Frequent and painful urination, discomfort in the perineum, hyperthermia, decreased potency and libido are problems faced by 80% of men aged between 45 and 50, but the majority postpone a doctor's appointment until the pain becomes unbearable.Unpleasant symptoms indicate inflammation of the prostate gland, 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 and is located under the bladder.Its lower part borders the perineum.The prostate gland in men performs the following functions: secretory - production of sex hormones and secretions that determine the quality of sperm, and barrier - separation of the processes of ejaculation and urination.
The gland's second name is popularly used to refer to a common disease that affects about half of the male population: the older the man, the greater the risk of getting sick - prostatitis is rarely diagnosed in men aged 20 to 25.The disease is dangerous with serious complications, so it is important to recognize it at an early stage.
The therapeutic course takes up to 14 days, and the patient is obliged to strictly adhere to preventive measures for a few more months.If the disease becomes chronic, the risk of relapse is 50%.
Classification
Prostate treatment in men sometimes drags on for years.The disease temporarily follows an asymptomatic course, only to remind itself 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 has several forms:
- Spicy.Characterized by bacterial infection of prostate tissue.Typical signs are severe pain and a critical increase in temperature.The disease must be treated in a hospital environment;
- Chronic bacterial.Periodic alleviation of symptoms is often perceived as a sign of recovery, but this is an illusion - each subsequent exacerbation is more severe than the previous ones due to the development of purulent foci and the appearance of neoplasms;
- Asymptomatic.Absence of symptoms with active development of the disease.This prostate in men is often detected by chance, based on the results of a urinalysis;
- Granulomatous.Cessation of gland function due to excessive growth of connective tissue;
- Pelvic pain syndrome.A form that is difficult to diagnose, accompanied by constant sensations of pain 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 probability of getting sick increases with a decrease in general immunity.Why is this happening?Infectious pathogens that enter the mucous membranes of a healthy person are in a “dormant” state and do not spread until the body's protective functions are weakened.This is how the male prostate begins to develop.
Factors that increase the risk:
- Hypothermia;
- Injuries and bruises in the perineum;
- STD;
- Inactive lifestyle, sedentary work;
- Lower sex life;
- Contraception by the method of interrupting sexual intercourse (incomplete ejaculation occurs);
- Stress, neuroses, depression;
- Bad habits – alcohol abuse, smoking;
- Drug intoxication.
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 and those who prefer baggy jeans.
Etiology of the chronic form
Permanent prostatitis in men is a consequence of inadequate treatment (or its complete absence) of acute inflammation of the prostate gland.Causes of exacerbations: sexually transmitted diseases, stressful situations at work and in the family, forced restriction of emptying the rectum or bladder, wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fabric.
An additional factor is pelvic congestion caused by low mobility.A patient who has experienced what prostate cancer is in men in its acute form must take all measures to prevent a relapse: first of all, walk more to activate blood circulation.
Inflamed prostate in men symptoms
Acute prostatitis
There are three types of evolution of this form of the disease: catarrhal, follicular, parenchymal (the most dangerous).In the first case, the discomfort begins with dull pain in the pubic area and a slight increase in temperature.Soon the man notices discomfort when urinating or during sexual intercourse and a persistent feeling of tiredness.
The follicular type is characterized by severe pain in the penis and lower back: it does not allow the intestines and bladder to completely empty.If left untreated, the third type of disease develops.
What is parenchymal prostate in men?Difficulty urinating turns into complete urinary retention, body temperature reaches 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, which makes diagnosis difficult.The pain syndrome takes on a permanent nature, is located in the lower part of the abdomen and is tolerated quite easily.Discomfort increases after intimacy.
Urination is a little difficult - the stream of urine is intermittent.The urge becomes more frequent.After physical exertion, an atypical discharge appears on the head of the genital organ.Erection disorders are possible.The temperature remains at 37 – 37.3 C.
If symptoms of chronic prostatitis are observed in men, treatment should not be delayed: mild inflammation can lead to infertility.
Diagnosis
A timely visit to a urologist is the best solution if you suspect prostate inflammation.During the consultation, the doctor will ask you several questions about your health and will analyze the patient's medical records to collect anamnesis.Then an external examination and palpation of the organ through the rectum is carried out.
To clarify the diagnosis, several studies are prescribed:
- Secret analysis;
- Prostate ultrasound;
- Collection of material for PCR;
- MRI of the pelvic organs.
If necessary, urine flow during urination is measured with a special device, a uroflowmeter.Measurements are taken in the clinic: the patient empties the bladder into a special container with a sensor, which at the end of the process produces a graphic image.
Prostate in men treatment
Before prescribing treatment, it is important to identify all the factors that provoked the inflammatory process.When the exact cause of prostatitis in men is determined, treatment is more productive.The urologist develops a comprehensive individual program that includes the following elements:
- Drug therapy.For viral etiology, antiviral drugs are prescribed, and for infectious lesions, antibacterial drugs are prescribed.At the same time, anti-inflammatory suppositories and creams, immunostimulating agents and, if necessary, analgesics are used;
- Physiotherapy.The method is determined based on the condition of the disease.It can be electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, laser sessions, UHF;
- Massage.The procedure is performed by the 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 therapy is assessed after 10-14 days: if positive dynamics are observed, the course is continued after a short break.If there is no improvement, a decision is made to discontinue certain medications and procedures and replace them with others.
Prevention
The prostate gland in men, symptoms and treatment is a topic that every representative of the stronger sex who has reached reproductive age should study in detail.Awareness of preventive measures will help avoid inflammation.
How to protect yourself from prostatitis?It is recommended to avoid hypothermia and unprotected sex and to be regularly tested for STDs.You should empty your bladder in a timely manner and choose loose pants.