What is prostatitis - the first signs, symptoms, treatment

The prostate gland can easily be called one of the most important organs in the male reproductive system.The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a regular walnut, located around the urethra.The main function of this organ is to produce fluid - prostate juice, which actively participates in the formation of sperm and provides sperm motility.

prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate

According to the WHO, almost a third of the male population is diagnosed with problems with the prostate gland with subsequent complications.Prostatitis is a disease of the endocrine organ, characterized in medicine as prostate inflammation due to tissue damage by viruses or bacteria.In addition, non-specific infectious pathology can develop against the background of inflammation of the seminal vesicles, prostate appendages, or urinary disorders.

Symptoms of prostatitis

Conventionally, prostate diseases are usually divided into several categories: bacterial, chronic and non-bacterial.In the first two cases, prostate disorders begin because bacteria enter the body.The acute form of bacterial prostatitis is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, severe pain in the groin of the abdomen and perineum, and cramps in the lower abdomen.A sick man begins to go to the toilet more often, and sometimes drops of blood come out with the urine.

Non-bacterial prostatitis occurs as a form of prostatic chronic pelvic pain syndrome, while other symptoms may be completely absent.Chronic signs of prostatitis in men are expressed in pain during urination, in the groin, absence or disturbance of sexual function.The peculiarity of this form of prostatitis is that most of the time it is asymptomatic.

It should be remembered that the characteristics of how prostatitis manifests itself cannot be described as constant.Due to the fact that each organism is individual, certain signs may not be completely present, and the disease may occur differently in different categories of men.Sometimes prostatitis begins with a sudden manifestation of the inflammatory process - then they talk about the acute form.If the disease bothers you only occasionally, then most likely the chronic stage of prostate inflammation.

Causes of prostatitis

Many different categories of citizens can be considered at risk for this pathology, but more often prostatitis develops in those who:

  • a lot of sitting and little movement;
  • prefer an unbalanced diet to healthy food;
  • cannot in any way get rid of addiction to drink or smoke tobacco;
  • often get hypothermia;
  • not having a regular sexual partner;
  • often reject sex.

However, even this is far from a complete list of what causes prostatitis.Doctors say that inflammation of the prostate can appear even in almost healthy men, where everything is often associated with excessive fatigue, stress, and bad ecology.It often develops after surgery, severe bruising or other trauma to the genitals.In any case, if you have the slightest suspicion of prostatitis, you should immediately visit a urologist.

Chronic prostatitis

symptoms of prostatitis

Manifestations of recurrent forms of the disease are diverse.For some men, this is a complete rejection of sex, a frequent urge to go to the toilet, itching or burning in the urethra, or pain in the groin.However, other categories of patients may experience the same symptoms only from time to time.More typical are the functional signs of chronic prostatitis, which are usually divided into three subgroups:

  • painful and frequent urge to go to the toilet, urinary retention, blood in the sputum, swelling in the groin, diarrhea;
  • feeling of pressure in the anus during ejaculation, absence or weakness of erection, loss of desire to have sex, loss of intensity of orgasm;
  • feelings of anxiety, fatigue, depression, frequent nervous breakdowns and stress.

Recurrent prostatitis without proper treatment can not only cause many problems, but also lead to serious consequences: adenomas, abscesses and prostate cancer.Chronic inflammation of the prostate can go on forever, but the course of prostatitis is never boring.Sharp and sometimes intense attacks are followed by periods of relative calm.

Catarrhal prostatitis

Acute or parenchymal prostatitis in men often occurs due to weak immunity or infection entering the body.In addition, the catarrhal form of the disease can develop even after a common sore throat, acute respiratory viral infection and severe cough.Microbes, bacteria and other pathogenic microflora, together with lymph, penetrate into the prostate, where they trigger an inflammatory process.The first signs of prostatitis in men are usually a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and a slight increase in temperature.

With a detailed examination, the doctor may see other symptoms characteristic of the catarrhal form.For example:

  • after examination, a slight swelling of the prostate is revealed, while the procedure itself is very painful for the patient;
  • analysis of secretions from the prostate will reveal the release of an increased number of leukocytes;
  • Ultrasound shows a purulent component, blockage or partial narrowing of the channel through which urine passes.

Diagnosis of prostatitis

Thanks to active campaigns and advertising everywhere, today even school children know not only about the symptoms, but also how to treat the prostate.However, the absence of any signs makes it difficult not only to choose the right medicine, but also to make a timely diagnosis.The best way to prevent inflammation is to visit the clinic more often.Therefore, prostatitis is often diagnosed during a routine examination by a urologist.

If there are complaints, an experienced doctor may already suspect inflammation of the prostate and prescribe appropriate tests, which often include:

  • digital rectal examination;
  • analysis of secretions and seminal fluid;
  • ultrasound examination of the prostate;
  • urine and blood analysis;
  • take a smear from the urethra.

How to treat prostatitis

How prostatitis manifests itself and its treatment is the main topic of discussion in many international symposia and medical conferences.Every year scientists, ordinary doctors and experienced doctors try to establish more accurate symptoms of prostatitis, develop new drugs and preventive methods.However, at present, various classical therapeutic measures remain unchanged and include:

  • prescription of antibacterial, antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs;
  • the use of magnetic field devices, hirudotherapy, ultrasound and laser treatment in patients;
  • a course of prostate massage that aims to strengthen the reproductive function of the body and normalize the microcirculation of blood flow in the genitourinary system.

In the complex treatment of prostatitis, herbal medicine is often used.

treatment of prostatitis

Treatment of chronic prostatitis in men

Unfortunately, there is no single method or medicine that can relieve you from the manifestations of the disease, let alone completely eliminate inflammation.Therefore, the treatment of chronic prostatitis occurs according to a comprehensive scheme, using effective drugs from three groups:

  • Antibiotics - fluoroquinolones.Drugs from this series penetrate well into the soft tissues of the prostate and destroy most types of harmful microorganisms.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets.They eliminate prostate swelling, improve blood circulation, and relieve pain.
  • Alpha blockers.They help relax the bladder and urethra, facilitating the outflow of urine.

In addition, drug therapy involves the use of several additional drugs that help strengthen the prostate: vitamins, enzymes, suppositories, adaptogens.The doctor can also prescribe massage, simple physiotherapeutic procedures or physical therapy.All patients are prescribed a special fiber diet, excluding the use of alcohol, canned food, fried food, too spicy or salty.