Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that is quite common nowadays.
The prostate gland is a male organ and therefore the disease is also purely male.
Why is a prostate needed? The prostate gland is responsible for the following functions:
- produces a liquid portion of semen with the muscles of the bladder neck;
- produces an internal sphincter;
- forms testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.
The prostate gland or simply the prostate is located below the bladder, the urethra passes through the prostate and therefore the prostate is located around the urethra. And because the prostate enlarges during inflammation, it compresses the urethra and makes it difficult to urinate. Men over the age of forty often suffer from prostatitis, which is a consequence of the malfunction of the genitourinary system.
Factors that provoke the development of prostatitis:
- hypothermia;
- infectious diseases;
- alcohol and tobacco use;
- trauma and hormonal disorders;
- sedentary work;
- urinary retention.
Prostatitis is divided into several types:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis: occurs during damage to prostate tissue with Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and others.
- Many of these bacteria are representatives of the healthy microflora and live on our skin and in the stomach, but getting into the tissues of the prostate, they cause inflammation. The main symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis are nausea and pain in the groin and lower back, frequent trips to the toilet and pain during urination, intoxication of the body and reduced quality of erection, signs of blood in the urine
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis: occurs due to injuries of the genitourinary system or the presence of infections in the organs.
- Symptoms of chronic prostatitis manifest themselves as pain during urination and frequent urges, discomfort in the groin, the presence of blood in the semen, fever with 0, 5 - 1 degrees Celsius.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis occurs due to lifting heavy objects with a full bladder, as a result of which urine enters the prostate, spasms of the pelvic muscles, and thus - increased pressure in the prostate, injury. The symptoms are also pain when urinating and only laboratory tests can detect an infectious difference.
Chronic prostatitis
Chronic prostatitis is a dangerous disease that, unlike prostatitis, brings with it a bunch of vague questions. What is chronic prostatitis? Chronic prostatitis is the presence of inflammation in the prostate gland, which is characterized by a number of tissue changes and functional disorders of the prostate, the activity of the male reproductive system. Chronic prostatitis is among the first diseases of the male reproductive system. The classification of chronic prostatitis is divided into several subtypes:
- acute bacterial prostatitis;
- chronic bacterial prostatitis;
- chronic abacterial prostatitis;
- inflammatory prostatitis with an increase in leukocytes in the secretions of the prostate;
- non-inflammatory process without an increase in leukocytes;
- inflammation of the prostate without symptoms, which is detected at random.
Infection provoked by neurovegetative disorders causes and provokes the development of chronic prostatitis. Hemodynamic disorders provoke a decrease in immunity through autoimmune and biochemical processes. Factors in the development of chronic prostatitis are lifestyle features that cause genitourinary tract infection, frequent hypothermia and sedentary work, irregular sex life or the constant presence of a urethral catheter are also dangerous. Also important and dangerous causes of the disease will be disorders of the immune system, cytokines, bacteria with low molecular weight polypeptide nature, which affect the functional activity of immune cells.
One of the main reasons for the development of non-inflammatory forms of chronic prostatitis is pelvic floor dysfunction.
Symptoms of chronic prostatitis
Signs of chronic prostatitis are pain and discomfort, urinary dysfunction and sexual dysfunction. The presence of pain in the pelvis, perineum and groin. Pain in the anus and scrotum is common. Sex life is disrupted and libido is also reduced, but these signs are not observed in all patients. Chronic prostatitis is interchangeable, the symptoms worsen, then subside. In general, the symptoms of chronic prostatitis are similar to the stages of the inflammatory process. Pain in the scrotum and groin is characteristic of the exudative stage, as well as frequent urination, accelerated ejaculation of sperm and painful erections. The alternative stage is characterized by pain in the suprapubic part, normal urination, and with accelerated ejaculation, no pain during erection is observed. In the proliferation stage, we can also see increased urination and the ejaculation process is slightly slow. In the stage of prostate sclerosis, in addition to scarring, the patient has pain in the suprapubic part, frequent urination and ejaculation of sperm is delayed or completely absent. It should also be borne in mind that the stages and disorders described above do not always occur and not for everyone.
A number of tests and laboratory tests will help to diagnose chronic prostatitis, given that very often the disease is asymptomatic. Testing is also important to help the doctor identify the intensity of symptoms, pain, and urinary incontinence. Laboratory examination of chronic prostatitis helps to diagnose chronic prostatitis and possible infection of the prostate with atypical bacterial and fungal flora and viruses. If there is no bacterial growth in the secretions of the prostate with an increased number of leukocytes, it is necessary to perform an analysis of chlamydia. Microscopic examination helps to reveal the number of leukocytes and mucus, Trichomonas and epithelium in the secretion of the urethra. The secretion obtained after prostate massage is taken for bacteriological examination and according to its results the nature of the disease is determined. It is also important to perform an immunological study, the results of which help to determine the stage of the disease and monitor the effect of treatment. Instrumental examination of chronic prostatitis helps to determine the stage and form of the disease with further monitoring throughout the course of treatment. Ultrasound allows to examine the size and volume of the prostate, the structure of the cyst and sclerotic changes in the organ, the degree of expansion and the density of the contents of the seminal vesicles. Muscle and pelvic floor myography plus information on suspected neurogenic urinary disorders. An X-ray examination is performed to determine the cause and course of further treatment of chronic prostatitis. Computed tomography of the pelvic organs is performed to rule out pathological changes in the spine and pelvic organs. Diagnosis as a way to exclude a disease unsuitable for symptoms helps to establish the nature of the pathological process: with inflammatory processes in other organs; with diseases of the rectum; with sexual dysfunctions; with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression or reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis
Treatment of chronic prostatitis should be consistent and comprehensive. It is first required to change the patient's usual lifestyle and thinking. Also eliminate the influence of harmful factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, hypothermia. In this way we stop the further development of the disease and soon provoke recovery. Even in the preparatory stage of treatment, adherence to diet and the establishment of sexual life play an important role. The next major course in the treatment of the disease is the use of drugs. Such a correct approach to the treatment of chronic prostatitis will help not only to fight the disease, but also to increase the effectiveness of treatment at any stage of the development of prostatitis. Chronic prostatitis usually does not require hospitalization, but in severe cases of chronic prostatitis, inpatient treatment is more useful and effective than outpatient treatment. Drug treatment leads to good blood circulation in the pelvic organs, brings hormones and the immune system to normal levels. In such cases, antibacterial drugs and immunomodulators, vasodilators and prostate massage are used. Antibacterial drug use is the basis for the treatment of chronic prostatitis. But, unfortunately, the effectiveness of this therapy has been proven, but not for all types of prostatitis. In chronic bacterial prostatitis antibacterial treatment is effective, in chronic abacterial prostatitis a course of empirical antibacterial treatment is used.
