prostatitis progresses in those who:
- sits a lot and moves little;
- prefers an unbalanced diet to a healthy one;
- cannot in any way get rid of addictions to alcohol or tobacco consumption;
- often becomes hypothermic;
- does not have a regular sexual partner;
- often refuses sex.
However, even this list is far from complete of the causes of prostatitis.Doctors say that inflammation of the prostate can appear even in an almost healthy man, in which case everything is often attributed to excessive fatigue, stress and poor ecology.It often progresses after surgery, severe bruising, or other trauma to the genitals.In any case, if you have the slightest suspicion of prostatitis, you should immediately consult a urologist.
Chronic prostatitis
The manifestations of the recurrent form of the disease are diverse.For some men, it is a complete refusal to have sex, a frequent urge to go to the toilet, itching or burning in the urethra, or pain in the groin.However, another category of patients may experience similar symptoms from time to time.Much more typical are functional signs of chronic prostatitis, which are usually divided into three subgroups:
- painful and frequent urge to go to the toilet, urinary retention, blood in sputum, swelling in the groin, diarrhea;
- a feeling of pressure in the anus during ejaculation, absence or weakness of an erection, loss of sexual desire, loss of severity of orgasm;
- feeling of anxiety, fatigue, depression, frequent nervous breakdowns and stress.
Recurrent prostatitis without proper treatment can not only cause a lot of problems, but also lead to serious consequences: adenoma, abscess and prostate cancer.Chronic inflammation of the prostate can persist indefinitely, but the course of prostatitis is never monotonous.Sharp attacks, sometimes intense, are followed by periods of relative calm.
Catarrhal prostatitis
Acute or parenchymal prostatitis in men often occurs due to weakened immunity or infection entering the body.In addition, the catarrhal form of the disease can develop even after an ordinary sore throat, acute respiratory viral infection and severe cough.Microbes, bacteria and other pathogenic microflora, together with lymph, enter the prostate, where they trigger inflammatory processes.The first signs of prostatitis in men are usually a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and a slight increase in temperature.
With a detailed examination, the doctor may notice other symptoms characteristic of the catarrhal form.For example :
- upon examination, a slight swelling of the prostate is revealed, while the procedure itself is extremely painful for the patient;
- analysis of prostate secretions will reveal the release of an increased number of leukocytes;
- Ultrasound shows purulent components, blockage or partial narrowing of the ducts through which urine passes.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Thanks to active campaigns and ubiquitous advertising, even schoolchildren today know not only the symptoms, but also how to treat the prostate.However, the absence of any signs makes it difficult not only to choose appropriate medications, but also to make a diagnosis in time.The best way to prevent inflammation is to visit the clinic more often.Therefore, prostatitis is often diagnosed during a routine examination by a urologist.
In case of complaints, an experienced doctor can already suspect inflammation of the prostate and prescribe appropriate tests, which often include:
- digital rectal exam;
- analysis of secretions and seminal fluid;
- ultrasound examination of the prostate;
- urine and blood analysis;
- take a smear from the urethra.
How to treat prostatitis
How prostatitis manifests itself and its treatment are the main topics of discussion in many international medical symposia and conferences.Every year, scientists, ordinary doctors and experienced doctors try to establish more accurate symptoms of prostatitis, develop new drugs and methods of prevention.However, at the moment, the classic range of therapeutic measures remains unchanged and includes:
- prescription of antibacterial, antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs;
- the use of magnetic field devices, hirudotherapy, ultrasound and laser treatment on the patient;
- a course of prostate massage aimed at strengthening the reproductive functions of the body and normalizing microcirculation of blood flow in the genitourinary system.
In the complex treatment of prostatitis, herbal remedies are often used.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis in men
Alas, no method or medication can relieve you of the manifestations of the disease, much less completely eliminate the inflammation.Therefore, the treatment of chronic prostatitis takes place according to a comprehensive scheme, using effective drugs of three groups:
- Antibiotics – fluoroquinolones.Medicines of this series penetrate well into the soft tissues of the prostate and destroy most types of harmful microorganisms.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets.They eliminate swelling of the prostate, improve blood circulation and relieve pain.
- Alpha blockers.They help relax the bladder and urethra, making urine flow easier.
In addition, drug treatment involves the use of a number of additional drugs that help strengthen the prostate: vitamins, enzymes, suppositories, adaptogens.The doctor may also prescribe massages, simple physiotherapeutic procedures or physical therapy.All patients are prescribed a special fiber diet, excluding the consumption of alcohol, canned foods, fried, too spicy or salty foods.