Prostatitis is the most common disease of the male urogenital area. Inflammation of the prostate occurs as a result of a man's inattentive attitude to his health. Prostatitis causes a lot of inconveniences and can cause serious complications.
causes of the disease
The prostate gland produces a secret responsible for the motor activity of sperm, normalizing the pH of the urinary tract and protecting the genitourinary system from infection.
Prostatitis most commonly affects men between the ages of 25 and 50. The pathology develops when an infectious agent penetrates into the tissues of the prostate from the organs of the genitourinary system. Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus, Escherichia coli can act as infectious agents. Inflammation occurs on the basis of the following predisposing factors:
- hypothermia;
- a sedentary lifestyle, a profession that forces a person to be in a sedentary position for a long time - a driver, an office worker;
- transferred urological diseases;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- Violation of the normal intensity of sex life - both excessive activity and frequent changes of sexual partners and prolonged abstinence are equally harmful;
- Violation of the body's defenses - chronic stress, insomnia, malnutrition, excessive physical activity;
- reduced immunity;
- insufficient personal hygiene.
Chronic intoxications such as smoking, alcohol or drug consumption can also increase the risk of prostatitis.
symptoms of the disease
Prostatitis can occur in acute or chronic form. Symptoms of acute prostatitis include:
- pain in the lower back and groin of varying intensity;
- difficulty urinating;
- burning when trying to urinate;
- Violation of erectile function - premature ejaculation, decreased severity of orgasm, weak erection;
- fever, chills, fever;
- disorders of the psycho-emotional state - depression, increased anxiety, lowering self-esteem.
In the absence of adequate treatment, acute prostatitis can become chronic with periodic exacerbations and remissions. The patient experiences pain of varying intensity, problems in sex life may appear - pain during and after sexual intercourse, decreased erection, a feeling of helplessness and disappointment.
In the inflammatory process, foci of infection spread to other organs of the urogenital sphere of a man. 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 stones of the prostate;
- ejaculation disorders;
- Infertility caused by a violation of the synthesis of prostatic secretions.
Complications of prostatitis often occur as a result of self-medication. Uncontrolled intake of antibiotics and other drugs adversely affects the intestinal microflora, reduces immunity, but does not have the desired effect on the state of the prostate.
diagnosis and treatment
The disease is characterized by a specific clinical picture, so diagnosis, as a rule, is not difficult. In addition to analyzing patient complaints, the following data is taken into account:
- rectal examination of the prostate;
- general and biochemical urine analysis;
- accumulation of glandular secretions;
- ultrasound of the prostate;
- spermograms - to determine the risk of infertility;
- CT or MRI - to exclude the presence of benign or malignant neoplasms.
In the treatment of prostatitis, an integrated approach is used, which includes conservative therapy, the use of physiotherapy, diet and lifestyle changes. Drug therapy plays the 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 what kind of bacteria caused the pathological process. Antibacterial drugs offer a course of treatment of 4-6 weeks.
Alpha1 blockers are prescribed to normalize urination. Preparations of this group help relax the muscles of the gland, reduce pain and reduce swelling.
The list of drugs prescribed to exacerbate prostatitis includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Antidepressants are necessary to normalize the patient's psychoemotional state and eliminate the symptoms of increased anxiety and depression.
massage
Prostate massage is one of the most effective physiotherapeutic methods of treating pathologies. Finger massage is performed rectally and affects the tissues of the prostate. During the massage, the patient should be in a lateral position. The massage consists of stroking and pressing movements performed with the index finger. The prostate massage is performed with a full bladder.
Physiotherapeutic treatment
Other treatments include the following physical therapy:
- Laser therapy is a treatment method based on the use of a beam of light for therapeutic purposes;
- Acupuncture - injection of drugs into biologically active points of the human body;
- Microwave hyperthermia - a treatment method based on the use of electromagnetic wave energy;
- ultrasonic exposure;
- medical microclysters - the introduction of medicinal solutions into the rectum are prescribed when physiotherapy interventions cannot be performed.
Surgery is indicated if complications such as abscess or suppuration of the seminal vesicles occur.
During treatment, the patient is given recommendations on lifestyle changes: follow the principles of healthy eating, normalize sleep, and engage in moderate physical activity.
prevention
Preventive measures to prevent prostatitis from getting worse include:
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- normalization of sex life, exclusion of casual sexual relations;
- exclusion of bad habits - smoking, alcohol and drug use;
- ensuring regular emptying of the bladder;
- the use of a large amount of fluid - contributes to more frequent urination and leaching 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 daily stress levels;
- strengthening immunity.
The appearance of the first signs of inflammation should always be the basis for a doctor's visit. The first step is to identify and treat urological and venereal diseases. Treatment of prostatitis is possible only in a medical institution. Self-treatment at home can be dangerous and lead to complications.