Prostatitis is a common disease that is often encountered by men of different age categories.Prostate inflammation brings a lot of inconvenience in a person's life, and if it is 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 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 should consider some general information.
Prostatitis is a disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the prostate tissue.As you know, this is an unpaired small organ located below the bladder - it actually covers the urethra.The prostate produces a secretion that is part of the semen.
Statistics show that the disease most often affects people aged 25 to 50.Approximately 50-85% of patients aged 50 and over have experienced 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 pay attention to?Are there effective treatments?
Causes of 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.The infection may be specific.For example, prostatitis is a consequence of a sexually transmitted disease.If we are talking 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 whose impact can cause the start 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.Prolonged 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 area.Risk factors include sedentary work and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Hypothermia (general and local) can also promote the development of the inflammatory process.
- Risk factors include chronic constipation and other disorders of the digestive tract.
- The inflammatory process can be a consequence 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 hormone levels are also potentially dangerous, especially when it comes to a decrease in male sex hormone levels.By the way, because of this, more mature and older men suffer from prostatitis more often.
- Risk factors include constant stress and nervous tension, dietary mistakes (especially excess spicy food) and alcohol abuse.If there are prerequisites, these factors can cause the development of the inflammatory process or the worsening of chronic prostatitis.
A 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, it is impossible, because tests and examinations are needed to confirm the diagnosis.But you can suspect the disease if you notice very characteristic signs.
- How does prostatitis manifest itself in men?Symptoms of the disease include various urinary disorders.Patients complain of an increased urge.At the same time, the daily urine volume does not increase.The urge occurs even before the bladder is full.
- An enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urinary tract, causing the urine to weaken and often stop.Sometimes, in order to have a bowel movement, a man has to make an effort and strain his abdominal muscles.
- The urge to urinate becomes more frequent at night as well - a person sometimes wakes up several times (and even tens of times) during the night, which affects the quality of rest.
- Often, the process of urination is accompanied by unpleasant sensations, and sometimes by 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 increase to 37-39 degrees.
- Patients complain of pain in the perineum, which intensifies during physical activity, sexual 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 the rupture of an abscess, the development of urolithiasis or a malignant form of hyperplasia.
- There are also problems with erection, although this does not happen in all cases (especially if it is an acute form of the inflammatory process).
These are the main signs of prostatitis in men.In no case should they be ignored - 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 will be discussed 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 pelvic area.
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 - it is possible to develop erectile dysfunction, 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 which symptoms you should pay attention to and how to recognize the disease.Prostatitis is a dangerous disease that should not be ignored under any circumstances.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, which leads to the entry of purulent masses into the urinary system or intestines.
Chronic prostatitis is no less dangerous, as it leads to gradual replacement of glandular tissue with connective tissue, formation of scars and stones.Chronic inflammation affects potency and causes erectile problems.In addition, the affected gland cannot produce a high-quality secretion that would support the vital activity of the sperm, which leads to problems with conception and sometimes to infertility.
How to recognize prostatitis in men.List of diagnostic measures
If you notice the above symptoms, you should contact a specialist.How to diagnose prostatitis?In this case, various procedures are widely used.
- To begin with, the doctor collects information about the symptoms that are bothering the patients, the presence of certain diseases and the way of life.
- The gland itself needs to be examined.How is the prostate test done in men?Palpation is carried out rectally.During the procedure, the doctor may notice an increase in the prostate and a change in its structure.If we talk about the 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, then this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process and the activation of one or another infection.
- A urethral swab is mandatory.This procedure is unpleasant, but very informative.The samples are sent for PCR diagnostics and bacterial culture.The study helps in the detection and identification of infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases.
- A general urine and blood test is done to confirm the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
- The diagnostic scheme also includes cystoscopy.With the help of special equipment, the doctor examines the urethral canal and the bladder from the inside.This enables the detection of 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.Ultrasound of the prostate is mandatory.This is a simple, affordable and painless procedure that allows examination of the gland, determination of its size and shape, detection of existing stones, etc.
- Sometimes (if an exact diagnosis cannot be made) the patient is sent for magnetic resonance imaging.
Drug treatment
You already know how to determine prostatitis in men.After a detailed diagnosis, the doctor will definitely create a treatment regimen - it is individual in any case, because it depends on the cause of the disease, 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 action of bacterial microorganisms, antibiotics must be included in the treatment regimen.Symptomatic treatment is also carried out - patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers and antipyretics.If there is an abscess, a procedure is performed to open it.
You already know the main symptoms of prostatitis in men.And the first signs are a good reason to consult a doctor immediately.The fact is that the acute form of inflammation very quickly becomes chronic.The symptoms become less pronounced, but irreversible changes occur in the gland tissues that can no longer be corrected.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physiotherapy is necessary for a chronic form of the disease - this is the only way to stop the disease.Of course, patients take antibacterial drugs, and the course of treatment is 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 prostate secretions, as well as to improve blood microcirculation (and, accordingly, tissue nutrition).
Patients are sent for laser and ultrasound therapy.Sometimes warm microenemas are performed with special medicinal solutions.The treatment regimen also includes immunomodulatory drugs.
Diet for prostatitis
You already know about the symptoms and treatment of prostatitis.Signs in men can vary, as can treatment regimens.But in any case, the treatment must be supplemented with appropriate nutrition.
- The basis of the diet should be vegetables and fruits, salads seasoned with olive oil, nuts and dried fruits.
- It is allowed to consume soups, stews, lean meat and fish, but only boiled or baked.Various grains will be useful.
- But you will have to give up fatty meat, eggs, flour products and butter for a while.The fact is that regular consumption of such products increases the level of cholesterol, which is deposited on the walls of blood vessels, hindering blood circulation in the prostate.
- Spicy food and spices, pickles, canned food, semi-finished products, too salty food and smoked food are contraindicated.Such foods irritate the intestinal walls and retain water in the body.
- You must give up alcoholic drinks.It is important to drink enough fluids.Fresh juices will be helpful.But in the evening you should limit the amount of water consumed - 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 already 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 should be noted right away that regular sexual life directly affects the condition and functioning of the prostate.Both too frequent, promiscuous relationships and periods of prolonged abstinence are potentially dangerous.
But if the inflammatory process is already taking place, then you should give up sexual activity for a while.Of course, prostatitis is a purely male disease and in most cases is associated with the action of non-specific microorganisms, and therefore cannot be transmitted during sexual intercourse.However, male sperm 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 complete recovery and only then resume sexual relations.
Prevention: how to prevent the development of the disease?
We have already understood what functions the prostate performs in men, how can we find out 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 large number of unpleasant complications.That is why it is much easier to try to prevent the development of the disease.
There is no medicine that would protect the prostate from inflammation.However, following some recommendations will help significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
- Doctors recommend careful monitoring of personal hygiene and avoiding wearing synthetic underwear that is too tight.
- Remember that prostatitis can be caused by sexually transmitted infections.Therefore, one should give up promiscuity and use condoms.
- Diet also plays an important role.Together with food, the body must receive a sufficient amount of nutrients, fiber, minerals and vitamins.
- Physical activity (gym classes, active recreation, daily running 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 in this.
- It is worth reducing the overall level of stress and learning to cope with unfavorable situations.Remember that nervous tension directly affects the level of hormones 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 must undergo an annual examination - only this can guarantee a timely diagnosis of prostatitis.How to recognize the disease, how to put together a treatment regimen, how to prevent the development of complications - only a doctor knows about that.You should not ignore the problem, much less try to deal with it yourself.