Prostatitis is the most common disease of the male urogenital area. Inflammation of the prostate occurs as a result of a man's inattentive attitude to his health. Prostatitis causes a lot of inconvenience and can cause serious complications.
Causes of the disease
The prostate gland produces a secret that is responsible for the motor activity of spermatozoa, the normalization of the pH of the urinary tract, and the protection of the genitourinary system from infections.
Prostatitis most often affects men between the ages of 25 and 50. Pathology develops when an infectious agent enters the prostate tissue from the organs of the genitourinary system. Staphylococcus aureus, enterococcus, Escherichia coli can act as an infectious agent. Inflammation occurs on the basis of the following predisposing factors:
- hypothermia;
- a sedentary lifestyle, occupation that forces a person to be in a sitting position for a long time - a driver, an office worker;
- transferred urological diseases;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- violation of the normal intensity of sexual life - both excessive activity and frequent changes of sexual partners and prolonged abstinence are equally harmful;
- violation of the body's defenses - chronic stress, insomnia, malnutrition, excessive physical activity;
- reduced immunity;
- inadequate personal hygiene.
Chronic intoxications such as smoking, drinking alcohol or drugs can also increase the risk of developing prostatitis.
Symptoms of the disease
Prostatitis can occur in acute or chronic form. Symptoms of acute prostatitis include:
- pain in the lower back and inguinal region of varying intensity;
- difficulty urinating;
- burning sensation when trying to urinate;
- violation of erectile function - premature ejaculation, decreased severity of orgasm, weak erection;
- fever, chills, fever;
- disorders of the psycho-emotional state - depression, increased anxiety, lowering self-esteem.
In the absence of proper treatment, acute prostatitis can become chronic with periodic exacerbations and remissions. The patient experiences pain of varying intensity, there may be problems in sexual life - soreness during and after intercourse, decreased erection, a feeling of helplessness and disappointment.
In the inflammatory process, foci of infection spread to other organs of the genitourinary sphere of a man. The most common complications of prostatitis include:
- vesiculitis - inflammation of the seminal vesicles;
- posterior urethritis - inflammation of the seminal tubercle;
- prostate abscess - a serious bacterial disease;
- cysts and stones of the prostate;
- ejaculation disorders;
- infertility caused by a violation of the synthesis of prostate secretion.
Complications of prostatitis often occur as a result of self-medication. Uncontrolled intake of antibiotics and other drugs adversely affect the intestinal microflora, lower immunity, but do not have the desired effect on the condition of the prostate gland.
Diagnosis and treatment
The disease is characterized by a specific clinical picture, so usually the diagnosis is not difficult. In addition to the analysis of patient complaints, the following data are taken into account:
- rectal examination of the prostate;
- general and biochemical analysis of urine;
- collection of gland secretion;
- Ultrasound of the prostate;
- spermograms - to determine the risk of infertility;
- CT or MRI - to exclude the presence of benign or malignant neoplasms.
In the treatment of prostatitis, an integrated approach is used, including conservative therapy, the use of physiotherapy, diet and lifestyle changes. The leading role in the treatment is given to drug therapy.
The main task of conservative therapy is the elimination of the inflammatory process. For this purpose, antibiotics are prescribed. The choice of drug depends on what type of bacteria caused the pathological process. Antibacterial drugs provide a course of treatment for 4-6 weeks.
To normalize urination, alpha1-blockers are prescribed. Preparations of this group help to relax the muscles of the gland, relieve pain, relieve swelling.
The list of drugs prescribed for exacerbation of prostatitis includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Antidepressants are necessary to normalize the patient's psycho-emotional state, eliminate the symptoms of increased anxiety and depression.
Massage
Prostate massage is one of the most effective physiotherapeutic methods for treating pathology. Finger massage is performed rectally, affecting the tissues of the prostate. During the massage, the patient should be in a position on his side. Massage consists of stroking and pressing movements performed with the index finger. Prostate massage is performed with a full bladder.
Physiotherapy treatment
Additional treatments include the following physiotherapy:
- laser therapy is a method of treatment based on the use of a light beam for therapeutic purposes;
- acupuncture - injection of medicinal substances into biologically active points on the human body;
- microwave hyperthermia - a treatment method based on the use of electromagnetic wave energy;
- ultrasonic impact;
- medicinal microclysters - the introduction of medicinal solutions into the rectum, are prescribed if it is not possible to carry out physiotherapeutic procedures.
With the development of complications, such as an abscess or suppuration of the seminal vesicles, an operation is indicated.
During treatment, the patient is given recommendations on lifestyle changes: follow the principles of a healthy diet, normalize sleep, and ensure moderate physical activity.
Prevention
Preventive measures to prevent exacerbation of prostatitis include:
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- normalization of sexual life, exclusion of casual sexual relations;
- exclusion of bad habits - smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs;
- ensuring regular emptying of the bladder;
- the use of a large amount of fluid - contributes to more frequent urination, leaching of infectious agents from the prostate;
- the use of foods with a high content of protein and vitamins;
- alternating sedentary work with moderate physical activity;
- timely detection and treatment of infectious diseases;
- reducing the level of daily stress;
- boosting immunity.
The appearance of the first signs of inflammation should always be the basis for contacting a doctor. First of all, it is important to identify and treat urological and venereal diseases. Treatment of prostatitis is possible only in a medical institution. Self-treatment at home can be dangerous and cause complications.