At the moment, local physical treatment is very important. Laser, mud and electrophoresis physiotherapy is considered the most effective. Electromagnetic radiation is based on anticongestive and bacteriostatic action. Low-energy laser therapy stimulates microcirculation in prostate tissues, and laser therapy has a biostimulating effect. In the absence of contraindications, therapeutic prostate massages are used.
Surgery is increasingly being used to treat prostatitis as the disease affects more and more young men. An indication for surgery may be sclerosis of the seminal tubercle; such patients often consult a doctor with signs of lack of sexual sensations and ejaculation. In such cases, resection of the seminal tubercle is performed. Also, surgery is used for sclerosis of the bladder and prostate.
Symptoms of prostatitis
Very often men suffering from prostatitis complain of fever and fever, even if the temperature measured under the arm is normal, then very often the temperature in the anus will be elevated. Pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, perineum, anus and scrotum also serves as a signal to go to the doctor. Even more frequent urination, there are cramps and a burning sensation when urinating. There is a deterioration in general condition, weakness, muscle and bone pain, severe headache.
In inflammation of the prostate gland in men, urination is difficult, which is often accompanied by urinary retention. Constipation, which occurs due to compression of the rectum by an enlarged gland, is characteristic of the disease.
Treatment of prostatitis
Before starting treatment, you must make sure of the exact diagnosis. The minimal manipulations to be performed are measurement of the temperature in the anus, diagnosis and palpation of the inguinal perineum of the lymph nodes, a general clinical blood test and a general urine test will also be required. You will also need to take swabs from the urethra and bacterioscopy of urine and sediment. In addition, a transrectal ultrasound of the prostate is performed.
The temperature in the anus usually rises and differs from the temperature of the mouse modes by about one degree. In the analysis of urine, the indicator for the number of leukocytes is exceeded. Blood tests also show some changes, such as a decrease in the number of eosinophils and neutrophil leukocytosis. Sepsis with complications of prostatitis is common in immunosuppressed patients.
On palpation of the perineum the patient experiences pain, the patient has an enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes. The prostate gland is enlarged on palpation, swollen and hot to the touch, and sometimes with heterogeneous inflammatory seals. If the prostate is inflamed, no biopsy is done and it can spread the infection further.
The treatment of prostatitis consists in the use of antibiotics against microorganisms that cause this disease. Antipyretic drugs are also prescribed to lower body temperature and the use of emollient laxatives to facilitate bowel movements. The patient is prescribed a course of massage, which consists of squeezing the inflamed secretion with your fingers, squeezing in the ducts and finally in the urethra. Prostate massage improves blood circulation and has a good effect on prostate muscle tone.
Prophylaxis of prostatitis
First of all, to prevent prostatitis, you should limit yourself to food and apply a special diet. You should include in the diet such foods as parsley, asparagus, strawberries, and if you like pasta and so on, then they should be hard varieties. You also need to rule out bad habits and alcohol, spicy foods. In exacerbation of the disease it is very important to exclude sexual life.
For the prevention of prostatitis it is necessary to exclude all risk factors for its occurrence, namely: follow a proper diet, eliminate bad habits and have a regular sex life, as this prevents sperm from accumulating. Every young man should know that unrest during intercourse is harmful to the prostate gland. An active sex life increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Use contraception anyway. Monitor your bowels and go to the toilet regularly. Another important point is work: if it involves a sedentary way, then you need physical activity, jogging will also benefit you, swimming and tennis. Also, do not forget about daily walks in the fresh air, it is very useful for the whole body. Hypothermia adversely affects the immune system and at this point the infection progresses. You should be examined by a urologist, even if there are no prerequisites for this.
Timely treatment of any urogenital infection will help eliminate the cause of the development of prostatitis.
Folk remedies for the prevention of prostatitis are also popular, based on them are distinguished such recipes as the inclusion in the diet of honey, nuts and dried fruits, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin seeds and onions, oats and seafood, liver and apples are rich in zinc and therefore have a special, important value and great benefits for the prostate gland. Add to the above tips: empty your stomach completely and avoid constipation. This will help products such as kefir, vegetable oil and vegetable fiber. Separately, it is necessary to mention the benefits of exercises for intimate muscles.
Exercises for the prevention of prostatitis are easy and do not require special adaptation, they can be performed anytime and anywhere. Here is an example of several of them: perform the movements of the perineum as if pulling the rectum; tense the muscles of the perineum, trying to stop urinating, keep them in this position as long as possible; while lying down, lift the pelvis and hold it for twenty or thirty seconds, repeat these movements until you feel pain and fatigue in the buttocks. Such simple exercises will only be a plus for your body.