Frequent and painful urination, discomfort in the perineum, hyperthermia, decreased potency and libido are problems faced by 80% of men aged 45-50, but most of them delay seeing a doctor until the pain becomes unbearable.Unpleasant symptoms indicate inflammation of the prostate, which requires immediate treatment: prostatitis in men quickly becomes chronic and can lead to infertility, sexual dysfunction and oncology.
What is prostatitis
The prostate is an organ similar in size and shape to a chestnut fruit and located under the bladder.Its lower part borders the perineum.The prostate in men performs the following functions: secretory - the production of sex hormones and secretions that determine the quality of sperm, and barrier - the separation of the processes of ejaculation and urination.
The second name of the gland is commonly used to refer to a common disease that affects about half of the male population: the older the man, the higher the risk of getting sick - prostatitis is extremely rarely diagnosed in men 20-25 years old.The disease is dangerous and leads to serious complications, so it is important to recognize it at an early stage.
The therapeutic course lasts up to 14 days, and the patient is required to strictly adhere to preventive measures for several more months.If the disease has become chronic, the risk of relapse is 50%.
Ranking
Prostate treatment in men sometimes lasts for years.The disease proceeds temporarily asymptomatic, only to be reminded a few months later with a sharp decrease in immunity, disruption of the intestinal microflora and other stressful situations for the body.Male prostate disease presents in several forms:
- Spicy.Characterized by a bacterial infection of the prostate tissue.Typical signs are severe pain and a critical increase in temperature.The disease must be treated in a hospital setting;
- Chronic bacterial.Periodic alleviation of symptoms is often perceived as a signal of recovery, but this is an illusion - each subsequent exacerbation is more serious than previous ones due to the development of purulent foci and the appearance of neoplasms;
- Asymptomatic.Absence of symptoms with active development of the disease.Such a prostate in men is often detected by chance, based on the results of a urine test;
- Granulomatous.Stoppage of gland function due to overgrowth of connective tissue;
- Pelvic pain syndrome.A difficult-to-diagnose form, accompanied by constant painful sensations in the pelvic region, neurological and psycho-emotional disorders.
What does the prostate mean in men?First of all, the diagnosis means the need to reconsider your lifestyle, be patient and follow the doctor's recommendations - you may have to undergo prolonged treatment.
What causes prostate cancer in men?
Reasons
The exact algorithm for the occurrence of the inflammatory process in the prostate has not been established, but a pattern has been identified: the likelihood of getting sick increases with a decrease in general immunity.Why is this happening?Infectious pathogens penetrating the mucous membranes of a healthy person are in a “dormant” state and spread only when the protective functions of the body are weakened.This is how the male prostate begins to develop.
Factors that increase risk:
- Hypothermia;
- Injuries and contusions of the perineum;
- STD;
- Inactive lifestyle, sedentary work;
- Inferior sex life;
- Contraception using the method of interruption of sexual intercourse (incomplete ejaculation occurs);
- Stress, neuroses, depression;
- Bad habits – alcohol abuse, smoking;
- Drug poisoning.
Doctors also point to a link between the fashion for tight pants that compress the genitals and increased morbidity.Prostate symptoms are much more common in men who prefer tight jeans, as well as those who prefer baggy jeans.
Etiology of the chronic form
Permanent prostatitis in men is a consequence of improper treatment (or its complete absence) of acute inflammation of the prostate.Causes of exacerbations: sexually transmitted diseases, stressful situations at work and in the family, forced restriction of emptying of the rectum or bladder, wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fabrics.
Another factor is pelvic congestion caused by low mobility.A patient who has experienced what is prostate cancer in men in acute form should take all measures to avoid a relapse: first of all, walk more to activate blood circulation.
Prostate inflammation in men, symptoms
Acute prostatitis
There are three types of development of this form of the disease: catarrhal, follicular, parenchymal (the most dangerous).In the first case, the discomfort begins with aching pain in the pubic region and a slight increase in temperature.Soon, the man notices discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse, as well as a persistent feeling of fatigue.
The follicular type is characterized by intense pain in the penis and lower back: it does not allow the intestines and bladder to be completely emptied.If left untreated, the third type of disease develops.
What is the parenchymal prostate in men?Difficulty urinating turns into complete urinary retention, body temperature rises to 39-40 degrees, mucous discharge from the rectum appears.The condition is serious and requires immediate hospitalization.
Chronic prostatitis
Symptoms of this form are often vague and unexpressed, making diagnosis difficult.The pain syndrome acquires a permanent character, is localized in the lower abdomen and is tolerated quite easily.Discomfort increases after intimacy.
Urination is slightly difficult – the stream of urine is intermittent.The urge becomes more frequent.After physical exertion, unusual discharge appears on the head of the genital organ.Erectile dysfunction is possible.The temperature remains between 37 and 37.3°C.
If symptoms of chronic prostatitis are observed in men, treatment should not be delayed: low-grade inflammation can lead to infertility.
Diagnosis
A timely visit to a urologist is the best solution if you suspect inflammation of the prostate.During the appointment, the doctor will ask you several questions about your state of health and will examine the patient's medical file to take a history.Then, an external examination and palpation of the organ through the rectum is carried out.
To clarify the diagnosis, a number of studies are prescribed:
- Covert analysis;
- Ultrasound of the prostate;
- Collection of materials for PCR;
- MRI of the pelvic organs.
If necessary, urine flow during urination is measured using a special device, a urine flow meter.The measurements are carried out in the clinic: the patient empties the bladder into a special container equipped with a sensor which, at the end of the process, produces a graphic image.
Prostate treatment in men
Before prescribing treatment, it is important to identify all the factors that caused the inflammatory process.When the exact cause of prostatitis in men is determined, treatment is more productive.The urologist develops a comprehensive individual program which includes the following elements:
- Drug therapy.For viral etiology, antiviral drugs are prescribed, and for infectious lesions, antibacterial drugs are prescribed.In parallel, anti-inflammatory suppositories and creams, immunostimulating agents and, if necessary, painkillers are used;
- Physiotherapy.The method is determined based on the picture of the disease.These can be electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, laser sessions, UHF;
- Massage.The procedure is carried out by a doctor or (after training) by the patient's spouse - emotional comfort and family support are of great importance to the patient.Massage improves the outflow of purulent-inflammatory secretions from the prostate ducts.
The effectiveness of the prescribed treatment is assessed after 10-14 days: if positive dynamics are observed, the course continues after a short break.If there is no improvement, it is decided to discontinue certain medications and procedures and replace them with others.
Prevention
The prostate in men, its symptoms and treatment is a topic that every representative of the stronger sex who has reached childbearing age should study in detail.Knowledge of preventive measures will help avoid inflammation.
How to protect yourself from prostatitis?It is recommended to avoid hypothermia and unprotected sex, and to get tested regularly for STDs.You should empty your bladder in time and choose loose pants.