Prostatitis is the most common disease of the male urogenital area. Prostate inflammation occurs as a result of a man's inattentive attitude towards his health. Prostatitis causes a lot of inconvenience and can cause serious complications.
Causes of disease
The prostate produces a secret that is responsible for the motor activity of sperm, normalizing the pH of the urinary tract and protecting the genitourinary system against infections.
Prostatitis most often affects men between the ages of 25 and 50. Pathology develops when an infectious agent enters the prostate tissue of the organs of the genitourinary system. Staphylococcus aureus, enterococcus, Escherichia coli can act as infectious agents. Inflammation occurs based on the following predisposing factors:
- hypothermia;
- a sedentary lifestyle, occupation that forces a person to sit for a long time - a driver, an office worker;
- transferred urological diseases;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- violation of the normal intensity of sexual 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;
- inadequate personal hygiene.
Chronic intoxications such as smoking, drinking alcohol or drugs can also increase the risk of developing prostatitis.
disease symptoms
Prostatitis can occur in an acute or chronic form. Symptoms of acute prostatitis include:
- pain in the lumbar and inguinal region of variable intensity;
- difficulty urinating;
- burning sensation when trying to urinate;
- violation of erectile function - premature ejaculation, decreased orgasm severity, weak erection;
- fever, chills, fever;
- psycho-emotional state disorders - depression, increased anxiety, decreased self-esteem.
In the absence of adequate treatment, acute prostatitis can become chronic with periodic exacerbations and remissions. The patient feels pain of varying intensity, there may be problems in sexual life - pain during and after sexual intercourse, decreased erection, feeling of helplessness and disappointment.
In the inflammatory process, foci of infection spread to other organs of the genitourinary 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;
- prostate cysts and stones;
- ejaculation disorders;
- infertility caused by a violation of the synthesis of prostate secretion.
Complications of prostatitis often occur as a result of self-medication. Uncontrolled intake of antibiotics and other drugs negatively affects the intestinal microflora, lowers immunity, but does not have the desired effect on the condition of the prostate.
diagnosis and treatment
The disease is characterized by a specific clinical picture, so the diagnosis is usually not difficult. In addition to analyzing patient complaints, the following data are taken into account:
- rectal examination of the prostate;
- general and biochemical analysis of urine;
- collection of glandular secretion;
- Prostate ultrasound;
- 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, including conservative therapy, use of physical therapy, diet and lifestyle changes. The main role in treatment is given to drug therapy.
The main task of conservative therapy is the elimination of the inflammatory process. For this, antibiotics are prescribed. The choice of drug depends on the type of bacteria that caused the pathological process. Antibacterial drugs provide a course of treatment for 4-6 weeks.
To normalize urination, alpha1 blockers are prescribed. Preparations from this group help to relax the muscles of the gland, relieve pain, relieve swelling.
The list of drugs prescribed for exacerbation of prostatitis includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Antidepressants are necessary to normalize the patient's psycho-emotional state, eliminate symptoms of increased anxiety and depression.
Massage
Prostate massage is one of the most effective physiotherapeutic methods for treating pathologies. Finger massage is performed rectally, affecting the prostate tissues. During the massage, the patient must lie on his side. The massage consists of caressing and pressing movements performed with the index finger. Prostate massage is performed with a full bladder.
physiotherapy treatment
Additional 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 medicinal substances into biologically active points on the human body;
- microwave hyperthermia - a treatment method based on the use of electromagnetic wave energy;
- ultrasonic impact;
- medicinal microclysters - the introduction of medicinal solutions into the rectum, are prescribed if it is not possible to carry out physiotherapeutic procedures.
With the development of complications such as abscess or suppuration of the seminal vesicles, an operation is indicated.
During treatment, the patient receives recommendations on lifestyle changes: following the principles of a healthy diet, normalizing sleep and ensuring moderate physical activity.
Prevention
Preventive measures to prevent the exacerbation of prostatitis include:
- compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- normalization of sex life, exclusion of casual sex;
- exclusion of bad habits - smoking, consumption of alcohol and drugs;
- ensure regular emptying of the bladder;
- the use of a large amount of liquid - contributes to more frequent urination, 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;
- reduce daily stress level;
- increasing immunity.
The appearance of the first signs of inflammation should always be the basis for contacting a doctor. First, it is important 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 cause complications.