Prostatitis is a common disease that often occurs in men of different age categories.Inflammation of the prostate gland brings a lot of inconvenience to a person's life, and if not treated, 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 man and can you do it yourself?What methods of treatment 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 look at some background information.
Prostatitis is a disease accompanied by inflammation of the prostate tissue.As you know, this is an unpaired small organ located below the bladder - it actually covers the urinary canal.The prostate produces a secretion that is part of semen.
Statistics show that the disease most often affects people aged 25-50.Approximately 50-85% of patients aged 50 and over have had some form of prostatitis at least once in their lives.
As you can see, this is a very common disease.This is why men are looking for additional information.How do you know if you have prostatitis?What symptoms should you watch out for?Are there effective treatments?
Reasons for the development of prostatitis.Predisposing factors
Many men are interested in questions about what are the first signs of prostatitis.Symptoms and treatment, possible complications and diagnostic features are very important information.But first it is worth considering the reasons for 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 a consequence of a sexually transmitted disease.If we talk about non-specific inflammation, then 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 impact of which can cause the beginning of the inflammatory process.
- To begin with, it is worth noting that the disease can develop against the background of other infectious diseases, including the common cold.
- Risk factors include an irregular sex life.For example, promiscuity increases the likelihood of infection in the body.Long-term abstinence 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 cause the development of the inflammatory process.
- Risk factors include chronic constipation and other disorders of the digestive tract.
- The inflammatory process can be the result of urethral reflux, which is accompanied by backflow of urine and reflux in the genital canals.This disorder is often associated with inflammatory diseases of the urethra or improper bladder catheterization.
- Changes in hormonal levels are also potentially dangerous, especially when it comes to reducing the level of male sex hormones.By the way, this is why mature and elderly men are more likely to get prostatitis.
- Risk factors include constant stress and nervous tension, errors in diet (in particular, an excess of spicy food), alcohol abuse.If there are prerequisites, these factors can provoke the development of an inflammatory process or exacerbation of chronic prostatitis.
The doctor should know not only how to determine prostatitis in men.It is very important to find out what exactly triggered the development of the disease.
Prostatitis in men: how to recognize?Description of the main symptoms
We have already familiarized ourselves with the main reasons for the development of the inflammatory process.But many men are interested in questions about how to determine prostatitis on their own.In fact, this is impossible, since research and studies are needed to confirm the diagnosis.But you can suspect the disease by noticing many characteristic signs.
- How does prostatitis manifest itself in men?Symptoms of the disease include various urination disorders.Patients complain of increased desire.At the same time, the daily volume of urine does not increase.The urges occur even before the bladder is full.
- An enlarged prostate gland puts pressure on the urethra, resulting in a weak and often intermittent stream of urine.Sometimes, in order to have a bowel movement, a person has to make an effort and strain their abdominal muscles.
- The urge to urinate also becomes more frequent at night - sometimes a person wakes up several times (or even dozens of times) during the night, which affects the quality of rest.
- Often, the process of urination is accompanied by unpleasant sensations, and sometimes strong, cutting pain.
- If we are talking about acute inflammation (especially if it is accompanied by the accumulation of purulent masses), then the body temperature can rise to 37-39 degrees.
- Patients complain of pain in the perineum, which intensifies during physical activity, intercourse and defecation.Sometimes the pain is very sharp, almost unbearable.
- Sometimes the urine contains blood.This is a dangerous symptom that should not be ignored.Hematuria may indicate rupture of an abscess, development of urolithiasis, or a malignant form of hyperplasia.
- Erection problems also occur, 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 signs of prostatitis in men.They should not be ignored in any case - be sure to see a doctor as soon as the first disturbances appear.
Characteristics of chronic inflammation
You have already familiarized yourself with the main signs of prostatitis in men (how to find out if a person has the disease we will discuss below).Statistics show that the acute form of the disease, in the absence of timely treatment, sometimes develops into chronic prostatitis.Sometimes the chronic form of inflammation is primary - its first stages occur with hidden symptoms.In most cases, this type of disease is the result of stagnant processes in the pelvis.
The symptoms of the disease remain the same.Patients complain of pain in the perineum and problems with urination.Sometimes there is a discharge from the urethra during bowel movements.Men often face problems in their sexual life - the development of erectile dysfunction is possible, the appearance of unpleasant sensations during sex and during ejaculation.Sometimes chronic prostatitis leads to complete impotence.This form of the disease is much more difficult to diagnose and treat.
What complications can the disease lead to?
You already know what symptoms you should pay attention to and how to identify the disease.Prostatitis is a dangerous disease that should never be ignored.There is a possibility of very dangerous complications.
The acute inflammatory process is often accompanied by suppuration of the gland and the formation of an abscess.An enlarged prostate compresses the urethra, which can lead to acute urinary retention.In addition, the abscess can open on its own, leading to the entry of purulent masses into the excretory system or intestines.
