Prostatitis is an insidious and complex male disease that is quite difficult to diagnose in the early stages.It is an inflammation process that develops in the prostate region 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 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, the basis of which is connective tissue.The prostate's network of blood vessels provides blood supply to the pelvic organs, and the muscles within the gland itself help retain urine and release the gland's secretion along with sperm during ejaculation.
The full development of the male prostate ends at the age of seventeen and, from the age of sixty, all functions of the prostate decrease, as a result of which its components are replaced by connective tissue.Such changes affect men's health, causing general malaise and decreased tone.However, such pathologies can appear at an earlier age.The most common cause is chronic prostatitis, which is an indolent process of prostate inflammation.
In addition to chronic, there is another form of the disease - acute.In acute prostatitis, the infection enters through the gland's excretory ducts.
Symptoms of acute and chronic prostatitis
The most common causes of prostatitis are:
- various types of infections originating 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;
- urinary tract damage;
- fecal disorders;
- blood circulation problems 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, a feeling of incomplete emptying;
- irritation and anxiety caused by increased attention to health status.
The acute form of prostatitis is characterized by elevated body temperature.The urination process is difficult and accompanied by pain.Swelling develops in the prostate region, which can cause urinary retention.
Chronic prostatitis passes more calmly, but the possibility of its exacerbation can never be ruled out.
In addition, inadequate 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: medicines used
In the case of the acute form of the disease, the patient must be immediately admitted to the urology department.When this is not possible, prostatitis treatment takes place in the surgical sector.
The general method of treating prostatitis in the acute phase includes measures such as:
- Antibacterial therapy.
- Mandatory bed rest.
- Treatment of prostatitis with medications that ensure normal blood circulation.This approach helps improve the flow of lymph as well as venous blood from the inflamed gland and helps remove waste from the body.
- Use of analgesics.
- It is possible to use other painkillers.In addition to relieving pain, these medications help, to a certain extent, to reduce the inflammatory process.Sometimes the doctor prescribes rectal suppositories containing the same substances as the tablets.They enhance the therapeutic effect due to local effects.
- If prostatitis is accompanied by severe intoxication, detoxifying agents are prescribed.
The need for surgical treatment arises in the case of complete inability to urinate independently or in the case of a prostate abscess.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis must be comprehensive.The main therapy methods are:
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- 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 region, improve blood microcirculation and also reduce the possibility of blood clots.
- To restore an 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 created by a specialist in therapeutic exercises.
- An effective way to treat chronic prostatitis is the rectal massage procedure.Its main purpose is to normalize blood supply, accelerate metabolic processes and eliminate congestion.But, unfortunately, such a technique sometimes causes not only physical, but also psychological discomfort among the stronger sex.Therefore, they deliberately postpone the doctor's appointment, which worsens the situation.
Preventing 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 moderate diet - limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages, fried foods and canned foods.
- Prevention of prostatitis can also be called regularity of sexual intercourse, since one of the reasons for its occurrence is sperm stagnation, as well as frequent erections without subsequent ejaculation.
- Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is also important.
- Periodic visits to the doctor: An adult man should visit a specialist every year for a medical examination.
After treatment of prostatitis, it is recommended to undergo maintenance courses of outpatient therapy every six months and a one-time treatment in a sanatorium.