Prostatitis is an insidious and complex men's disease that is quite difficult to diagnose in the initial stages.It is an inflammatory process that develops in the prostate area and is accompanied by pain, problems with urination and the appearance of problems with male health.
Prostatitis – what is it?
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, that is, the prostate gland, which is located between the bladder and the male reproductive organ and surrounds the urethra, the so-called urethra.The latter receives a substance via the ducts of the prostate that promotes the normal function of the sperm.The prostate is covered by a membrane, the base of which is connective tissue.The network of blood vessels in the prostate provides blood supply to the pelvic organs, and the muscles in the gland itself help retain urine and release the gland 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 decrease, as a result of which its components are replaced by connective tissue.Such changes adversely affect men's health, causing general malaise and reduced tone.However, such pathologies can occur at an earlier age.The most common cause of this is chronic prostatitis, which is a slow inflammatory process of the prostate.
In addition to chronic, there is another form of the disease - acute.In acute prostatitis, the infection penetrates the gland's ducts.
Symptoms of acute and chronic prostatitis
The most common causes of prostatitis are:
- various types of infections originating from the urethra, testicles and their appendages, bladder or other inflamed organs.
- insufficient physical activity;
- weak immunity;
- the presence of chronic inflammatory processes;
- Promiscuity;
- cases of hypothermia;
- urinary tract damage;
- stool disorders;
- problems with blood circulation in the pelvic organs;
- hormonal imbalances;
- poor diet.
Chronic prostatitis can be diagnosed by the appearance of the following symptoms:
- Problems with sexual function – occurrence of pain in the urethra and rectum during ejaculation, weakening of 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 the health condition.
The acute form of prostatitis is characterized by a high body temperature.The process of urination is difficult and painful.There is swelling in the prostate area, which can lead to urinary retention.
Chronic prostatitis progresses more calmly, but the possibility of exacerbation can never be ruled out.
In addition, improper treatment or lack of prostatitis can lead to undesirable consequences, for example:
- serious bladder diseases requiring surgical intervention;
- development of infertility;
- progressive cystitis;
- Development of pyelonephritis, as well as other kidney diseases;
- purulent inflammation requiring surgical treatment;
- Narrowing of the urethra.
Treatment of prostatitis: medications used
In the case of an acute form of the disease, the patient must be immediately hospitalized in the urological department.If this is not possible, treatment of prostatitis occurs in the surgical department.
The general method of treating prostatitis in the acute stage includes measures such as:
- Antibacterial therapy.
- Mandatory bed rest.
- Treating prostatitis with medications that ensure normal blood circulation.This approach helps improve the outflow of lymph and venous blood from the inflamed gland and remove waste products from the body.
- Use of painkillers.
- It is possible to use other analgesics.In addition to the fact that these drugs relieve pain, they to some extent help reduce the inflammatory process.Sometimes the doctor prescribes rectal suppositories that contain the same substances as the pills.They enhance the therapeutic effect due to local effects.
- If prostatitis is accompanied by severe intoxication, detoxification drugs are prescribed.
If there is a complete inability to urinate independently or if there is a prostate abscess, surgical treatment is necessary.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis should be comprehensive.The most important therapy methods are:
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Taking medications that promote better lymphatic drainage and better blood supply to the pelvic organs.
- Taking immunomodulatory drugs.At the same time, the doctor may suggest treatment with a drug that relieves swelling in the prostate area, improves blood microcirculation, and also reduces the possibility of blood clots.
- To restore an erection, antidepressants and sedatives are prescribed in some cases.
- Systematic physical exercise normalizes blood supply and strengthens the pelvic muscles.It is good if the set of exercises is compiled by a specialist in therapeutic exercises.
- An effective method of treating chronic prostatitis is rectal massage.Its main goal is to normalize blood supply, accelerate metabolic processes and eliminate congestion.Unfortunately, such a technique sometimes causes not only physical but also psychological discomfort in the stronger sex.For this reason, the doctor's visit is deliberately delayed, 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 gentle 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.
- Regular doctor visits: An adult man should visit a specialist for a medical examination every year.
After treatment of prostatitis, it is recommended to carry out outpatient maintenance therapy and one-time treatment in a sanatorium every six months.