The "second heart of men" - the prostate or prostate gland - is an indicator of its sexuality and fertility. Thus, each man must decide for himself whether it is dangerous for him not to control the condition of this organ. And with the development of inflammation of the prostate gland, you will have to ask yourself an important question - how to live with prostatitis?
Prostatitis- A disease characterized by the presence of localized inflammation and / or infection in the prostate gland.
It can manifest itself with a wide range of clinical signs and complaints.
To begin, let's look at the function of the prostate gland:
- secretion production, which is an integral part of sperm and participates in the liquefaction of ejaculation, as well as in the saturation of various enzymes and vitamins, citric acid, zinc ions, which help to improve sperm motility and activity;
- The prostate gland has smooth muscle fibers that help separate sperm from the urethra during ejaculation, prevent sperm from entering the bladder, and participate in the urinary retention mechanism.
- Produces hormones and active substances that regulate the activity of the genital area.
Prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are the three main organ diseases.
All three diseases can occur in the same prostate gland at the same time. That is, the presence of prostatitis does not exclude the presence of prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer in the patient, and vice versa.
Causes and risk factors of prostatitis
According to statistics, prostatitis is the most common urological disease after hyperplasia (growth) and prostate cancer in men under 50 years of age, and the third most common in men over 50 years of age.
At least 30% of outpatient urological visits are associated with prostatitis.
It is clear to all men who have had prostatitis and their number has increased in recent years that such a disease will not lead a simple and carefree life. Many factors affect the onset of the disease. This is both a deteriorating environment and a crazy rhythm of life, as a result of which men are exposed to stress and depression - these causes can sometimes not be changed, but there are factors that are completely dependent on men themselves.
The most common causes of the disease:
- sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, relaxation in front of the TV;
- prolonged abstinence from sexual activity;
- an irregular diet that leads to improper metabolism;
- bad habits: smoking, drinking alcohol and beer;
- chronic diseases of the genitourinary system;
- Frequent change of sexual partners increases the risk of prostatitis;
- sexually transmitted diseases and genitourinary infections;
- delayed ejaculation and ejaculation during sexual intercourse;
- excessive consumption of spicy, fatty, salty, spicy foods;
- frequent constipation, hemorrhoids;
- decrease in immunity.
Possible causes of prostatitis include:
- intraprostatic reflux of urine as a result of dysfunctional urination (with certain predisposing factors, urine can enter the prostate gland through the prostate ducts, causing an inflammatory process);
- unprotected anal sex;
- narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis);
- autoimmune diseases;
- functional and anatomical changes in the pelvic floor muscles;
- changes in the central nervous system, including functional and anatomical changes in the brain;
- traumatic and unusual sexual activity;
- psychological factors (a number of studies have shown the effect of psychological stress on the development of symptoms of chronic prostatitis - in some patients a reduction in the symptoms of prostatitis and psychosomatic disorders with the possibility of its recurrence were noted).
Symptoms:
- pain or burning during urination (dysuria);
- urinary disorders;
- discoloration of urine and / or sperm;
- appearance of blood in urine and / or sperm;
- pain and / or discomfort in the abdomen, groin, or lower back;
- pain and / or discomfort in the perineum;
- pain and / or discomfort in the penis and testicles;
- pain and / or discomfort during ejaculation;
- increase in body temperature (with acute bacterial prostatitis).
Diagnosis:
According to the generally accepted classification of prostatitis by the NIH (US National Institutes of Health), there are four categories of disease that are traditionally marked with Roman numerals:
I - acute bacterial prostatitis;
II - chronic bacterial prostatitis;
III - chronic abacterial prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP / CPPS):
IV - asymptomatic (asymptomatic) chronic prostatitis.
Diagnosis of prostatitis involves a digital examination of the rectum (rectal examination), which involves feeling (palpating) the prostate gland through the anus (rectum) with the index finger.
Digital rectal examination (DRE)- Important diagnostic manipulation in case of suspicion of any pathology of the prostate gland. Therefore, it is advisable for men not to refuse to take it.
Laboratory diagnosis primarily involves a general urine test in which an increase in the number of leukocytes is noted. Bacteriological culture of urine, prostate secretion and sperm, as well as urethral smears are recommended for STDs. Based on the results of the analysis, it is possible to determine the presence of bacteria and their sensitivity to antibiotics, and thus adjust the prescribed antibiotic therapy. A general blood test is also done to assess the general condition of the body and its response to the inflammatory process.
Assignment of oncomarker (PSA) and its fractions is also not recommended - due to low data content and data distortion in the background of inflammation.
Treatment of prostatitis
The main thing in the treatment of a disease is an integrated approach and strict adherence to all the recommendations of a specialist. Medicine has shown good results in eliminating prostatitis. It is important not to interrupt the algorithm of therapeutic actions after the patient finds "his" urologist, whom he unconditionally trusts. Under no circumstances should treatment be discontinued after the onset of relief after taking anti-infective drugs.
This first success must be consolidated and continued. Treatment involves not only the destruction of harmful bacteria, but also the repair of damaged prostate tissue, boosting immunity and correcting other changes in the body caused by inflammation. At the beginning of the article it was said that life with prostatitis will not be carefree. Unfortunately, some patients stop treatment with a specialist, noting that their health has improved, and make boring visits to the clinic for procedures, and then deal with the treatment themselves. Thus, it is not only impossible but also dangerous to do so.
How is prostatitis treated in the clinic?
The urologist treats prostatitis and other diseases of the genitourinary system based on international clinical guidelines. This means that he not only uses his professional knowledge, but also focuses on scientifically proven and world-accepted methods of diagnosis and therapy.
Our doctors do not prescribe ineffective drugs and examinations "anyway" and do not treat non-existent diseases. In making a diagnosis, the urologist relies on information from the patient's examination, clinical picture, laboratory and instrumental studies.
About the dangers of self-medication
Without enough knowledge in the field of medicine, self-medication can only do harm. No folk methods determined independently will be of any use. A urologist should be a man's main friend and mentor in the fight against adversity. Only a specialist can tell you what methods can be used to add medication. In addition to traditional medicine, which significantly helps to cope with the disease, but in addition to traditional treatment, there are many dietary supplements that flood the pharmacy shelves. An ignorant person naively believes that taking supplements will save him from prostatitis. Remember that self-medication can lead to chronicity and progression of the disease!