Many people are still worried or hesitant to talk about some illnesses.This is especially true for urogenital problems, which both create discomfort and affect sexual activity.More than 70% of men do not go to the doctor in the early stages of the disease, while treatment is most effective if the disease is not too advanced.Timely identification of disease symptoms is important for prevention and early treatment.
What is prostatitis
The prostate or prostate gland is located in the center of the pelvis, connected to the bladder and the vas deferens.The main function is the production of a substance that is responsible for the viability and motility of sperm.From a chemical point of view, this secretion is based on immunoglobulins with the addition of vitamins, zinc, iodine - the basis for sperm nutrition and activity.The composition of the fluid is an important diagnostic parameter that helps to recognize symptoms at an early stage.
As you might guess from the name, the disease involves inflammatory processes in the prostate gland.This pathology is always associated with the presence of a bacterial infection, although it does not necessarily appear in a form noticeable to people.The type of disease progression largely depends on age, predisposition, associated factors and body characteristics.
Usually, the prostate gland is not felt and does not attract attention.However, despite its rather deep location in the pelvis, this organ is one of the most vulnerable in the male body.There is an opinion that only older people can experience the symptoms of prostatitis, 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 identify the disease.Signs may appear from time to time, then bother you, then disappear without a trace.Doctors note 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" disease.
At the same time, the disease is characterized by dangerous complications, including:
- Infertility due to impaired sperm motility.Sometimes asymptomatic or mild chronic prostatitis becomes the only reason for the absence of a child in a couple.A woman can undergo examinations as much as she wants, but it will not help until her husband decides to examine himself for his own fertility.
- Prostate adenoma is a benign tumor, but it can be very dangerous for men.This is due to the anatomical structure - the urinary and vas deferens are located in such a way that if the prostate gland grows abnormally, it interferes with normal urination.There is a risk of a huge number of complications, including rupture of the bladder.
- Prostate cancer, according to statistics, is one of the most common diseases in men.Oncological disease is one of the ten main causes of death for people over 50;it is at this age that long-standing chronic prostatitis tends to degenerate into a life-threatening condition.
- Psychological problems related to erectile dysfunction, infertility, problems with natural functions.This is a side symptom, but it also significantly affects the patient's quality of life.
One in twenty men over thirty and more than half of those over fifty had symptoms of prostatitis.This is one of the most common diseases.Prevention, early diagnosis and careful treatment can alleviate the attacks and complications of the disease.
Acute (bacterial)
The disease can occur in men of any age.And if the chronic forms of this disease are more characteristic of the elderly, then the acute bacterial types of the disease can theoretically appear in anyone.Bacteria that cause signs of prostatitis can be either pathogenic or opportunistic.
Here are some things to remember about this form:
- You can get infected at any age, including unprotected sex.
- Prostatitis is not the same as classic STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, but it can appear as a secondary infection on the background of another disease.
- You can get infected either from your partner if she has candidiasis, inflammation of the ovaries, vulvitis or vulvovaginitis, or you can pass the infection on to her.It happens that one of the couple becomes a "carrier" of an infection, and constant re-infection of each other is possible even within a permanent couple.
- The main cause of acute bacterial prostatitis is unprotected intercourse, followed by hypothermia and other situations that reduce local immunity.
Chronic bacterial
In the absence of appropriate treatment and ignoring the symptoms in its acute form, as well as with regular re-infection, there is a high risk of developing a chronic pathological process.This is due to the fact that the prostate gland is a convenient place for the reproduction of pathogenic organisms: high temperature, humidity, nutrients.Chronic prostatitis is characterized by exposure to opportunistic strains that cause a slow but unpleasant reaction that significantly impairs quality of life.
Features:
- Paroxysmal course: the symptoms hardly differ from the acute form, but if it appears initially, then the chronic form recurs regularly.Many people try to relieve the symptoms of prostatitis in men with analgesics and other emergency methods.This works but does not solve the problem.
- In fact, the symptoms often disappear on their own, without additional treatment methods, especially in young men: the body suppresses the activity of bacteria using the resources of its own immunity.As a rule, it is not possible to completely destroy the infection, so relapses return again and again.Each one can become more difficult than the previous one.
- Relapses are dangerous due to the appearance of purulent foci and damage to neighboring organs: bladder, penis, testicles, kidneys.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is the most common type of disease.Some men suffer from this for years, relieving the attacks with painkillers, but not getting rid of the main problem.Over time, the condition worsens.
Chronic non-bacterial
Treatment of prostatitis of this form will always be one of the most difficult.The disease is not related to the activity of bacteria, which also makes it difficult to diagnose and identify provoking factors.The reasons for it are extremely diverse: from an unhealthy lifestyle to working conditions related to lifting weights - for example, it is often found among loaders, builders and other persons whose professional activity is related to such activities.