Chronic prostatitis is no less dangerous, as it leads to gradual replacement of glandular tissues with connective tissues, formation of scars and stones.Chronic inflammation affects potency and causes erectile problems.In addition, the affected gland cannot produce a high-quality secretion to maintain the vital activity of the sperm, which leads to problems with conception and sometimes infertility.
How to recognize 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.
- First, the doctor collects information about the symptoms that bother patients, the presence of certain diseases and lifestyle.
- The gland itself should be examined.How is the prostate examined in men?Palpation is performed rectally.During the procedure, the doctor may notice an increase in the prostate gland and a change 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 it contains bacterial microorganisms and the acidity of the environment is increased, this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process and the activation of one or another infection.
- A smear from the urethra is mandatory.This procedure is unpleasant, but very informative.Samples are sent for PCR diagnostics and bacterial culture.The test 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 makes it possible to detect some diseases of the excretory system.
- Uroflowmetry is also mandatory.The procedure allows you to determine the rate of urine flow.This is important in the diagnosis of prostatitis and hyperplasia.
- How to determine prostatitis in men?Ultrasound of the prostate gland is mandatory.This is a simple, affordable and painless procedure that allows examining the gland, determining its size and shape, detecting existing stones, etc.
- Sometimes (if an exact diagnosis cannot be established) the patient is sent for a nuclear magnetic resonance.
Drug treatment
You now know how to determine prostatitis in men.After a thorough diagnosis, the doctor will definitely prepare a treatment regimen - it is individual in each case, as it depends on the cause of the development of the disease, the characteristics of the course, etc.
Hospitalization is indicated only in cases of severe 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 there is an abscess, a procedure is performed to open it.
You already know what the main symptoms of prostatitis in men are.And the first signs are a good reason to immediately consult a doctor.The fact is that the acute form of inflammation very quickly becomes chronic.Symptoms become less pronounced, but irreversible changes occur in the tissues of the gland, which can no longer be corrected.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physiotherapy is necessary in the chronic form of the disease - this is the only way to stop the disease.Naturally, patients take antibacterial drugs, and 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 normalize the outflow of prostatic secretion, as well as to improve blood microcirculation (and, accordingly, tissue nutrition).
Patients are sent for laser and ultrasound therapy sessions.Sometimes warm micro-enemas with special medicinal solutions are performed.The treatment regimen also includes immunomodulatory drugs.
Diet for prostatitis
You now know about the symptoms and treatment of prostatitis.Symptoms in men can vary, as can treatment regimens.But in any case, the treatment must be supplemented with a suitable diet.
- The basis of the diet should be vegetables and fruits, salads dressed with olive oil, nuts and dried fruits.
- It is allowed to consume soups, broths, lean meats and fish, but only boiled or baked.Different cereals will be useful.
- But for a while you will have to give up fatty meat, eggs, flour and butter products.The fact is that regular consumption of such products increases the level of cholesterol, which is deposited on the walls of blood vessels, disrupting blood circulation in the prostate gland.
- Spicy foods and spices, pickles, preserves, semi-finished products, excessively salty foods, 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 too strict dietary restrictions.But by following such a diet, you can really speed up the healing process, improve the work of the digestive tract and strengthen the immune system.
Prostatitis and sexual activity
You now know how to find out if a man has prostatitis.But many patients are interested in questions about whether it is possible to maintain sexual activity during treatment.
It is immediately worth noting that regular sexual life directly affects the condition and functioning of the prostate gland.Both too frequent, promiscuous relationships and periods of prolonged abstinence are potentially dangerous.
But if the inflammatory process is already present, then you should give up 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, which is why it cannot be transmitted during sexual intercourse.But the man's sperm contains various products of the inflammatory process, which negatively affect the functioning of the organs of the female reproductive system.It is better to wait for complete recovery and only then start sexual relations again.
Prevention: how to prevent the development of the disease?
We have already understood the information about what functions the prostate performs in men, how to know if the organ is inflamed?If the disease is not diagnosed on time and treatment is started too late, it can lead to the development of a huge number of unpleasant complications.Therefore, it is much easier to try to prevent the development of the disease.
There is no medicine that can protect the prostate gland from inflammation.However, following some recommendations will help significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
- Doctors recommend to carefully monitor personal hygiene and avoid wearing too tight synthetic underwear.
- Remember that prostatitis can be caused by sexually transmitted infections.Therefore, you should give up promiscuity and use condoms.
- Nutrition also plays an important role.Together with food, the body must receive a sufficient amount of nutrients, fiber, minerals and vitamins.
- Physical activity (fitness classes, active recreation, daily jogging or walking) prevents blood stagnation in the pelvic organs, which also 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.Hardening and preventive intake of vitamin complexes will help with this.
- It pays to reduce your overall stress level and learn to cope with adverse situations.Remember that nervous tension directly affects hormonal levels and often leads to a decrease in the activity of the immune system and the development of certain diseases.
Men over 40 should undergo an annual examination - only this can ensure a timely diagnosis of prostatitis.How to identify a disease, how to prepare a treatment regimen, how to prevent the development of complications - only a doctor knows about this.You should not ignore the problem, much less try to deal with it yourself.