Prostatitis is a common disease that can affect men of any age. It is an inflammatory disease of the prostate that causes various symptoms and has negative consequences for men's health. In this article, we will examine the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of prostatitis, as well as discuss preventive measures to keep men healthy.
Definition of the disease. Causes of the disease
Prostatitis in men is an inflammation of the prostate, which is associated with various symptoms and difficulty urinating.
Prostatitis can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as infections, injuries, allergies, and stress. The most common causes of prostatitis include:
- Bacterial infection: This is the most common cause of prostatitis. Bacteria can enter the prostate gland through the urogenital tract or blood, causing inflammation.
- Chronic constipation: Long-term constipation can stress 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.
- Damage to the prostate gland: Damage 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 helps prevent its development. In order 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 manifest itself with various symptoms that are unpleasant and negatively affect men's quality of life. Some of the most common symptoms of prostatitis are:
- Pain and discomfort in the perineum, rectum or bladder.
- Painful urination, sometimes with burning or pain.
- Urinating more often than usual, including at night.
- Weak, intermittent or heavy urine flow.
- Sexual problems, such as pain or discomfort during erection or ejaculation.
- Fatigue or general weakness.
- Increased body temperature and fever.
- Increased sensitivity to cold.
- Pain with pressure on the prostate.
- The appearance of blood in the urine or semen.
The symptoms of prostatitis can vary and can appear at different times and with different severity. If you suspect prostatitis, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment.
Pathogenesis of prostatitis
The pathogenesis of prostatitis includes a complex of changes in the prostate gland and other tissues of the male body during the inflammatory process.
Bacterial prostatitis occurs when bacteria enter the prostate gland through the urogenital tract or blood. The inflammatory process causes dilation of capillaries and damage to vessel walls, which leads to tissue swelling and damage to blood microcirculation. In addition, bacteria can continue to multiply and produce toxins that also contribute to inflammation.
Non-infectious non-bacterial prostatitis can be caused by various factors, such as chronic stress, autoimmune diseases, allergies, microcirculation disorders, etc. In non-bacterial prostatitis, there is no obvious infection, but some scientists associate it with changes in the functioning of the nervous system and disorders of the immune system.
The general mechanism of the pathogenesis of prostatitis includes disruption of the normal microflora of the prostate, inflammatory reaction, tissue damage and dysfunction of the prostate. The most effective way to treat prostatitis is complex treatment, which includes antibacterial therapy, painkillers, physiotherapy procedures, prostate massage and other methods of influence. The treatment must be prescribed by a doctor!
Classification and developmental stages of prostatitis
There are many classifications of prostatitis, but the most common are based on its causes:
- Bacterial prostatitis caused by a bacterial infection.
- Chronic prostatitis/Chronic postprostatitis syndrome is characterized by permanent symptoms, but the inflammatory process is not detected.
- Chronic abacterial prostatitis caused by non-infectious causes.
- Acute prostatitis is characterized by the rapid onset of the disease, severe pain and severe symptoms.
The development stages of prostatitis can be different, but there are usually three:
- Acute prostatitis. Rapid onset of the disease, severe symptoms such as pain, burning sensation when urinating, fever, etc. Acute prostatitis can be caused by a bacterial infection and requires immediate treatment.
- Chronic prostatitis / Chronic postprostatitis syndrome. Symptoms are persistent and may last for months or even years. It is possible that there is no inflammatory process and the symptoms are not infectious.
- Chronic abacterial prostatitis. The 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 development stages of prostatitis can help in timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease. If you experience symptoms of prostatitis, you should see 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. The most common complications of prostatitis are:
- Prostate cancer.
- Epididymitis is inflammation of the testicles.
- Sclerotizing lymphangitis.
- Seminal cyst.
- Blood poisoning.
- 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 see a doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Diagnosis of prostatitis involves 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 evaluate its size, shape, and structure. If the prostate gland is enlarged or abnormally shaped, this may indicate the presence of prostatitis.
A urine test shows the presence of bacteria and other indicators of inflammation. Blood also shows signs of inflammation.
Additional tests may include ultrasound of the prostate, 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 be elevated in 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 urinary tract diseases. Therefore, it is important to see 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 to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
For chronic prostatitis/chronic postprostatitis syndrome, if no infection is detected, a combination of drugs may be used, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and diuretics, as well as drugs to improve blood circulation to the prostate.
Chronic abacterial prostatitis is treated with drugs, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs that improve blood circulation to the prostate, and drugs that improve urination.
Other treatments for prostatitis include physical therapy, prostate massage, and lifestyle changes such as proper diet, 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, see a urologist or andrologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Forecast. Prevention
The prognosis of prostatitis depends on the type and extent of the disease. Bacterial prostatitis can be successfully treated if treatment is started in time. Chronic prostatitis can cause long-term discomfort, but is usually not a life-threatening disease.
Prevention of prostatitis includes:
- Observance of hygiene means regular washing of the genitals and the use of condoms during intercourse.
- Avoid hypothermia – clothing should be appropriate for the weather and sitting on cold surfaces should be avoided.
- Stopping smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Eating right and drinking enough water.
- Regular medical examination to detect diseases of the urogenital 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 see a doctor at the first signs of the disease for preventive medical examinations and timely treatment.
The modern clinic is suitable for professional diagnostics and treatment. The clinic offers you a comprehensive diagnosis, including a medical examination, blood and urine tests, ultrasound and other additional tests.
Depending on the diagnostic results, the clinic's specialists may prescribe individual treatment, including medication, physiotherapy, prostate massage, lifestyle changes and other treatment methods.
In addition, at the clinic, you can get advice and recommendations from qualified specialists on the prevention of prostatitis and other diseases of the urogenital system.
Do not delay seeing a doctor if you suspect prostatitis. A professional clinic will help identify and treat the disease as quickly as possible.