Prostatitis is a common disease that occurs in men of many different ages.Prostatitis brings a lot of inconvenience to people's lives. If left untreated, it will certainly lead to dangerous complications.Of course, many people are looking for more information about the pathology.
Why does inflammation develop?How to determine prostatitis in men and can you do it yourself?What treatments does modern medicine offer?How dangerous is prostate cancer?
General information about the disease
What causes prostatitis in men?Signs and symptoms, complications, and treatments are important to learn.But first we should look at some general information.
Prostatitis is a disease associated with inflammation of prostate tissue.As you know, this is a small unpaired organ located under the bladder - it actually covers the urinary tract.The prostate produces a secretion that is part of semen.
Statistics show that this disease usually affects people aged 25–50.Approximately 50–85% of patients aged 50 years and older 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 more information.How do you know if you have prostatitis?What symptoms should you pay attention to?Are there effective treatments?
Causes of development of prostatitis.Risk factors
Many men are interested in the question of what the first signs of prostatitis are.Symptoms and treatment, possible complications, and diagnostic features are very important information.But first, it is necessary to consider the causes of 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 the result 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, the impact of which can trigger the start of the inflammatory process.
- To begin with, it is worth noting that this disease can develop against the background of other infectious diseases, including colds.
- 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 area.Risk factors include sedentary jobs and sedentary lifestyles.
- Hypothermia (both general and local) can also cause the development of the inflammatory process.
- Risk factors include chronic constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders.
- The inflammatory process may result from urethral reflux, which is accompanied by backflow and reflux of urine into the genital tract.This disorder is often associated with urethritis or improper bladder catheterization.
- Changes in hormone levels are also potentially dangerous, especially when male sex hormone levels decrease.By the way, this is why mature and older men are more likely to get prostatitis.
- Risk factors include constant stress and nervous tension, errors in diet (especially eating too much spicy food) and alcohol abuse.If there are prerequisites, these factors can provoke the development of the inflammatory process or aggravate chronic prostatitis.
The doctor should not only know how to identify prostatitis in men.It is very important to find out exactly what caused the development of the disease.
Prostatitis in men: how to recognize?Description of main symptoms
We have already become acquainted with the main causes that lead to the development of the inflammatory process.But many men are interested in the question of how to determine prostatitis on their own.In reality, this is not possible because tests and examinations need to be performed to confirm the diagnosis.But you can suspect the disease by noticing very characteristic signs.
- How does prostatitis in men manifest?Symptoms of the disease include various urinary disorders.Patients complain of increased urges.At the same time, the daily urine output does not increase.The urge appears even before the bladder is full.
- An enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urinary tract, causing the urine flow to weaken and often be interrupted.Sometimes, to defecate, a man has to exert effort and strain his abdominal muscles.
- The urge to urinate also becomes more frequent at night - a man sometimes wakes up several times (or even dozens of times) during the night, which affects the quality of rest.
- Usually the process of urination is accompanied by a feeling of discomfort, and sometimes severe pain.
- If we are talking about acute inflammation (especially if it is accompanied by the accumulation of pus masses), then the body temperature can increase to 37–39 degrees.
- The patient complains of pain in the perineum, which increases with physical activity, sexual intercourse and defecation.Sometimes the pain is so intense, it's almost unbearable.
- Sometimes urine contains blood.This is a dangerous symptom that should not be ignored.Hematuria may indicate a ruptured abscess, the development of urolithiasis, or a form of malignant hyperplasia.
- Erection problems also appear, 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 under any circumstances - be sure to see a doctor as soon as the first disorders appear.
Characteristics of chronic inflammation
You are familiar with the main signs of prostatitis in men (how to know if a person has the disease or not will be discussed below).Statistics show that the acute form of the disease, if not treated promptly, can develop into chronic prostatitis.Sometimes the chronic form of inflammation is primary - its first stage occurs with underlying symptoms.In most cases, this type of disease is the result of stagnant processes in the pelvic area.
Symptoms of the disease remain the same.Patients complain of pain in the perineum and problems with urination.Sometimes there is discharge from the urethra during bowel movements.Men often encounter problems in their sex life - they may have erectile dysfunction, discomfort during sex and 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 cause?
Now you know what symptoms to 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 abscess formation.The enlarged prostate will press on the urinary tract, which can lead to acute urinary retention.Additionally, the abscess can open on its own, forming pus masses that enter the urinary system or intestines.
Chronic prostatitis is no less dangerous because it leads to the gradual replacement of glandular tissue with connective tissue, the formation of scars and stones.Chronic inflammation affects potency and causes erection problems.In addition, the affected gland cannot produce high-quality secretions to support the vital activity of sperm, leading to problems with conception and sometimes infertility.
How to recognize prostatitis in men?List of diagnostic measures
If you observe the above symptoms, you should consult a specialist.How to diagnose prostatitis?In this case, a variety of procedures are widely used.
