The prostate can easily be called 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 task of this organ is to produce the fluid - prostate juice - which actively participates in the formation of sperm and ensures sperm motility.
Prostate inflammation
According to the WHO, almost a third of the male population is diagnosed with a prostate problem and its subsequent complications.Prostatitis is a disease of the endocrine organ, which medical science describes as inflammation of the prostate, which develops as a result of tissue damage caused by viruses or bacteria.In addition, non-specific infectious pathology can develop against the background of inflammation of the seminal vesicles, prostatic appendages or urinary tract disorders.
Signs of prostatitis
Traditionally, prostate disease is usually divided into several categories: bacterial, chronic and non-bacterial.In the first two cases, prostate disorders begin due to the introduction 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.The sick person starts going to the toilet more often, and sometimes drops of blood come out with the urine.
Non-bacterial prostatitis presents as a form of prostatic chronic pelvic pain syndrome, while other symptoms may be completely absent.In men, the chronic symptoms of prostatitis are expressed in pain during urination, in the groin, and in the absence or disturbance of sexual function.The peculiarity of this form of prostatitis is that it is mostly asymptomatic.
It is worth noting that the characteristics of the manifestation of prostatitis cannot be described as permanent.Given that each organism is unique, certain 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 - then they speak of an acute form.If the disease bothers you only occasionally, it is probably a chronic stage of prostatitis.
Causes of prostatitis
Many different categories of citizens can be considered at risk of this pathology, but prostatitis develops more often in those who:
- sits a lot and moves little;
- prefers an unbalanced diet to healthy foods;
- in no way can you get rid of your addiction to drinking or smoking;
- often becomes hypothermic;
- does not have a regular sexual partner;
- often refuses sex.
However, even this is far from a complete list of what causes prostatitis.Doctors say that prostatitis can appear even in an almost healthy person, in which case they often attribute everything to excessive fatigue, stress and bad ecology.It often progresses after surgery, severe bruising or other trauma to the genitals.In any case, if there is even the slightest suspicion of prostatitis, you should immediately see a urologist.
Chronic prostatitis
The manifestations of the recurrent form of the disease are varied.For some men, this is a complete refusal to have sex, a frequent urge to go to the toilet, an itching or burning sensation in the urethra or pain in the groin.However, another group of patients may experience similar symptoms only occasionally.The functional signs of chronic prostatitis are much more typical and are usually divided into three subgroups:
- painful and frequent desire to go to the toilet, urinary retention, blood in the sputum, swelling in the groin, diarrhea;
- feeling of pressure in the anus during ejaculation, absence or weakness of erection, loss of sexual desire, loss of intensity of orgasm;
- anxiety, fatigue, depression, frequent nervous breakdowns and stress.
Recurring prostatitis without proper treatment can not only cause a lot of trouble, but also lead to serious consequences: adenoma, abscess and prostate cancer.Chronic inflammation of the prostate can continue 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 in men often occurs due to weakened immunity or an 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 enter the prostate together with the lymph node, where they initiate inflammatory processes.In men, the first signs of prostatitis are usually a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and a slight increase in temperature.
With a detailed examination, the doctor can detect other symptoms typical of the catarrhal form.For example:
- the examination reveals a slight swelling of the prostate, while the procedure itself is extremely painful for the patient;
- analysis of prostatic secretions shows the release of an increased number of leukocytes;
- Ultrasound shows purulent components, obstruction or partial narrowing of the channels through which urine passes.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Thanks to the active campaign and the ubiquitous advertising, today even schoolchildren know not only about the symptoms, but also about how to treat the prostate.However, the lack of signs makes it difficult not only to choose the right drugs, 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 during a routine examination by a urologist.
If there are complaints, an experienced doctor can already suspect prostatitis and prescribe appropriate tests, which often include:
- digital rectal examination;
- analysis of secretions and seminal fluid;
- ultrasound examination of the prostate;
- analysis of urine and blood;
- taking a smear from the urethra.
How to treat prostatitis
The manifestation and treatment of prostatitis is the main topic of many international symposia and medical conferences.Every year, scientists, ordinary doctors and experienced doctors try to establish more accurate symptoms of prostatitis, develop new drugs and prevention methods.Currently, however, the classic range of therapeutic measures remains unchanged and includes:
- prescription of antibacterial, antiviral drugs and immunomodulators;
- application of magnetic field devices, hirudotherapy, ultrasound and laser treatment to the patient;
- prostate massage course, the purpose of which is to strengthen the body's reproductive functions and normalize the microcirculation of blood flow in the urinary system.
Herbs are often used in the complex treatment of prostatitis.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis in men
Unfortunately, no method or medicine can get rid of the manifestations of the disease, much less completely eliminate the inflammation.Therefore, chronic prostatitis is treated according to a comprehensive scheme, using effective drugs from three groups:
- Antibiotics - fluoroquinolones.Medicines from this series penetrate well into the soft tissues of the prostate and destroy most harmful microorganisms.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets.They remove prostate swelling, improve blood circulation and relieve pain.
- Alpha blockers.They help to relax the bladder and urethra, facilitating the outflow of urine.
In addition, drug therapy includes the use of many additional drugs that help strengthen the prostate: vitamins, enzymes, suppositories, adaptogens.The doctor may also prescribe massage, simple physiotherapy procedures or physical therapy.All patients are prescribed a special fiber-rich diet, excluding the consumption of alcohol, canned, fried, overly spicy or salty foods.