Prostatitis is a common disease that can affect a man at any age. This is an inflammatory disease of the prostate gland that causes various symptoms and leads to negative consequences for men's health. In this article we will consider the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of prostatitis, as well as discuss preventive measures to maintain men's health.
Definition of disease. Causes of the disease
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland in men, which causes various symptoms and leads to difficulty urinating.
Prostatitis can be caused by various reasons such as infections, injuries, allergies and stress. Some of the more common causes of prostatitis include:
- Bacterial infection: This is the most common cause of prostatitis. Bacteria can enter the prostate gland through the genitourinary tract or blood, causing inflammation.
- Chronic constipation: Long-term constipation can cause stress on the prostate gland, which can lead to inflammation.
- Sexual problems: Long-term lack of sexual activity or sexual fatigue can lead to the development of prostatitis.
- Autoimmune diseases: Some autoimmune diseases can lead to inflammation of the prostate gland.
- Injury to the prostate gland: Injury to the prostate gland can lead to inflammation.
- Irregular sexual activity: Lack of regular sexual activity can lead to stagnation of secretions in the prostate gland, which can cause inflammation.
Knowing the causes of prostatitis will help prevent its development. To avoid the development of prostatitis, you should monitor your health and consult a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms of prostatitis
Prostatitis can appear with various symptoms that are unpleasant and have a negative impact on the quality of life of men. Some of the more common symptoms of prostatitis include:
- Pain and discomfort in the perineum, rectum or bladder.
- Painful urination, sometimes with a burning sensation or pain.
- The need to urinate more often than usual, including at night.
- Weak, interrupted or difficult flow of urine.
- Sexual problems such as pain or discomfort during erection or ejaculation.
- You feel tired or generally weak.
- Increased body temperature and fever.
- Increased sensitivity to cold.
- Pressive pain in prostate.
- The appearance of blood in the urine or semen.
The symptoms of prostatitis can vary and can appear at different times and in different degrees of severity. If you suspect prostatitis, you should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Pathogenesis of prostatitis
The pathogenesis of prostatitis includes a complex of changes that occur in the prostate gland and other tissues of the male body during the inflammatory process.
Bacterial prostatitis develops when bacteria enter the prostate gland through the genitourinary tract or blood. The inflammatory process causes the expansion of capillaries and damage to the walls of blood vessels, which leads to tissue swelling and damage to blood microcirculation. In addition, bacteria can continue to multiply and produce toxins, which also contribute to inflammation.
Non-bacterial prostatitis, which is not associated with infection, can be caused by various factors, such as chronic stress, autoimmune diseases, allergies, microcirculation disorders, etc. In nonbacterial prostatitis, there is no apparent infection, but some scientists associate it with changes in nervous system function and disturbances in the immune system.
The general mechanism of the pathogenesis of prostatitis includes the disruption of the normal microflora of the prostate gland, an inflammatory reaction, tissue damage and dysfunction of the prostate gland. The most effective approach to the treatment of prostatitis is complex treatment, including antibacterial therapy, pain relievers, physiotherapeutic procedures, prostate massage and other methods of influence. Treatment must be prescribed by a doctor!
Classification and stages of prostatitis development
There are several classifications of prostatitis, but the most common is based on its causes:
- Bacterial prostatitis caused by a bacterial infection.
- Chronic prostatitis/Chronic postprostatitis syndrome is characterized by persistent symptoms, but the inflammatory process is not detected.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis caused by non-infectious causes.
- Acute prostatitis is characterized by a rapid onset of the disease, severe pain and severe symptoms.
The stages of prostatitis development can be different, but there are usually three:
- Acute prostatitis. Rapid onset of the disease, severe symptoms such as pain, burning during urination, fever, etc. Acute prostatitis can be caused by a bacterial infection and requires immediate treatment.
- Chronic prostatitis/Chronic postprostatitis syndrome. Symptoms are constantly present and can last for months or even years. There may be no inflammatory process and the symptoms may be non-infectious.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis. Symptoms are constantly present, but the inflammatory process is not detected. This type of prostatitis can be caused by various reasons, such as stress, prolonged constipation, microcirculation disorders, etc.
Knowing the classification and stages of prostatitis development can help in timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease. If you notice symptoms of prostatitis, you should consult a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.
Complications of prostatitis
Prostatitis can cause various complications that can have a negative impact on men's health. Some of the more common complications of prostatitis include:
- Prostate cancer.
- Epididymitis is inflammation of the testicles.
- Sclerosing lymphangitis.
- Seminal cyst.
- Sepsis.
- Prostate dysfunction.
- Increased risk of developing depression and other psychological problems.
It is important to remember that prostatitis is a serious disease that requires timely diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect prostatitis, you should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Prostatitis diagnosis includes a physical examination, urine and blood tests, and other additional tests.
During a physical exam, your doctor will examine the prostate gland through the rectum to assess its size, shape, and structure. If the prostate gland is enlarged or has an abnormal shape, this may indicate the presence of prostatitis.
A urine test will reveal the presence of bacteria and other indicators of inflammation. Blood will also show signs of inflammation.
Additional tests may include prostate ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, biopsy, and other methods.
Your doctor may also recommend a prostate antigen (PSA) test. This substance is produced by the prostate gland and can increase in the presence of prostatitis, prostate cancer and other diseases.
In general, diagnosing prostatitis can be challenging because the symptoms of prostatitis can be very similar to those of other genitourinary diseases. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor for professional diagnosis and treatment if you suspect prostatitis.
Treatment of prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis depends on the type and cause of the disease. Bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, which aim to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
For chronic prostatitis/chronic postprostatitis syndrome, when the infection is not detected, a combination of medications may be used, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and diuretics, as well as drugs that improve blood flow to the prostate gland.
Chronic abacterial prostatitis is treated with medications, such as anti-inflammatory medications, medications to improve blood flow to the prostate gland, and medications to improve urination.
Additional treatments for prostatitis include physical therapy, prostate massage, and lifestyle changes such as proper nutrition, exercise, adequate rest, and stress management.
It is important to remember that the treatment of prostatitis is prescribed only by a qualified doctor. If you suspect prostatitis, consult a urologist or andrologist for diagnosis and treatment.
The prediction. Preventing
The prognosis of prostatitis depends on the type and extent of the disease. Bacterial prostatitis can be successfully treated if treatment is started at the right time. Chronic prostatitis can cause long-term discomfort, but is usually not a life-threatening disease.
Prevention of prostatitis includes:
- Maintaining hygiene means regularly washing the genitals and using condoms during sexual intercourse.
- Avoiding hypothermia - clothing should be appropriate for the weather conditions and avoid sitting on cold surfaces.
- Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Eating right and drinking enough water.
- Regular medical examination to detect diseases of the genitourinary system.
- Regular exercise and stress management.
It is important to know that prostatitis is a serious disease that can have a negative impact on a man's quality of life. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor for preventive medical examinations and timely treatment at the first signs of the disease.
The modern clinic is suitable for professional diagnosis and treatment. The clinic will offer you a comprehensive diagnosis, including a medical examination, blood and urine tests, ultrasound and other additional studies.
Depending on the diagnostic results, clinic specialists can prescribe individual treatment, including medications, physiotherapy, prostate massage, lifestyle changes and other treatment methods.
In addition, in the clinic you can get advice from qualified specialists and recommendations for the prevention of prostatitis and other diseases of the genitourinary system.
Do not delay the visit to the doctor if you suspect prostatitis. A professional clinic will help you identify and treat the disease as soon as possible.