Many people are still embarrassed or hesitant to talk about certain illnesses.This is especially true for urogenital problems, which simultaneously cause discomfort and also affect sexual activity.More than 70% of men do not see a doctor in the early stages of the disease, although treatment is most effective when the disease has not progressed too far.Timely recognition of the symptoms of the disease is important for prevention and early treatment.
What is Prostatitis?
The prostate or prostate gland is located in the middle of the pelvis and is connected to the bladder and vas deferens.The main function is to produce a substance responsible for sperm viability and motility.From a chemical point of view, this secretion is a base of immunoglobulins with the addition of vitamins, zinc and iodine - the basis for the nutrition and activity of sperm.The composition of the fluid is an important diagnostic parameter that helps detect symptoms early.
As the name suggests, the disease involves inflammatory processes in the prostate.This pathology is always associated with the presence of a bacterial infection, although it does not necessarily appear in a form recognizable to humans.The nature of the course of the disease largely depends on age, predisposition, the associated factors and the characteristics of the body.
Normally the prostate cannot be felt and is not noticeable.However, despite its relatively deep location in the pelvic area, this organ is one of the most vulnerable in the male body.There is an opinion that the symptoms of prostatitis can only occur in older people, but this is not true: the disease is typical for mature men aged 20 to 60 years.
At an early stage it is quite difficult to detect the disease.From time to time, signs can appear, then bother you, and then disappear without a trace.Doctors mention that the psychology of men, especially young men, also plays a role: not everyone is ready to go to the doctor and admit a “shameful” illness.
At the same time, the disease is characterized by dangerous complications, including:
- Infertility due to impaired sperm motility.Sometimes asymptomatic or mild chronic prostatitis is the only reason for the absence of a child in a couple.A woman can have herself examined as often as she wants, but it is of no use until her husband decides to have himself examined for his fertility.
- Prostate adenoma is a benign tumor, but it can be very dangerous for men.This is due to the anatomical structure - the ureter and sperm ducts are arranged in such a way that abnormal growth of the prostate hinders normal urination.There is a risk of a variety of complications, including bladder rupture.
- According to statistics, prostate cancer is one of the most common diseases among men.Oncological diseases are among the ten leading causes of death in people over 50 years of age;At this age, chronic prostatitis tends to develop into a life-threatening condition.
- Psychological problems related to erectile dysfunction, infertility, problems with natural functions.This is an accompanying symptom, but also significantly affects the patient's quality of life.
One in twenty men over 30 and more than half of those over 50 had symptoms of prostatitis.This is one of the most common diseases.Prevention, early diagnosis and careful treatment can relieve attacks and complications of the disease.
Acute (bacterial)
The disease can occur in men of any age.And if chronic forms of this disease are more typical for older people, acute bacterial forms of the disease can theoretically occur in anyone.Bacteria that cause signs of prostatitis can be either pathogenic or opportunistic.
Here are some things to keep in mind about this form:
- You can become infected at any age, including through unprotected sexual intercourse.
- Prostatitis is not the same as classic sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, but can manifest itself as a secondary infection against the background of another disease.
- You can either get infected from your partner if she has candidiasis, ovarian inflammation, vulvitis or vulvovaginitis, or you can pass the infection on to her.It happens that one of the couples becomes the “carrier” of the infection and constant re-infection of each other is possible even within a constant couple.
- The main cause of acute bacterial prostatitis is unprotected sexual intercourse, followed by hypothermia and other situations that weaken local immunity.
Chronic bacteria
Without adequate treatment and ignoring symptoms in the acute form, as well as with regular reinfection, there is a high risk of developing a chronic pathological process.This is because the prostate is a suitable place for the reproduction of pathogenic organisms: high temperatures, humidity, nutrients.Chronic prostatitis is characterized by exposure to opportunistic stresses that provoke a sluggish but unpleasant reaction that significantly worsens the quality of life.
Features:
- Paroxysmal course: The symptoms differ little from the acute form, but when it occurs initially, the chronic form recurs regularly.Many people try to relieve the symptoms of prostatitis in men using analgesics and other emergency methods.This works, but doesn't fix the problem.
- In fact, the symptoms often disappear on their own, without additional methods of therapy, especially in young men: the body suppresses bacterial activity using the means of its own immunity.It is usually not possible to completely kill the infection, so relapses often occur.Each one can become heavier than the last.
- Relapses are dangerous because purulent foci appear and damage to nearby organs: bladder, penis, testicles, kidneys.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is the most common disease.Some men suffer for years, using painkillers to relieve the attacks but not eliminating the underlying problem.Over time the condition worsens.
Chronic non-bacterial
Treating prostatitis of this form will always be one of the most difficult.The disease is not associated with the activity of bacteria, which also makes it difficult to diagnose and identify provoking factors.The causes are extremely diverse: from an unhealthy lifestyle to working conditions that involve lifting heavy loads - they are often found, for example, in loaders, construction workers and other people whose professional activities are related to such activities.
An attack of illness can be triggered by neurological problems, stress, poisoning, injuries to the prostate and pelvic muscles - this happens in professional athletes.In many cases it is treatable.The etiology often remains unclear.
Asymptomatic chronic
Another “insidious” type of prostatitis in men, as it develops without symptoms characteristic of the disease, as a result of which a person does not suspect that he is suffering from the disease.The reasons can be different, but more often they are associated with the activity of bacteria and lifestyle features at the same time.
