The prostate can easily be described as one of the most important organs of the male reproductive system.The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a normal walnut, located around the urethra.The main function of this organ is to produce fluid - prostate juice, which is actively involved in sperm formation and provides sperm motility.
Inflammation of the prostate
According to the WHO, almost a third of the male population is diagnosed with prostate problems with resulting complications.Prostatitis is a disease of the endocrine organ, which in medicine is called inflammation of the prostate as a result of tissue damage by viruses or bacteria.In addition, nonspecific infectious pathology can develop against the background of inflammation of the seminal vesicles, prostate appendages or urinary tract diseases.
Signs of prostatitis
Conventionally, prostate diseases are divided into several categories: bacterial, chronic and non-bacterial.In the first two cases, prostate disorders 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 and perineal area, and cramps in the lower abdomen.A sick man begins to go to the toilet more often, and sometimes drops of blood come out along with the urine.
Prostatitis of non-bacterial origin occurs as a form of chronic pelvic pain syndrome of the prostate, while other symptoms may be completely absent.Chronic signs of prostatitis in men are manifested by pain during urination, in the groin, absent or impaired sexual function.The peculiarity of this form of prostatitis is that it is usually asymptomatic.
It is worth noting that the features of how prostatitis manifests itself cannot be called constant.Due to the fact that each organism is individual, certain signs may be completely absent and the disease may appear differently in different categories of men.Sometimes prostatitis begins with sudden manifestations of the inflammatory process - then it is called an acute form.If the disease only bothers you occasionally, it is most likely the chronic stage of prostate inflammation.
Causes of Prostatitis
Many different categories of citizens can be considered at risk of this pathology, but more often prostatitis progresses in those who:
- sits a lot and moves little;
- prefers an unbalanced diet to a healthy diet;
- cannot in any way get rid of addiction to drinking or smoking tobacco;
- often becomes hypothermic;
- does not have a regular sexual partner;
- often refuses sex.
However, even this is far from a complete list of the causes of prostatitis.Doctors say that inflammation of the prostate can occur even in an almost healthy man.In this case, everything is often attributed to excessive fatigue, stress and poor ecology.It often progresses after surgery, a severe bruise, or other trauma to the genital organs.In any case, if you have the slightest suspicion of prostatitis, you should immediately consult a urologist.
Chronic prostatitis
The manifestations of the relapsing form of the disease are diverse.In some men, this is a complete refusal to have sexual intercourse, frequent urges to go to the toilet, itching or burning in the urethra, or pain in the groin.However, similar symptoms may only occasionally occur in another category of patients.The functional signs of chronic prostatitis are much more typical and are usually divided into three subgroups:
- painful and frequent use of the toilet, urinary retention, blood in sputum, swelling in the groin, diarrhea;
- a feeling of pressure in the anus during ejaculation, lack of or weak erection, loss of desire for sex, loss of the severity of orgasm;
- Feelings of anxiety, fatigue, depression, frequent nervous breakdowns and stress.
Recurrent prostatitis without proper treatment can not only cause major problems, but also lead to serious consequences: adenomas, abscesses and prostate cancer.Chronic inflammation of the prostate can last indefinitely, but the course of prostatitis is never monotonous.Sharp, sometimes intense attacks are followed by periods of relative calm.
Catarrhal prostatitis
Acute or parenchymal prostatitis often occurs in men due to weakened immunity or an infection that has entered the body.In addition, the catarrhal form of the disease can also develop after a common sore throat, acute respiratory viral infection, and severe cough.Microbes, bacteria and other pathogenic microflora penetrate into the prostate together with lymph and trigger inflammatory processes there.The first signs of prostatitis in men are usually a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and a slight increase in temperature.
During a detailed examination, the doctor may identify other symptoms characteristic of the catarrhal form.For example:
- During the examination, a slight swelling of the prostate is revealed, while the procedure itself is extremely painful for the patient;
- Analysis of secretions from the prostate shows the release of an increased number of leukocytes.
- Ultrasound shows purulent components, blockage or partial narrowing of the channels through which urine flows.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Thanks to active campaign work and omnipresent advertising, even schoolchildren now know not only about the symptoms but also about the treatment of the prostate.However, the absence of any signs makes it difficult not only to choose the right medication, but also to make a timely diagnosis.The best way to prevent inflammation is to visit the clinic more often.Therefore, prostatitis is often diagnosed as part of a routine examination by a urologist.
If symptoms arise, an experienced doctor can suspect inflammation of the prostate and prescribe appropriate examinations, which often include:
- digital rectal examination;
- Analysis of secretions and seminal fluid;
- Ultrasound examination of the prostate;
- urine and blood analysis;
- take a swab from the urethra.
How to treat prostatitis?
How prostatitis manifests itself and how it is treated are the main topics of discussion at many international symposiums and medical conferences.Every year, scientists, ordinary doctors and experienced doctors try to identify more accurate symptoms of prostatitis, develop new drugs and methods of prevention.However, the classic spectrum of therapeutic measures currently remains unchanged and includes:
- Prescribing antibacterial, antiviral drugs and immunomodulators;
- the use of magnetic field devices, hirudotherapy, ultrasound and laser treatment on patients;
- A prostate massage course aimed at strengthening the reproductive functions of the body and normalizing microcirculation of blood flow in the urogenital system.
Herbal remedies are often used in the complex treatment of prostatitis.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis in men
Unfortunately, not a single method or drug can relieve you of the manifestations of the disease, let alone completely eliminate inflammation.Therefore, the treatment of chronic prostatitis is carried out according to a comprehensive scheme using effective drugs from three groups:
- Antibiotics – Fluoroquinolones.Drugs from this series penetrate well into the soft tissue 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 to relax the bladder and urethra, making urine flow easier.
In addition, drug therapy involves the use of a number of additional drugs that help strengthen the prostate: vitamins, enzymes, suppositories, adaptogens.The doctor may also prescribe massage, simple physiotherapy procedures or physiotherapy.All patients are prescribed a special fiber diet, which excludes the consumption of alcohol, canned food, fried, overly spicy or salty foods.