Frequent, painful urination, discomfort in the perineum, hyperthermia, reduced potency and libido are problems that 80% of men aged 45-50 years face, but most of them postpone a visit to the doctor until the pain becomes unbearable.Unpleasant symptoms indicate prostatitis, which requires immediate treatment: in men, prostatitis quickly becomes chronic and can lead to infertility, sexual dysfunction and oncology.
What is prostatitis
The prostate gland is an organ similar in size and shape to a chestnut, located below the bladder.Its lower part borders the perineum.In men, the prostate performs the following functions: secretion - the production of sex hormones and secretions that determine the quality of sperm, and barrier - the separation of the ejaculation and urination processes.
The second name of the gland is popularly used to name a common disease that affects about half of the male population: the older the man, the greater the risk of disease - prostatitis is extremely rarely diagnosed in men aged 20-25.The disease is dangerous with serious complications, so it is important to recognize it in time.
The therapeutic course lasts no more than 14 days, and the patient must strictly adhere to preventive measures for several more months.If the disease has become chronic, the risk of relapse is 50%.
Classification
Treatment of the prostate gland in men sometimes drags on for years.The disease takes place temporarily without symptoms, only a few months later it reminds itself of a sharp decrease in immunity, disruption of the intestinal microflora and other stressful situations for the body.There are several forms of male prostate disease:
- Spicy.It is characterized by a bacterial infection of the prostate tissue.Its characteristic signs are severe pain and a critical rise in temperature.The disease must be treated in a hospital setting;
- Chronic bacterial.Periodic relief of symptoms is often considered a sign of recovery, but this is an illusion - each subsequent exacerbation is more serious than the previous ones due to the formation of purulent foci and the appearance of tumors;
- Asymptomatic.The absence of symptoms with the active development of the disease.Such a prostate in men is often detected by chance based on the results of a urinalysis;
- Granulomatous.Cessation of gland function due to overgrowth with connective tissue;
- Pelvic pain syndrome.A form that is difficult to diagnose, accompanied by a constant feeling of pain in the pelvic area, neurological and psycho-emotional disorders.
What does prostate mean in men?First of all, the diagnosis means that you need to rethink your lifestyle, be patient and follow the doctor's recommendations - you may have to treat it for a long time.
What causes prostate cancer in men?
Reasons
The exact algorithm of the inflammatory process of the prostate has not been established, but a pattern has been identified: the probability of disease increases with a decrease in general immunity.Why is this happening?Infectious pathogens that enter the mucous membrane of a healthy person are in a "sleeping" state and do not spread until the body's protective functions are weakened.This is how the male prostate begins to form.
Factors that increase the risk:
- Hypothermia;
- Injuries and bruises of the perineum;
- STDs;
- Inactive lifestyle, sedentary work;
- Lower sex life;
- Contraception by the method of interruption of sexual intercourse (incomplete ejaculation occurs);
- Stress, neuroses, depression;
- bad habits - drinking alcohol, smoking;
- Drug poisoning.
Doctors also point out that there is a connection between the fashion for tight pants that squeeze the genitals and the increase in diseases.Symptoms of the prostate gland are much more common in men who like tight jeans, than in men who like wide-cut jeans.
Etiology of the chronic form
Persistent prostatitis in men is a consequence of improper treatment (or complete lack thereof) of acute inflammation of the prostate.Causes of exacerbations: sexually transmitted diseases, stressful situations at work and in the family, forced restriction of rectal or bladder emptying, wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fabric.
Another factor is congestion in the pool due to low mobility.A patient who has experienced prostate cancer in men in an acute form should take all measures to prevent relapse: first of all, he should walk more to activate blood circulation.
Symptoms of prostate inflammation in men
Acute prostatitis
This form of the disease has three types of course: catarrhal, follicular, parenchymal (the most dangerous).In the first case, the malaise begins with a nagging pain in the pubic area and a slight increase in temperature.Soon, the man notices discomfort when urinating or during sexual intercourse and feels persistent fatigue.
The follicular type is characterized by severe pain in the penis and lower back: it does not allow complete emptying of the bowels and bladder.If not treated, a third type of the disease develops.
What is parenchymal prostate in men?Difficulty urinating turns into complete urinary retention, body temperature reaches 39-40 degrees, mucous discharge appears from the rectum.The condition is serious and requires immediate hospitalization.
Chronic prostatitis
The symptoms of this form are often vague and unexpressed, which makes diagnosis difficult.The pain syndrome takes on a permanent character, is localized in the lower abdomen, and is quite easily tolerated.Discomfort increases after intimacy.
Urinating is somewhat difficult - the flow of urine is intermittent.The urge becomes more frequent.After physical exertion, an uncharacteristic secretion appears on the head of the genital organ.Erectile dysfunction is possible.The temperature remains between 37-37.3 C.
If symptoms of chronic prostatitis are detected in men, treatment should not be postponed: low-grade inflammation can lead to infertility.
Diagnostics
A timely visit to a urologist is the best solution if you suspect prostatitis.During the appointment, the doctor will ask a number of questions about your health and review the patient's medical record to gather a medical history.Then the external examination and palpation of the organ is carried out through the rectum.
In order to clarify the diagnosis, a number of tests are prescribed:
- Secret Analysis;
- Ultrasound of the prostate;
- Collection of material for PCR;
- MRI of the pelvic organs.
If necessary, the urine flow rate is measured during urination with a special device, a uroflowmeter.The measurements are performed in the doctor's office: the patient empties the bladder into a container equipped with a special sensor, which produces a graphic image at the end of the process.
Treatment of the prostate gland in men
Before prescribing a course of treatment, it is important to identify all the factors that trigger the inflammatory process.If the exact cause of prostatitis in men is determined, treatment is more effective.The urologist develops an individual comprehensive program that includes the following elements:
- Drug therapy.Antiviral drugs are prescribed for viral etiology, and antibacterial drugs are prescribed for infectious lesions.At the same time, anti-inflammatory suppositories and creams, immunostimulating agents, and pain relievers, if necessary, are used;
- Physiotherapy.The method is determined based on the picture of the disease.It can be electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, laser sessions, UHF;
- Massage.The intervention is performed by a doctor or (after training) by the patient's spouse - emotional comfort and family support are of great importance to the patient.Massage improves the outflow of purulent-inflammatory discharge from the prostate ducts.
The effectiveness of the prescribed therapy is evaluated after 10-14 days: if positive dynamics are observed, the course continues after a short break.If there is no improvement, a decision is made to stop certain drugs and procedures and replace them with others.
Prevention
The prostate in men, its symptoms and treatment is a topic that every representative of the stronger sex of reproductive age should study in detail.Knowing about preventive measures will help you avoid inflammation.
How can you protect yourself from prostatitis?We recommend avoiding hypothermia, unprotected sex, and regular STD screening.Empty your bladder in time and choose loose pants.