Prostatitis is a common disease that is often encountered by men of different age categories.Inflammation of the prostate gland brings a lot of discomfort to a person's life, and if left untreated, it inevitably leads to the development of dangerous complications.Of course, many people are looking for more information about the pathology.
Why does inflammation develop?How to determine prostatitis in a person and can you do it yourself?What treatment methods does modern medicine offer?How dangerous is prostate cancer?
General information about the disease
What are the causes of prostatitis in men?Signs and symptoms, complications, and treatment are important things to learn.But first we need to go over some general information.
Prostatitis is a disease accompanied by inflammation of the prostate tissue.As you know, this is a small organ with a step located under the bladder - it actually covers the urethra.The prostate produces a secretion that is part of the sperm.
Statistics show that the disease affects people aged 25-50 the most.About 50-85% of patients aged 50 years and older have experienced some form of prostatitis at least once.
As you can see, this is a very common disease.That's why men are looking for more information.How do you know if you have prostatitis?What symptoms should you watch for?Is there an effective treatment?
Causes of prostatitis development.Predispose factors
Many men are interested in questions about the first signs of prostatitis.Symptoms and treatment, possible complications and diagnostic features are very important information.But first, it is worth considering the causes of the development of the inflammatory process.
The cause of the inflammatory process is the activity of pathogenic microorganisms.Infection can be specific.For example, prostatitis is the result of a sexually transmitted disease.If we talk about non-specific inflammation, the cause is the activity of Staphylococci, Streptococci and E. Coli.Sometimes prostatitis develops against the background of herpes.Of course, there are risk factors, the effects of which can trigger the beginning of the inflammatory process.
- To begin with, it should be noted that the disease can develop against the background of other infectious diseases, including a cold.
- Risk factors include an irregular sex life.For example, pompizity increases the possibility of infection in the body.Prolonged rejection is also harmful.Ideally, sex life should be regular, preferably with the same partner.
- Prostatitis often develops against the background of stagnant processes in the pelvic region.Risk factors include sedentary work and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Hypothermia (both general and local) can also trigger the development of the inflammatory process.
- Risk factors include chronic constipation and other digestive disorders.
- The inflammatory process can be the result of urethral reflux, which is accompanied by the reverse flow of urine and its reflux into the genital canals.This disorder is often associated with inflammatory diseases of the urethra or improper catheterization of the bladder.
- Changes in hormonal levels are also potentially dangerous, especially when there is a decrease in the level of male sex hormones.By the way, it is more likely that adult and elderly men will experience prostatitis.
- Risk factors include constant stress and nervous tension, errors in diet (especially spicy food) and alcohol abuse.If there are preconditions, these factors can provoke the development of an inflammatory process or exacerbation of chronic prostatitis.
The doctor should also know how to identify prostatitis in men.It is very important to find the exact cause of the development of the disease.
Prostatitis in men: how to recognize?Description of the main symptoms
We have already got acquainted with the main reasons for the development of the inflammatory process.However, many men are interested in questions about how to identify specific prostatitis.In fact, this is not possible, because tests and examinations are required to confirm the diagnosis.However, you can suspect the disease by seeing very characteristic symptoms.
- How does prostatitis manifest itself in men?Symptoms of the disease include various urinary disorders.Patients complain of increased call.At the same time, the daily volume of urine does not increase.Urination looks like this if the bladder is not full.
- An enlarged prostate gland puts pressure on the urethra, causing weak and frequent interruptions in the flow of urine.Sometimes, in order to have a bowel movement, a person has to make an effort and strain the abdominal muscles.
- The urge to urinate is also more frequent at night - a person sometimes wakes up several times (or even tens of times) during the night, which affects the quality of rest.
- Urinary process is often accompanied by unpleasant sensations, sometimes severe, cutting pain.
- If we talk about acute inflammation (especially accompanied by the accumulation of lean masses), then the body temperature can rise to 37-39 degrees.
- Patients complain of pain in the perineum, which worsens during physical activity, sexual intercourse and defecation.Sometimes the pain is very sharp, almost unbearable.