- To begin, the doctor collects information about the symptoms that bother the patient, the presence of certain diseases and lifestyle.
- The gland itself needs to be checked.How is prostate testing performed in men?Palpation is performed rectally.During the procedure, the doctor can note the enlargement of the prostate and changes 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, a sample of prostate secretions is often taken for analysis.If it contains bacterial microorganisms and the acidity of the environment increases, then this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process and activation of one or another infection.
- It is mandatory to do a smear test from the urethra.This procedure is unpleasant, but very informative.Samples were sent for diagnostic PCR and bacterial culture.Research helps detect and identify infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases.
- General blood and urine tests are 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 urethra and bladder from the inside.This helps detect some diseases of the urinary system.
- Urine flow measurement is also mandatory.The procedure allows you to determine the urine flow rate.This is important when diagnosing prostatitis and hyperplasia.
- How to identify prostatitis in men?Prostate ultrasound is mandatory.This is a simple, accessible, and painless procedure that examines the gland, determines its size and shape, detects existing stones, and more.
- Sometimes (if the exact diagnosis cannot be determined) the patient will be sent for an MRI.
Drug treatment
You already know how to identify prostatitis in men.After a thorough diagnosis, the doctor will certainly prescribe a treatment regimen - on a case-by-case basis, since it depends on the causes 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 must be included in the treatment regimen.Symptomatic treatment is also carried out - the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic drugs.If an abscess is present, 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 obvious, but irreversible changes occur in the tissues of the gland and can no longer be repaired.
Physical therapy procedures
Physiotherapy is necessary for the chronic form of the disease - this is the only way to stop the disease.Naturally, the patient takes antibacterial drugs and the course of treatment is quite long (sometimes 2-3 months).
Prostate massage is mandatory (contraindicated during acute inflammation).During the procedure, it is possible to normalize the flow of prostatic secretions, as well as improve blood microcirculation (and, accordingly, tissue nutrition).
Patients are sent for laser and ultrasound therapy sessions.Sometimes warming bacteria with special medicinal solutions is done.The treatment regimen also includes immunomodulating drugs.
Diet for prostatitis
You already know about the symptoms and treatment of prostatitis.Signs in men as well as treatment regimens may be different.But in any case, treatment must be supplemented with a suitable diet.
- The basis of the diet should be vegetables and fruits, salads mixed with olive oil, nuts and dried fruits.
- It is allowed to eat soups, broths, lean meat and fish, but only boiled or grilled.A variety of cereals will be helpful.
- 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 cholesterol levels, deposits them on the walls of blood vessels, and impairs blood circulation in the prostate.
- Contraindicated are spicy foods and spices, pickles, canned foods, semi-finished products, too salty foods and smoked foods.Such foods irritate the intestinal wall and retain water in the body.
- You need to give up alcoholic drinks.It is important to drink enough fluids.Fresh fruit juice will be beneficial.But in the evening, it is recommended to limit water consumption - this will reduce the number of nighttime trips to the toilet.
Agree, this diet does not introduce too strict dietary restrictions.But by following such a diet, you can really accelerate the healing process, improve the function of the digestive tract and strengthen the immune system.
Prostatitis and sexual activity
You now know how to tell if a man has prostatitis or not.But many patients are interested in the question of whether it is possible to maintain sexual activity during treatment.
It should be immediately noted that regular sex life directly affects the condition and activity of the prostate gland.Both too frequent, promiscuous relationships and long periods of abstinence are potentially dangerous.
But if the inflammatory process has taken place, you should stop sexual activity for a while.Of course, prostatitis is a purely male disease and in most cases is associated with the activity of non-specific microorganisms, and therefore cannot be transmitted during sexual intercourse.However, male semen contains various products of the inflammatory process that negatively affect the functioning of organs of the female reproductive system.It is better to wait until complete recovery and only then have sex again.
Prevention: how to stop the development of the disease?
We have learned information about the function of the prostate in men, how do we know if this organ is inflamed or not?If the disease is not diagnosed in 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 are no medications that can protect the prostate from inflammation.However, following some recommendations will help significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
- Doctors recommend carefully monitoring personal hygiene and avoiding wearing too tight synthetic underwear.
- Remember that prostatitis can be caused by a sexually transmitted infection.Therefore, you should give up promiscuity and use condoms.
- Nutrition also plays an important role.Along with food, the body must receive a sufficient amount of nutrients, fiber, minerals and vitamins.
- Physical activity (exercise classes, active recreation, jogging or daily 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 the addition of preventive vitamin complexes will help with this.
- It is worth doing to reduce your overall stress levels and learn how to cope with adverse situations.Remember that nervous stress directly affects hormone levels and often leads to reduced activity of the immune system and the development of certain diseases.
Men over 40 years old must have an annual medical examination - only this can ensure timely diagnosis of prostatitis.How to identify the disease, how to draw up 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 solve it on your own.