Prostatitis is the most common disease of the male urogenital area. Inflammation of the prostate occurs due to a man's careless attitude towards his health. Prostatitis causes a lot of inconvenience and can cause serious complications.
Causes of the disease
The prostate gland produces a secret that is responsible for the motor activity of spermatozoa, for normalizing the pH of the urinary tract and for protecting the genitourinary system from infections.
Prostatitis most often affects men between the ages of 25 and 50. Pathology develops when an infectious agent enters the prostate tissue 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, an occupation that forces a person to remain seated for a long time: a driver, an employee;
- transferred urological diseases;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- violation of the normal intensity of sexual life: both excessive activity and frequent changes in 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 poisoning such as smoking, alcohol or drug use can also increase the risk of developing prostatitis.
Symptoms of the disease
Prostatitis can manifest itself in an acute or chronic form. Symptoms of acute prostatitis include:
- pain in the lower back and groin region of varying intensity;
- difficulty urinating;
- burning sensation when trying to urinate;
- violation of erectile function - premature ejaculation, decreased severity of orgasm, weak erection;
- fever, chills, fever;
- psycho-emotional state disorders: depression, increased anxiety, lowered 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, there may be problems in sexual life: pain during and after 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 prostatic secretion.
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 condition of the prostate gland.
Diagnosis and treatment
The disease is characterized by a specific clinical picture, so the diagnosis is usually not difficult. In addition to the analysis of patient complaints, the following data are taken into account:
- rectal examination of the prostate;
- general and biochemical analysis of urine;
- collection of glandular secretion;
- Ultrasound of the prostate;
- spermograms - to determine the risk of infertility;
- CT or MRI - to rule out the presence of benign or malignant neoplasms.
An integrated approach is used in the treatment of prostatitis, which includes conservative therapy, the use of physiotherapy, 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 purpose, antibiotics are prescribed. The choice of the 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. The preparations of 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 physiotherapy methods for treating the pathology. Finger massage is performed rectally, involving the tissues of the prostate. During the massage, the patient should be in a position on their side. The massage consists of stroking and pressing movements performed with the index finger. Prostate massage is performed with a full bladder.
Physiotherapy treatment
Additional treatments include the following physiotherapy:
- 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 method of treatment based on the use of electromagnetic wave energy;
- ultrasonic impact;
- medicinal microenemas - the introduction of medicinal solutions into the rectum, they are prescribed if physiotherapeutic procedures cannot be performed.
With the development of complications, such as an abscess or suppuration of the seminal vesicles, an operation is indicated.
During treatment, the patient is given recommendations on lifestyle changes: follow the principles of a healthy diet, normalize sleep and ensure moderate physical activity.
Prevention
Preventive measures to prevent exacerbation of prostatitis include:
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- normalization of sexual life, exclusion of casual sexual intercourse;
- exclusion of bad habits - smoking, alcohol and drug use;
- 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;
- alternate sedentary work with moderate physical activity;
- timely detection and treatment of infectious diseases;
- reduce the level of daily stress;
- enhancement of immunity.
The appearance of the first signs of inflammation should always be the basis for contacting a doctor. First of all, 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.