Many people still feel embarrassed or hesitant to talk about some illnesses.This is especially true in the case of urogenital problems, which at the same time create discomfort and also affect sexual activity.More than 70% of men do not go to the doctor in the early stages of the disease, while treatment is more effective if the disease is not too advanced.Identifying the symptoms of the disease in a timely manner 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 sperm duct.The main function is the production of a substance responsible for the viability and motility of sperm.From a chemical point of view, this secretion is a base of immunoglobulins with the addition of vitamins, zinc and iodine - the basis for nutrition and activity of sperm.The composition of the fluid is an important diagnostic parameter that helps to recognize symptoms at an early stage.
As you can 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 occur in a way that is perceptible to humans.The type of disease progression largely depends on age, predisposition, associated factors and characteristics of the organism.
Normally, the prostate is not palpable and does not attract attention.However, despite its fairly deep location in the pelvic area, 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 between 20 and 60 years old.
At an early stage, it is quite difficult to identify the disease.The signs may appear from time to time, 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 willing to go to the doctor and admit to 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 becomes the only reason for the absence of a child in a couple.A woman can undergo examinations as much as she wants, but this will not help until her husband decides to take an examination himself to determine his own ability to fertilize.
- Prostate adenoma is a benign tumor that, however, 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 grows abnormally, it interferes with normal urination.There is a risk of a host of complications, including bladder rupture.
- Prostate cancer is, according to statistics, one of the most common diseases in men.Oncological disease is one of the ten main causes of death in people over 50 years of age;It is at this age that long-standing chronic prostatitis tends to degenerate into a life-threatening condition.
- Psychological problems associated with erectile dysfunction, infertility, problems with natural functions.This is a secondary 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 have experienced symptoms of prostatitis.This is one of the most common diseases.Prevention, early diagnosis and careful treatment can alleviate attacks and complications of the disease.
Acute (bacterial)
The disease can appear in men at any age.And if chronic forms of this disease are more typical for older people, then, in theory, acute bacterial types of the disease can occur in any person.The bacteria that cause signs of prostatitis can be pathogenic or opportunistic.
Here are some things to remember about this form:
- You can become infected at any age, even through unprotected sex.
- Prostatitis is not the same as classic STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), such as gonorrhea, syphilis or chlamydia, but it can manifest as a secondary infection in the context of another disease.
- You can get infected from your partner if she has yeast infection, inflammation of the ovaries, vulvitis or vulvovaginitis, or you can pass the infection on to him.It happens that one of the partners becomes a "carrier" of the infection, and it is possible that the other is constantly reinfected even within a constant couple.
- The main cause of acute bacterial prostatitis is unprotected sexual intercourse, followed by hypothermia and other situations that reduce local immunity.
chronic bacterial
In the absence of adequate treatment and ignoring the symptoms in their acute form, as well as in case of regular reinfection, there is a high risk of developing a chronic pathological process.This is due to the fact that the prostate is a convenient place for the proliferation of pathogenic organisms: high temperature, humidity, nutrients.Chronic prostatitis is characterized by exposure to opportunistic strains that cause a slow but uncomfortable reaction that significantly worsens quality of life.
Characteristics:
- Paroxysmal course: the symptoms almost do not differ from those of the acute form, but if it appears initially, the chronic form recurs regularly.Many people try to relieve the symptoms of prostatitis in men with pain relievers and other emergency methods.This works, but does not solve 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 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 heavier than the last.
- 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 it for years, relieving the attacks with painkillers, but without getting rid of the underlying problem.Over time, the condition worsens.
chronic nonbacterial
Treating prostatitis in this way 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 the factors that cause it.Its causes are very varied: from an unhealthy lifestyle to working conditions associated with lifting heavy objects;For example, it is often found among loaders, builders and other people whose professional activities are related to such activities.
An attack of the disease can be provoked by neurological problems, stress, intoxication, injuries to the prostate and pelvic muscles;This occurs in professional athletes.In many cases it is treatable.The etiology often remains unclear.
Chronic asymptomatic
Another "insidious" type of prostatitis in men, since it develops without characteristic symptoms of the disease, so a person does not suspect that he suffers from the disease.The reasons may be different, but more often they are simultaneously associated with the activity of bacteria and lifestyle features.
The biggest risk is that without symptoms, a person rarely thinks about getting tested.In this regard, doctors recommend that people over 40 years old undergo preventive diagnostics: donate urine to determine the content of leukocytes, as well as the fluid secreted by the prostate.Asymptomatic prostatitis is becoming one of the common causes of male infertility.
Causes of the disease
The most obvious cause of symptoms is bacteria entering the genitourinary tract.Systemic urogenital infections are extremely common, that is, a person simultaneously suffers from, for example, pyelonephritis.
Among the predisposing factors:
- unhealthy lifestyle: poor diet, alcohol abuse, it is believed that excess weight also contributes to the development of the disease;
- hypothermia;
- irregular or promiscuous sexual life;
- unprotected sexual relations 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 twenty-five-year-old men who suffer 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 see a doctor to prescribe prostatitis medications if the following symptoms appear:
- pain, burning when urinating;
- painful sexual intercourse, deterioration of potency;
- pain when defecating;
- 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 should begin with diagnosis;Even one of these manifestations is reason to be examined by a doctor.Painful sensations can change location, but are most often felt in the lower abdomen and rectum.In acute cases, they are unbearable, increased 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 analysis to identify the leukocyte formula, which indicates the presence of inflammation.Be sure to monitor blood and 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
Methods for treating prostatitis are complex and include physiotherapy, medicinal techniques, correction of the patient's diet and lifestyle.Even advanced chronic forms can be cured without serious complications if appropriate recommendations and therapy are followed.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is used for chronic forms and is prescribed only by a doctor, since in some cases it is contraindicated.
Among the methods, the most effective are the following:
- prostate massage - helps eliminate congestion;
- warming oneself in warm baths;
- ultrasound therapy;
- electropheresis;
- acupuncture.
The technique depends on the type of disease, as well as the state of the body.For example, heating at high temperatures and acute forms is contraindicated;First it is necessary to carry out drug therapy for prostatitis.
Medicine
For pain in the perineum, prostatitis medications with an analgesic effect are prescribed.Bacterial forms require the use of antibiotics and a specific drug is prescribed only after BAC culture and identification of the sensitivity of microorganisms to a particular group.
Other drugs:
- Drotaverine - prostatitis tablets to relieve spasms and pain;
- Tamsulosin is an alpha blocker, prostatitis tablets that enhance smooth muscle contractions and improve urine flow;
Self-administration of antibiotics is contraindicated, but drugs from the cephalosporin group are most often prescribed;They work well with 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 reducing all the discomfort associated with the disease.Most 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 in the form of a rectal suppository not only improves effectiveness but also helps minimize side effects.
Diet
Diet therapy also becomes part of the overall treatment strategy.Overweight people 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 not compatible with antibiotics.Seafood, nuts, avocados and lean meats are healthy 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 adequate therapy and the patient's compliance with the conditions of treatment, the prognosis is favorable.
Prevention
Prostatitis is a disease "of youth": lately it is diagnosed even in adolescents, and men between thirty and thirty-five years old are increasingly faced with the problem.Therefore, prevention of prostatitis is important, which consists of:
- 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 unreasonable 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 visit doctors from time to time: a urologist and an andrologist.