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 towards his health. Prostatitis causes a lot of discomfort and can cause serious complications.
Causes of disease
The prostate produces a secretion that is responsible for the motor activity of sperm, normalization of the pH of the urinary tract and protection of the genitourinary system from infections.
Prostatitis most commonly 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 due to the following predisposing factors:
- hypothermia;
- sedentary lifestyle, an occupation that forces a person to be in a sitting position for a long time - driver, office worker;
- transmitted urological diseases;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- violation of the normal intensity of sexual life - are equally harmful and excessive activity and frequent changes of sexual partners and prolonged abstinence;
- 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, poor erection;
- fever, chills, fever;
- psychoemotional disorders - depression, increased anxiety, decreased self-esteem.
In the absence of appropriate treatment, acute prostatitis can become chronic with periodic exacerbations and remissions. The patient feels pain of varying intensity, problems in sexual life may occur - pain during and after intercourse, reduced erection, feelings of helplessness and disappointment.
In the inflammatory process, the foci of infection spread to other organs of the male genitourinary sphere. The most common complications of prostatitis are:
- vesiculitis - inflammation of the seminal vesicles;
- posterior urethritis - inflammation of the seminal tubercle;
- prostate abscess - a serious bacterial disease;
- prostate cysts and stones;
- ejaculation disorders;
- infertility caused by a violation of the synthesis of prostate secretions.
Complications of prostatitis often occur as a result of self-medication. Uncontrolled intake of antibiotics and other drugs negatively affects the intestinal microflora, lowers immunity, but does not have the desired effect on the condition of the prostate.
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 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 to treat prostatitis, including conservative therapy, physiotherapy, diet, and lifestyle changes. Drug therapy plays a leading role in treatment.
The main task of conservative therapy is to eliminate the inflammatory process. Antibiotics are prescribed for this purpose. The choice of drug depends on the type of bacteria that caused the pathological process. Antibacterial drugs ensure a course of treatment of 4-6 weeks.
Alpha1-blockers are prescribed to normalize urination. Preparations of this group help to relax the muscles of the gland, relieve pain, relieve swelling.
The list of medications prescribed to worsen prostatitis includes nonsteroidal 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 in the treatment of pathology. Finger massage is performed rectally, involving the prostate tissue. During the massage, the patient should be in a sideways position. The massage consists of stroking movements and pressure 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 method of treatment based on the use of electromagnetic wave energy;
- ultrasound shock;
- medical microclysters - the introduction of medicinal solutions into the rectum, are prescribed if it is not possible to conduct physiotherapeutic procedures.
With the development of complications, such as abscesses or suppuration of seminal vesicles, surgery is indicated.
During treatment, the patient is given recommendations on lifestyle changes: adhere to the principles of a healthy diet, normalize sleep and ensure moderate physical activity.
Prevention
Preventive measures to prevent worsening of prostatitis include:
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- normalization of sexual life, exclusion of occasional sexual intercourse;
- exclusion of bad habits - smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs;
- ensuring regular bladder emptying;
- use of large amounts of fluid - contributes to more frequent urination, flushing infectious agents from the prostate;
- use of foods high in protein and vitamins;
- alternating sedentary work with moderate physical activity;
- timely detection and treatment of infectious diseases;
- reducing levels of daily stress;
- strengthening 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-medication at home can be dangerous and cause complications.