What is prostatitis - the first signs, symptoms, treatment

The prostate gland can easily be called one of the most important organs of the male reproductive system.The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a common walnut, located around the urethra.The main function of this organ is to produce fluid - prostate fluid, which takes an active part in sperm formation and gives sperm mobility.

prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate

According to the WHO, almost a third of the male population is diagnosed with problems with the prostate gland with subsequent complications.Prostatitis is a disease of the endocrine organ, characterized in medicine as inflammation of the prostate resulting from tissue damage by viruses or bacteria.In addition, non-specific infectious pathology can develop against the background of inflammation of the seminal vesicles, prostate appendages or urinary disorders.

Signs of prostatitis

Conventionally, prostate disease is usually divided into several categories: bacterial, chronic and non-bacterial.In the first two cases, prostate disorders begin due to the entry of bacteria into the body.The acute bacterial form of prostatitis is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, severe pain in the groin and perineum, and cramps in the lower abdomen.A sick man begins to go to the toilet more often, and sometimes drops of blood come out along with the urine.

Prostatitis of non-bacterial origin appears as a form of chronic pelvic pain syndrome of the prostate, while other symptoms may be completely absent.Chronic signs of prostatitis in men are expressed by pain during urination, in the groin, lack or disorder of sexual function.The peculiarity of this form of prostatitis is that in most cases it is asymptomatic.

It is worth noting that the features of how prostatitis manifests cannot be described as constant.Due to the fact that each organism is individual, some signs may be completely absent and the disease may appear differently in different categories of men.Sometimes prostatitis begins with sudden manifestations of the inflammatory process - then they talk about an acute form.If the disease bothers you only from time to time, then it is most likely in the chronic stage of prostate inflammation.

Causes of prostatitis

Many different categories of citizens can be considered at risk for this pathology, but most often prostatitis progresses in those who:

  • sits a lot and moves a little;
  • prefers an unbalanced diet instead of healthy food;
  • in no way can they get rid of addictions to drinking or smoking;
  • often becomes hypothermic;
  • does not have a regular sexual partner;
  • often refuses sex.

However, even this is far from a complete list of what causes prostatitis.Doctors say that inflammation of the prostate can appear even in an almost healthy man, in which case everything is often attributed to excessive fatigue, stress and bad ecology.It often progresses after surgery, severe bruising or other trauma to the genitals.In any case, if you have even the slightest suspicion of prostate, you should immediately visit a urologist.

Chronic prostatitis

signs of prostatitis

Manifestations of the recurrent form of the disease are different.For some men, this is a complete refusal of sex, a frequent urge to go to the toilet, itching or burning in the urethra, or pain in the groin.However, another category of patients may experience similar symptoms only occasionally.Much more typical are the functional signs of chronic prostatitis, which are usually divided into three subgroups:

  • painful and frequent urge to go to the toilet, urinary retention, blood in the sputum, swelling in the groin, diarrhea;
  • a feeling of pressure in the anus during ejaculation, absence or weakness of erection, loss of desire to have sex, loss of intensity of orgasm;
  • feeling anxious, tired, depressed, frequent nervous breakdowns and stress.

Repeated prostatitis without proper treatment can not only cause a lot of trouble, but also lead to serious consequences: adenoma, abscess and prostate cancer.Chronic inflammation of the prostate can continue indefinitely, but the course of prostatitis is never monotonous.Sharp attacks, sometimes intense, are followed by periods of relative calm.

Catarrhal prostatitis

Acute or parenchymal prostatitis in men often occurs due to weakened immunity or infection entering the body.In addition, the catarrhal form of the disease can develop even after a common sore throat, acute viral respiratory infection and severe cough.Microbes, bacteria and other pathogenic microflora, together with lymph, penetrate the prostate, where they cause inflammatory processes.The first signs of prostatitis in men are usually a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and a slight increase in temperature.

With a detailed examination, the doctor can notice other symptoms characteristic of the catarrhal form.For example:

  • after the examination, a slight swelling of the prostate is revealed, while the procedure itself is extremely painful for the patient;
  • analysis of secretions from the prostate will reveal the release of an increased number of leukocytes;
  • Ultrasound shows purulent components, blockage or partial narrowing of the channels through which urine passes.

Diagnosis of prostatitis

Thanks to the active campaign and ubiquitous advertising, today even schoolchildren know not only about the symptoms, but also how to treat prostate.However, the absence of any signs makes it difficult not only to choose the right medications, but also to make a timely diagnosis.The best way to prevent inflammation is to visit the clinic more often.Therefore, prostatitis is often diagnosed during a routine examination by a urologist.

If there are complaints, an experienced doctor can already suspect inflammation of the prostate and prescribe appropriate tests, which often include:

  • digital rectal examination;
  • analysis of secretions and seminal fluid;
  • ultrasound examination of the prostate;
  • urine and blood analysis;
  • taking a smear from the urethra.

How to treat prostatitis

How prostatitis occurs and its treatment are the main topics of discussion at many international medical symposia and conferences.Every year scientists, ordinary doctors and experienced doctors are trying to create more accurate symptoms of prostatitis, develop new medications and preventive methods.However, for now, the classic range of therapeutic measures remains unchanged and includes:

  • prescription of antibacterial, antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs;
  • use of magnetic field devices, hirudotherapy, ultrasound and laser treatment for the patient;
  • Prostate massage course aimed at strengthening the body's reproductive functions and normalizing blood microcirculation in the genitourinary system.

In the complex treatment of prostatitis, herbal remedies are often used.

treatment of prostatitis

Treatment of chronic prostatitis in men

Unfortunately, no single method or drug can relieve you from the manifestations of the disease, let alone completely eliminate inflammation.Therefore, the treatment of chronic prostatitis is carried out according to a comprehensive scheme, using effective drugs from three groups:

  • Antibiotics - fluoroquinolones.Medicines from this series penetrate well into the soft tissues of the prostate and destroy most types of harmful microorganisms.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets.They remove prostate swelling, improve blood circulation and relieve pain.
  • Alpha blockers.They help relax the bladder and urethra, facilitating the flow of urine.

In addition, drug therapy includes the use of a number of additional drugs that help strengthen the prostate: vitamins, enzymes, suppositories, adaptogens.The doctor may prescribe massage, simple physiotherapeutic procedures or physical therapy.All patients are prescribed a special fiber diet, excluding the consumption of alcohol, canned foods, fried, very spicy or salty foods.