- Sometimes there is blood in the urine.This is a dangerous symptom that should not be ignored.Hematuria may indicate an abscess, the development of urolithiasis, or a malignant form of hyperplasia.
- Problems with erection also appear, although this does not happen in all cases (especially if we are talking about an acute form of the inflammatory process).
These are the main symptoms of prostatitis in men.In any case, it should not be ignored - be sure to go to the doctor as soon as the first disturbances appear.
Features of chronic inflammation
You have already familiarized yourself with the main symptoms of prostatitis in men (how to find out if a person has the disease will be discussed below).Statistics show that the acute form of the disease, if not treated in time, sometimes turns into chronic prostatitis.Sometimes the chronic form of inflammation is the first - the first stages occur with hidden symptoms.In most cases, this type of disease is the result of stagnant processes in the pelvic region.
The symptoms of the disease remain the same.Patients complain of pain in the perineum and problems with urination.Sometimes there is discharge from the urethra during bowel movements.Men often face problems in their sexual life - it is possible to develop erectile dysfunction, the appearance of unpleasant sensations during sex and ejaculation.Sometimes chronic prostatitis leads to impotence.This form of the disease is more difficult to diagnose and treat.
What complications can the disease cause?
You already know what symptoms to look out for and how to identify the disease.Prostatitis is a dangerous disease that cannot be ignored in any case.There is a possibility of very dangerous complications.
An acute inflammatory process is often accompanied by the possibility of the gland and the formation of an abscess.An enlarged prostate compresses the urethra, which can cause urinary retention.In addition, the abscess can open on its own, resulting in purulent masses that enter the urinary system or intestines.
Chronic prostatitis is not dangerous at all, because it causes the gradual change of glandular tissue with the formation of connective tissues, ulcers and stones.Chronic inflammation can potentially affect and cause erectile problems.In addition, the affected gland cannot produce high-quality secretions to support the vital activity of sperm, which leads to conception and sometimes infertility problems.
How to determine prostatitis in men?List of diagnostic measures
If you notice the above symptoms, you should consult a specialist.How to diagnose prostatitis?In this case, various procedures are widely used.
- To begin with, the doctor collects information about symptoms that bother patients, certain diseases and lifestyle.
- You need to check the cloth itself.How was the prostate test done in men?Palpation is performed straight.During the procedure, the doctor can record the enlargement of the prostate gland and changes in its structure.If we are talking about an inflammatory process, then palpation is often accompanied by very unpleasant, painful sensations.
- During a rectal examination, samples of prostate secretions are often taken for analysis.If bacterial microorganisms and the acidity of the environment are increased, this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process and the activation of one or another infection.
- A blackout from the urethra is mandatory.This procedure is unpleasant, but very informative.Samples are sent for PCR diagnostics and bacterial culture.Research helps detect and identify infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases.
- A general urine and blood test is performed to confirm the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
- The diagnostic scheme also includes cystoscopy.Using special equipment, the doctor examines the urethral canal and bladder from the inside.This allows you to detect certain diseases of the urinary system.
- Uroflowmetry is also mandatory.The procedure allows you to determine the rate of urine flow.This is important when diagnosing prostatitis and hyperplasia.
- How to determine prostatitis in men?Prostate ultrasound is mandatory.This includes examination of the gland, determining its size and shape, presence of stones, etc.Determining is a simple, accessible and painless procedure.
- Sometimes (if an exact diagnosis cannot be made) the patient is sent for a magnetic resonance image.
Drug treatment
You already know how to determine prostatitis in men.After a comprehensive diagnosis, the doctor will definitely draw up a treatment regimen - it is individual in each case, because it depends on the cause of the development of the disease, the characteristics of the course, etc.
Hospitalization is indicated only in cases of strong intoxication and suspected abscess formation.In all other cases, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis.
Since the inflammatory process is associated with the activity of bacterial microorganisms, antibiotics should be included in the treatment regimen.Symptomatic treatment is also carried out - patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and antipyretic drugs.If you have an abscess, a procedure is done to open it.