An attack of the disease can be triggered by neurological problems, stress, poisoning, injury to the prostate and pelvic muscles - this happens in professional athletes.In many cases it is curable.Often the etiology 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 has the disease.The reasons can be different, but more often they are associated simultaneously with the activity of bacteria and lifestyle characteristics.
The biggest risk is that without symptoms, it rarely occurs to a person to get tested.In this regard, doctors recommend people over 40 to undergo preventive diagnostics: they donate urine for leukocyte content, as well as fluid secreted by the prostate.Asymptomatic prostatitis is becoming one of the frequent causes of male infertility.
Causes of the disease
The most obvious cause of symptoms is the entry of bacteria into the genitourinary tract.Systemic urogenital infections are extremely common, i.e.a person simultaneously suffers from, for example, pyelonephritis.
Among the predisposing factors:
- unhealthy lifestyle - poor nutrition, alcohol abuse, it is believed that excess weight also contributes to the development of the disease;
- hypothermia;
- irregular or promiscuous sex life;
- unprotected sex with persons who may be carriers of infection;
- lack of physical activity, constant sitting - prostatitis is typical for professional drivers;
- pelvic injuries.
The main factor always remains age: if there are not so many men at twenty-five years old suffering from prostatitis, then after fifty - more than half of all men.The quality of prostatitis treatment depends on early diagnosis, so after forty years everyone should visit a doctor for an examination.
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 consult a doctor about prostatitis medicine if the following symptoms occur:
- pain, burning when urinating;
- painful intercourse, deterioration of potency;
- pain during bowel movements;
- difficult urination - a dangerous symptom that causes stones;
- high fever - in acute form;
- blood in urine, semen.
All signs are of varying intensity.Treatment of prostatitis should begin with diagnosis;even one of these manifestations is a reason to be examined by a doctor.Painful sensations can change their location, but most often they are felt in the lower abdomen and rectum.In acute cases, they are unbearable, increasing pain is a bad sign indicating a purulent form of the disease.
Diagnosis
To treat prostatitis, a correct diagnosis is necessary.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 as well as the sperm - this helps determine sperm activity and often reveals infertility.Prostate secretions are taken for analysis, as well as a smear to identify specific pathogens and prescribe antibiotics for prostatitis.
Treatment
Prostatitis treatment methods are complex and include physical therapy, medical techniques, and correction of the patient's diet and lifestyle.Even advanced chronic forms can be cured without serious complications if you follow the recommendations and the correct therapy.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is used for chronic forms and is prescribed only by a doctor, as it is contraindicated in some cases.
Among the methods, the most effective are the following:
- prostate massage - helps to get rid of congestion;
- warming up in warm baths;
- ultrasound therapy;
- electropheresis;
- acupuncture.
The technique depends on the type of disease, as well as on the condition of the body.For example, heating at high temperatures and sharp forms is contraindicated;you must first conduct drug therapy for prostatitis.
medicines
For pain in the perineum, drugs for prostatitis with an analgesic effect are prescribed.Bacterial forms require the use of antibiotics, and a specific drug is prescribed only after culture of BAC and identification of the sensitivity of microorganisms to a certain group.
Other medicines:
- Drotaverin - tablets for prostatitis to relieve spasms and pain;
- Tamsulosin is an alpha blocker, tablets for prostatitis that improve smooth muscle contractions, improving the flow of urine;
Self-administration of antibiotics is contraindicated, but drugs from the cephalosporin group are most often prescribed - they work well for almost all types of urogenital infections in men and women.
Candles
Rectal suppositories, also known as prostatitis suppositories, are great for relieving pain, inflammation and all the discomfort associated with the disease.Most recommended by doctors:
- Prostate extract - suppositories for prostatitis with a complex effect;
- Ketoprofen - relieves pain, swelling;
- Indomethacin.
Most medications are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Taking it as a rectal suppository not only improves efficacy but also helps minimize side effects.
diet
Diet therapy also becomes part of the overall treatment strategy.Overweight people are advised to normalize their weight to get rid of congestion in the pelvic area.It is prescribed to exclude fatty foods, limit carbohydrates and avoid alcohol, which is often not compatible with antibiotics.Seafood, nuts, avocados and lean meat are good if there are no other contraindications.A proper diet also serves to prevent prostatitis.
Forecast
With timely diagnosis, a complete cure is possible.The most important thing is not to allow the disease to become chronic, otherwise complications are inevitable: from prostate adenoma to cancer.In general, with proper therapy and compliance with the treatment conditions by the patient, the prognosis is favorable.
Prevention
Prostatitis is a "youthful" disease: lately it has been diagnosed even in teenagers, and men aged thirty to thirty-five are increasingly faced with the problem.That is why prostatitis prevention is important, which consists of:
- correct thermal regime - the pelvic organs should neither overheat nor overcool;
- 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 those associated with lifting heavy objects.
All these methods will help prevent the development of an unpleasant disease.In older people, even in the absence of complaints, it is necessary to periodically visit doctors: urologist and andrologist.