Prostatitis is the most common disease of the male urogenital area. Inflammation of the prostate occurs as a result of a man's careless attitude to his health. Prostatitis causes a lot of inconvenience and can cause serious complications.
Causes of the disease
The prostate gland produces a secretion that is responsible for the motor activity of sperm, the normalization of the pH of the urinary tract and the protection of the genitourinary system from infections.
Most often, prostatitis affects men between the ages of 25 and 50. The pathology develops when an infectious agent enters the prostate tissue from the genitourinary system. Staphylococcus aureus, enterococcus, Escherichia coli can act as an infectious agent. Inflammation occurs based on the following predisposing factors:
- hypothermia;
- sedentary lifestyle, a profession that forces a person to be in a sitting position for a long time - driver, office worker;
- transmitted urological diseases;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- disruption of the normal intensity of sexual life - both excessive activity and frequent change 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 be acute or chronic. Symptoms of acute prostatitis include:
- pain in the lower back and inguinal area of varying intensity;
- difficulty urinating;
- burning sensation when trying to urinate;
- erectile dysfunction - premature ejaculation, decreased severity of orgasm, weak erection;
- fever, chills, fever;
- psycho-emotional disorders - depression, increased anxiety, low self-esteem.
In the absence of appropriate treatment, acute prostatitis can become chronic with periodic exacerbations and remissions. The patient experiences pain of varying intensity, may have problems in sexual life - pain during and after intercourse, reduced erections, feelings of helplessness and frustration.
In the inflammatory process, foci of infection spread to other organs of the male genitourinary tract. 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 prostate stones;
- 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 affects the intestinal microflora, lowers immunity, but does 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 the diagnosis is usually not difficult. In addition to the analysis of patients' complaints, the following data are taken into account:
- rectal examination of the prostate;
- general and biochemical analysis of urine;
- collection of glandular secretions;
- Prostate ultrasound;
- spermograms - to determine the risk of infertility;
- CT or MRI - to rule out the presence of benign or malignant neoplasms.
An integrated approach is used in the treatment of prostatitis, including conservative therapy, use of physiotherapy, diet and lifestyle changes. A leading role in the treatment is given to drug therapy.
The main task of conservative therapy is the elimination of the inflammatory process. Antibiotics are prescribed for this purpose. The choice of drug depends on what kind of bacteria have caused the pathological process. Antibacterial drugs provide a course of treatment for 4-6 weeks.
Alpha1-blockers are prescribed to normalize urination. Preparations from this group help to relax the muscles of the gland, relieve pain, relieve swelling.
The list of drugs prescribed for exacerbation of prostatitis includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Antidepressants are needed 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. The massage of the fingers is performed rectally, affecting the tissues of the prostate. During the massage, the patient should be in a sideways position. The massage consists of stroking and pressing movements performed with the index finger. Prostate massage is performed with a full bladder.
Physiotherapeutic 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 drugs into biologically active points of the human body;
- microwave hyperthermia - a method of treatment based on the use of energy from electromagnetic waves;
- ultrasound exposure;
- medical microenemas - the introduction of medicinal solutions into the rectum are prescribed if it is not possible to perform physiotherapy procedures.
With the development of complications, such as abscess or suppuration of the seminal vesicles, surgery is indicated.
During the treatment of the patient recommendations are given for lifestyle changes: to follow the principles of a healthy diet, to normalize sleep and to 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 large amounts of fluid - contributes to more frequent urination, extraction of infectious agents from the prostate;
- the use of foods high in protein and vitamins;
- alternating sedentary work with moderate physical activity;
- timely detection and treatment of infectious diseases;
- reducing the level of daily stress;
- increase immunity.
The appearance of the first signs of inflammation should always be the basis for contacting a doctor. Above all, it is important to identify and treat urological and venereal diseases. Treatment of prostatitis is possible only in a medical institution. Self-medication at home can be dangerous and cause complications.