You already know what are the main symptoms of prostatitis in men.And the first symptoms are a good reason to see a doctor.The fact is that the acute form of inflammation becomes chronic very quickly.The symptoms are less pronounced, but there are irreversible changes in the tissues of the gland that can no longer be corrected.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physiotherapy is necessary for the chronic form of the disease - this is the only way to stop the disease.Naturally, patients receive antibacterial drugs, and the treatment courses are quite long (sometimes 2-3 months).
Prostate massage is mandatory (it is contraindicated in periods of acute inflammation).During the procedure, it is possible to improve the release of prostate secretions, as well as blood microcirculation (and therefore tissue nutrition).
Patients are referred for laser and ultrasound therapy sessions.Sometimes warm microenemas with a special medicinal solution are performed.The treatment regimen also includes immunomodulatory drugs.
Diet for prostatitis
You already know about prostatitis symptoms and treatment.Signs in men can be different, as well as treatment regimens.But in any case, the treatment should be supplemented with a suitable diet.
- The basis of the diet should be a salad dressed with vegetables and fruits, olive oil, nuts and dried fruits.
- Consumption of soups, broths, lean meat and fish is allowed, but only boiled or baked.Different grains will be useful.
- But for a while you should give up fatty meat, eggs, flour products and oil.The fact is that regular consumption of such products increases the level of cholesterol deposited on the walls of blood vessels, which disrupts blood circulation in the prostate gland.
- Spicy foods and spices, pickles, canned foods, semi-finished products, very salty foods and smoked foods are contraindicated.Such foods irritate the intestinal walls and retain water in the body.
- You should give up alcoholic drinks.It is important to drink enough fluids.Fresh juices will be helpful.But in the evening, the amount of water consumed should be limited - this will reduce the number of night trips to the toilet.
Agree, this diet does not provide very strict dietary restrictions.But after such a diet, you can speed up the healing process, improve the functioning of the digestive system and strengthen the immune system.
Prostatitis and sexual activity
You already know how to find out if a person has prostatitis.However, many patients are interested in questions about whether it is possible to preserve sexual activity during treatment.
It should be noted that regular sexual life directly affects the condition and activity of the prostate gland.Both periods of abstinence, often too soon, and prolonged periods of abstinence are potentially dangerous.
However, if an inflammatory process has already occurred, you should refrain from sexual activity for a while.Of course, prostatitis is a purely male disease and in most cases it is associated with the activity of non-specific microorganisms and therefore cannot be transmitted during sexual intercourse.However, a man's semen contains various products of the inflammatory process that negatively affect the functioning of the organs of the female reproductive system.It is better to wait until it is fully recovered and only to engage in sexual intercourse again.
Prevention: How to prevent the development of the disease?
We have already received information about the functions of the prostate in men, how to find out if the organ is inflamed?If the disease is not diagnosed on time and the treatment is started too late, it can lead to the development of many unpleasant complications.Therefore, it is easier to try to prevent the development of the disease.
There is no medicine to protect the prostate gland from inflammation.However, some recommendations will help to significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
- Doctors recommend careful monitoring of personal hygiene and avoid wearing too tight synthetic underwear.
- Remember that prostatitis can be caused by sexually transmitted infections.Therefore, you should refrain from promiscuity and use condoms.
- Nutrition also plays an important role.Along with food, the body should receive enough nutrients, fiber, minerals and vitamins.
- Physical activity (gym classes, active rest, daily jogging or walking) prevents blood stagnation in the pelvic organs, which reduces the likelihood of developing an inflammatory process.
- Doctors recommend giving up alcohol, smoking and other bad habits.
- It is very important to strengthen the immune system.Strengthening and preventive intake of vitamin complexes will help with this.
- It is worth reducing your overall stress level and learning to cope with negative situations.It is known that nervous tension has a direct effect on hormonal levels and often leads to a decrease in the activity of the immune system and the development of certain diseases.
Men over the age of 40 are required to undergo an annual examination - only a timely diagnosis of this prostatitis can be guaranteed.How to identify a disease, how to design a treatment regimen, how to prevent the development of complications - only a doctor knows about this.You should not ignore the problem, try to deal with it yourself.