Prostatitis is an insidious and complex male disease, quite difficult to diagnose in the initial stages.It is an inflammation process that develops in the prostate area and is accompanied by pain, problems urinating, and the appearance of health problems in men.
Prostatitis: what is it?
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, that is, the prostate gland located between the bladder and the male reproductive organ and surrounding the urethra, called the urethra.The latter receives a substance through the prostate ducts that promotes the normal functioning of sperm.The prostate is covered by a membrane whose base is connective tissue.The network of blood vessels in the prostate provides blood supply to the pelvic organs and the muscles within the gland help to retain urine and release the gland's secretion along with sperm during ejaculation.
The full development of the male prostate is completed by the age of seventeen, and after the age of sixty, all functions of the prostate gland decrease, as a result of which its components are replaced by connective tissue.These changes affect men's health, causing general discomfort and decreased tone.However, these pathologies can appear at an earlier age.The most common cause of this is chronic prostatitis, which is an indolent process of inflammation of the prostate.
In addition to chronic, there is another form of the disease: acute.In acute prostatitis, the infection enters through the excretory ducts of the gland.
Symptoms of acute and chronic prostatitis.
The most common causes of prostatitis are:
- various types of infections coming from the urethra, testicles, as well as their appendages, bladder or other inflamed organ.
- insufficient physical activity;
- weak immunity;
- the presence of chronic inflammatory processes;
- promiscuity;
- cases of hypothermia;
- damage to the urinary tract;
- stool disorders;
- problems with blood circulation in the pelvic organs;
- hormonal imbalances;
- poor nutrition.
Chronic prostatitis can be diagnosed by the appearance of the following symptoms:
- problems with sexual function: the appearance of pain in the urethra, as well as in the rectum during ejaculation, weakening of the erection, cases of premature ejaculation, lack of orgasm;
- disturbances in the activity of the urinary system: pain when urinating, frequent urge to urinate, painful sensations in the lower abdomen, feeling of incomplete emptying;
- irritation and anxiety caused by increased attention to health status.
The acute form of prostatitis is characterized by an elevated body temperature.The process of urination is difficult and accompanied by pain.Swelling develops in the prostate area, which can cause urinary retention.
Chronic prostatitis passes more calmly, but the possibility of its exacerbation can never be ruled out.
In addition, improper treatment of prostatitis or its absence can lead to undesirable consequences, for example:
- serious bladder pathologies requiring surgical intervention;
- development of infertility;
- progressive cystitis;
- development of pyelonephritis, as well as other kidney pathologies;
- purulent inflammation requiring surgical treatment;
- narrowing of the urethra.
Prostatitis treatment: medications used.
In the case of an acute form of the disease, immediate hospitalization of the patient in the urology department is required.When this is not possible, prostatitis treatment is carried out in the surgical department.
The general method of treating prostatitis in the acute stage includes such measures as:
- Antibacterial therapy.
- Mandatory bed rest.
- Treatment of prostatitis with medications that ensure normal blood circulation.This approach helps to improve the outflow of lymph as well as venous blood from the swollen gland, and helps eliminate waste products from the body.
- Use of analgesics.
- It is possible to use other pain relievers.In addition to the fact that these medications relieve pain, to some extent they help reduce the inflammatory process.Sometimes the doctor prescribes rectal suppositories that contain the same substances as pills.They enhance the therapeutic effect due to local effects.
- If prostatitis is accompanied by severe poisoning, detoxifying agents are prescribed.
The need for surgical treatment appears in the case of a complete inability to urinate on one's own or in the case of a prostate abscess.
The treatment of chronic prostatitis must be comprehensive.The main therapy methods are:
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
- Take medications that promote better lymphatic drainage and improve blood supply to the pelvic organs.
- Taking immunomodulatory medications.At the same time, the doctor may suggest treatment with a medication that helps relieve swelling in the prostate area, improve blood microcirculation, and also reduce the possibility of blood clots.
- To restore the erection, in some cases, antidepressants and sedatives are prescribed.
- Systematic physical exercise will help normalize blood supply and strengthen the pelvic muscles.It is good if the set of exercises is compiled by a specialist in therapeutic exercises.
- An effective way to treat chronic prostatitis is the rectal massage procedure.Its main goal is to normalize blood supply, accelerate metabolic processes and eliminate congestion.But, unfortunately, this technique sometimes causes not only physical, but also psychological discomfort among representatives of the stronger sex.For this reason, they deliberately postpone visiting the doctor, which makes the situation worse.
Prevention of the development of prostatitis.
Everyone knows that any disease, including prostatitis, is easier to prevent than to treat.To prevent this unpleasant disease, the following preventive measures must be observed:
- Prevention of hypothermia.
- Maintain a soft diet: limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages, fried and canned foods.
- Prevention of prostatitis can also be called regularity of sexual relations, because one of the reasons for its appearance is sperm stagnation, as well as frequent erections without subsequent ejaculation.
- Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is also important.
- Regular visits to the doctor: An adult male should visit a specialist every year for a medical examination.
After treatment of prostatitis, it is recommended to carry out maintenance courses of outpatient therapy every six months and a one-time treatment in a sanatorium.