The prostate gland can easily be called one of the most important organs of the male reproductive system.The prostate is a small walnut-sized gland located around the urethra.The main function of this organ is to produce a liquid - prostatic juice, which actively participates in the formation of spermatozoa and ensures sperm motility.
Inflammation of the prostate
According to the WHO, almost a third of the male population is diagnosed with prostate gland problems with subsequent complications.Prostatitis is a disease of the endocrine organ, characterized in medicine as inflammation of the prostate as a result of tissue damage by viruses or bacteria.In addition, non-specific infectious pathology can develop against the background of inflammation of the seminal vesicles, prostate appendages or urination disorders.
Signs of prostatitis
Prostate disease is generally divided into several categories: bacterial, chronic, and nonbacterial.In the first two cases, prostate disorders begin due to the entry of bacteria into the body.The acute bacterial form of prostatitis is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, severe pain in the groin of the abdomen and perineum, cramps in the lower abdomen.The sick person begins to go to the toilet more often, and sometimes drops of blood come out with the urine.
Prostatitis of non-bacterial origin manifests itself as a form of chronic pelvic pain syndrome in the prostate, while other symptoms may be completely absent.Chronic signs of prostatitis in men are expressed in pain during urination, in the groin, lack or violation of sexual function.The peculiarity of this form of prostatitis is that most of the time it is asymptomatic.
It is worth noting that the characteristics of how prostatitis manifests itself cannot be described as constant.Due to the fact that each organism is individual, some signs may be completely absent and the disease may appear differently in different categories of men.Sometimes prostatitis begins with sudden manifestations of the inflammatory process - then it is called an acute form.If the disease bothers you only from time to time, then most likely the chronic stage of inflammation of the prostate.
Causes of prostatitis
Many different categories of citizens can be considered at risk of this pathology, but more often prostatitis progresses in those who:
- sits a lot and moves little;
- prefers an unbalanced diet to healthy food;
- cannot in any way get rid of addictions to drinking or smoking tobacco;
- often gets hypothermia;
- no regular sexual partner;
- often refuses sex.
However, even this is far from a complete list of what causes prostatitis.Doctors say that inflammation of the prostate can occur even in an almost healthy man, in which case everything is often due to excessive fatigue, stress and poor ecology.It often progresses after surgery, severe bruising or other trauma to the genital organs.In any case, if you have even the slightest suspicion of prostatitis, you should immediately visit a urologist.
Chronic prostatitis
Manifestations of the recurrent form of the disease are diverse.For some men, this is complete refusal of sex, frequent urges to go to the toilet, itching or burning in the urethra, or pain in the groin.However, another category of patients may experience similar symptoms only occasionally.Much more characteristic are the functional signs of chronic prostatitis, which are usually divided into three subgroups:
- painful and frequent urge to go to the toilet, retention of urine, blood in the sputum, swelling in the groin, diarrhea;
- feeling of pressure in the anus during ejaculation, lack or weakness of erection, loss of desire for sex, loss of the weight of orgasm;
- feelings of anxiety, fatigue, depression, frequent nervous breakdowns and stress.
Recurrent prostatitis without proper treatment can not only cause many problems, but also lead to serious consequences: adenoma, abscess and prostate cancer.Chronic inflammation of the prostate can last indefinitely, but the course of prostatitis is never monotonous.Acute, sometimes intense attacks are followed by periods of relative calm.
Catarrhal prostatitis
Acute or parenchymal prostatitis in men often occurs due to weakened immunity or an infection entering the body.In addition, the catarrhal form of the disease can develop even after a simple sore throat, an acute respiratory viral infection and a severe cough.Microbes, bacteria and other pathogenic microflora, together with lymph, penetrate the prostate, where they cause inflammatory processes.The first signs of prostatitis in men are usually a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and a slight increase in temperature.
During a detailed examination, the doctor may notice other symptoms characteristic of the catarrhal form.For example:
- upon examination, a slight swelling of the prostate is found, while the procedure itself is extremely painful for the patient;
- the analysis of secretions from the prostate will reveal the release of an increased number of leukocytes;
- Ultrasound shows purulent components, blockage or partial narrowing of the channels through which urine passes.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Thanks to the active campaign and widespread advertising, today even schoolchildren know not only about the symptoms, but also how to treat the prostate.However, the lack of signs makes it difficult not only to choose the right drugs, but also to make a timely diagnosis.The best way to prevent inflammation is to visit the clinic more often.Therefore, prostatitis is often diagnosed during a routine examination by a urologist.
If there are complaints, an experienced doctor can already suspect inflammation of the prostate and prescribe appropriate tests, which often include:
- digital rectal examination;
- analysis of secretions and seminal fluid;
- ultrasound examination of the prostate;
- urine and blood analysis;
- taking a smear from the urethra.
How to treat prostatitis
How prostatitis manifests itself and its treatment are the main topics of many international symposia and medical conferences.Every year, scientists, ordinary doctors and experienced doctors try to establish more accurate symptoms of prostatitis, develop new drugs and methods of prevention.Currently, however, the classic range of therapeutic measures remains unchanged and includes:
- prescribing antibacterial, antiviral drugs and immunomodulators;
- the use of magnetic field devices, hirudotherapy, ultrasound and laser treatment of the patient;
- a course of prostate massage aimed at strengthening the reproductive functions of the body and normalizing the microcirculation of blood flow in the genitourinary system.
Herbal medicines are often used in the complex treatment of prostatitis.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis in men
Alas, no method or medicine can free you from the manifestations of the disease, much less completely eliminate the inflammation.Therefore, the treatment of chronic prostatitis is carried out according to a comprehensive scheme, using effective drugs from three groups:
- Antibiotics - fluoroquinolones.Medicines of this series penetrate well into the soft tissues of the prostate and destroy most types of harmful microorganisms.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory tablets.They remove prostate swelling, improve blood circulation and relieve pain.
- Alpha blockers.They help relax the bladder and urethra, making it easier for urine to flow.
In addition, drug therapy includes the use of a number of additional drugs that help strengthen the prostate: vitamins, enzymes, suppositories, adaptogens.The doctor may also prescribe massage, simple physiotherapy procedures or physiotherapy.All patients are prescribed a special diet with fiber, which excludes the consumption of alcohol, canned food, fried, excessively spicy or salty foods.