The biggest risk is that a person without symptoms rarely considers getting tested.In this regard, doctors recommend that people over 40 years of age undergo preventive diagnostics: donate urine for the content of leukocytes, as well as for the fluid secreted by the prostate.Asymptomatic prostatitis is becoming one of the most common causes of male infertility.
Causes of the disease
The most obvious cause of the symptoms is the invasion of bacteria into the urogenital tract.Systemic genitourinary infections are extremely common, that is, a person simultaneously suffers from, for example, pyelonephritis.
Predisposing factors include:
- unhealthy lifestyle – poor diet, alcohol abuse, it is believed that obesity also contributes to the development of the disease;
- hypothermia;
- irregular or promiscuous sex life;
- unprotected sex with people who may be carriers of infection;
- physical inactivity, constant sitting position – prostatitis is typical for professional drivers;
- Injuries in the pelvic area.
The main factor always remains age: if there are not so many 25-year-old men suffering from prostatitis, then after 50 there are more than half of all men.The quality of treatment of prostatitis depends on early diagnosis, so everyone should see a doctor for an examination after forty years.
Symptoms
The intensity of the symptoms depends on the form of the disease.We must not forget about the asymptomatic type, which does not manifest itself at all, but also has a destructive effect on health.You should see a doctor for prostatitis medication if you experience the following symptoms:
- Pain, burning when urinating;
- painful sexual intercourse, deterioration of potency;
- pain during bowel movements;
- Difficulty urinating – a dangerous symptom that causes stones;
- high temperature – in acute form;
- Blood in urine, semen.
All signs vary in intensity.Treatment of prostatitis must begin with diagnosis;Even one of these symptoms is a reason for a medical examination.Painful sensations can change location, but are most often felt in the lower abdomen and rectum.In acute cases they are unbearable, increasing pain is a bad sign and indicates a purulent form of the disease.
diagnosis
To treat prostatitis, a correct diagnosis is required.The patient is sent for a general urine test to identify the leukocyte formula, which indicates the presence of inflammation.Be sure to check the blood and sperm - this helps determine sperm activity and often reveals infertility.Prostatic secretions are taken for analysis, as well as a smear to identify specific pathogens and prescribe antibiotics for prostatitis.
Treatment
The methods of treating prostatitis are complex and include physiotherapy, medical techniques, and correction of the patient's diet and lifestyle.Even advanced chronic forms can be cured without serious complications if the recommendations are followed and proper therapy is carried out.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is used for chronic forms and is only prescribed by a doctor, as it is contraindicated in some cases.
Among the methods, the following are the most effective:
- Prostate massage – helps eliminate constipation;
- warming up in warm baths;
- ultrasound therapy;
- electropheresis;
- Acupuncture.
The technique depends on the type of disease as well as the condition of the body.For example, warming up is contraindicated at high temperatures and acute forms;You must first carry out drug therapy for prostatitis.
Medication
If there is pain in the perineum, drugs for prostatitis with an analgesic effect are prescribed.Bacterial forms require the use of antibiotics, and a particular drug is prescribed only after BAC culture and determination of the sensitivity of microorganisms to a particular group.
Other medications:
- Drotaverine – tablets for prostatitis to relieve cramps and pain;
- Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker, prostatitis tablets that improve smooth muscle contractions and improve urine flow.
Self-administration of antibiotics is contraindicated, but most often drugs from the cephalosporin group are prescribed - they work well in almost all types of genitourinary infections in men and women.
Candles
Rectal suppositories, also called prostatitis suppositories, are excellent for relieving pain and inflammation, as well as relieving any discomfort associated with the disease.Most commonly recommended by doctors:
- Prostate extract - suppositories for prostatitis with a complex effect;
- Ketoprofen – relieves pain and swelling;
- Indomethacin.
Most medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Taking it as a rectal suppository not only improves effectiveness but also helps minimize side effects.
diet
Diet therapy also becomes part of the overall treatment strategy.People who are overweight are recommended to normalize their weight to eliminate congestion in the pelvic area.It is prescribed to exclude fatty foods, limit carbohydrates and avoid alcohol, which is often incompatible with antibiotics.Seafood, nuts, avocados and lean meats are healthy unless there are other contraindications.Proper nutrition also helps prevent prostatitis.
forecast
If diagnosed early, a complete cure is possible.The most important thing is that the disease does not become chronic, otherwise complications are inevitable: from prostate adenoma to cancer.In general, with proper therapy and compliance by the patient with the conditions of treatment, the prognosis is favorable.
prevention
Prostatitis is a “youthful” disease: recently it has been diagnosed in teenagers, and 30-35 year old men are increasingly faced with the problem.Therefore, prevention of prostatitis is important, which consists of the following:
- correct thermal regime – the pelvic organs should not be overheated or overcooled;
- avoid general hypothermia;
- sexual activity using personal protective equipment - condoms effectively block the path of bacteria;
- proper nutrition;
- Avoid both a sedentary lifestyle and irrational stress, especially if it involves lifting heavy objects.
All these methods help prevent the development of an unpleasant disease.In increasingly older people, even in the absence of symptoms, it is necessary from time to time to see a doctor: a urologist and an andrologist.