Prostatitis is an insidious and complex male disease, quite difficult to diagnose in the initial stages.It is an inflammatory process that develops in the prostate area and is accompanied by pain, urination problems and the appearance of male health problems.
Prostatitis: what is it?
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, that is, the prostate gland located between the bladder and the male reproductive organ and surrounding the urethra, called the urethra.The latter receives a substance through the ducts from the prostate that promotes the normal functioning of the spermatozoa.The prostate gland is covered with a membrane, the basis of which is connective tissue.The prostate's network of blood vessels provides blood supply to the pelvic organs, and 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 is completed by the age of seventeen, and after the age of sixty all the functions of the prostate gland decrease, as a result of which its components are replaced by connective tissue.These changes affect human health, causing general malaise and decreased tone.However, these pathologies can appear at an early age.The most common cause of this is chronic prostatitis, which is an indolent process of inflammation of the prostate.
In addition to the chronic one, there is another form of the disease: acute.In acute prostatitis, the infection enters through the excretory ducts of the gland.
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 organs.
- insufficient physical activity;
- weak immunity;
- the presence of chronic inflammatory processes;
- promiscuity;
- cases of hypothermia;
- damage to the urinary tract;
- stool disorders;
- problems with blood circulation in the pelvic organs;
- hormonal imbalances;
- bad diet.
Chronic prostatitis can be diagnosed by the appearance of the following symptoms:
- problems with sexual function - appearance of pain in the urethra, as well as in the 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 need to urinate, painful sensations in the lower abdomen, feeling of incomplete emptying;
- irritation and anxiety caused by increased attention to the state of health.
The acute form of prostatitis is characterized by high body temperature.The urination process is difficult and accompanied by pain.Swelling develops in the prostate area which can cause urinary retention.
Chronic prostatitis passes more calmly, but the possibility of its exacerbation can never be ruled out.
In addition, improper treatment of prostatitis or its absence can lead to undesirable consequences, for example:
- serious bladder pathologies requiring surgery;
- development of infertility;
- progressive cystitis;
- development of pyelonephritis and other kidney pathologies;
- purulent inflammation requiring surgical treatment;
- narrowing of the urethra.
Treatment of prostatitis: drugs used
In the case of an acute form of the disease, immediate hospitalization of the patient in the urology department is required.When this is not possible, treatment of prostatitis takes place in the surgical department.
The general method of treatment of prostatitis in the acute stage includes such measures as:
- Antibacterial therapy.
- Mandatory bed rest.
- Treatment of prostatitis with drugs that ensure normal blood circulation.This approach helps improve the outflow of lymph and venous blood from the inflamed gland and helps remove waste products from the body.
- Use of painkillers.
- Other analgesics can be used.In addition to the fact that these drugs relieve pain, to some extent they help reduce the inflammatory process.Sometimes the doctor prescribes rectal suppositories containing the same substances as the pills.They improve the therapeutic effect thanks to local effects.
- If prostatitis is accompanied by severe intoxication, detoxifying agents are prescribed.
The need for surgical treatment appears in case of complete inability to urinate independently or in case of prostatic abscess.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis should be comprehensive.The main methods of therapy are:
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Taking drugs that promote better lymphatic drainage and improve blood supply to the pelvic organs.
- Taking immunomodulatory drugs.At the same time, the doctor may suggest treatment with a drug that helps relieve swelling in the prostate area, improve blood microcirculation, and also reduce the possibility of blood clots.
- To restore 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 compiled by a specialist in therapeutic exercises.
- An effective way to treat chronic prostatitis is the rectal massage procedure.Its main goal 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 representatives of the stronger sex.Because of this, they deliberately postpone visiting the doctor, which makes the situation worse.
Prevention of the development of prostatitis
Everyone knows that any disease, including prostatitis, is easier to prevent than cure.To prevent this unpleasant disease, the following preventive measures should be observed:
- Prevention of hypothermia.
- Maintain a gentle diet - limit consumption of alcoholic beverages, fried and canned foods.
- Prevention of prostatitis can also be called regularity of sexual intercourse, because one of the reasons for its occurrence is sperm stagnation, as well as frequent erections without subsequent ejaculation.
- The prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is also important.
- Periodic visits to the doctor: An adult male should visit a specialist every year for a medical examination.
After treatment of prostatitis, it is recommended to conduct maintenance courses of outpatient therapy every six months and a one-time course of treatment in a sanatorium.