Prostatitis is a common disease that can affect men of 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 look at the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of prostatitis, and also discuss preventive measures to preserve men's health.
Definition of disease. Cause of disease
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland in men, which causes various symptoms and causes difficulty urinating.
Prostatitis can be caused by various reasons such as infection, injury, allergies and stress. Some of 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 genitourinary tract or blood, causing inflammation.
- Chronic constipation: Long-term constipation can put pressure on the prostate gland, which can cause inflammation.
- Sexual problems: Lack of long-term sexual activity or sexual fatigue can lead to the development of prostatitis.
- Autoimmune diseases: Some autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation of the prostate gland.
- Injury to the prostate gland: Injury to the prostate gland can cause inflammation.
- Irregular sexual activity: Lack of regular sexual activity can cause the secretion in the prostate gland to stop, which can cause inflammation.
Knowing the cause of prostatitis will help prevent its development. To prevent the development of prostatitis, you need to monitor your health and consult a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms of prostatitis
Prostatitis can manifest itself with various unpleasant symptoms and have a negative impact on the quality of life of men. Some of the most common symptoms of prostatitis include:
- Pain and discomfort in the perineum, rectum or bladder.
- Painful urination, sometimes with burning or pain.
- The need to urinate more often than usual, including at night.
- Weak, intermittent or difficult urine flow.
- Sexual problems such as pain or discomfort during erection or ejaculation.
- Feeling tired or generally weak.
- Increased body temperature and fever.
- Increases sensitivity to cold.
- Pain with pressure on the prostate.
- The appearance of blood in the urine or semen.
Symptoms of prostatitis can vary and may appear at different times and at varying degrees of severity. If you suspect prostatitis, you should see 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 impaired 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 non-bacterial prostatitis, there is no obvious infection, but some scientists associate it with changes in the function of the nervous system and disturbances in the immune system.
Common mechanisms of prostatitis pathogenesis include disruption of the normal microflora of the prostate gland, inflammatory response, tissue damage and dysfunction of the prostate gland. The most effective approach to treating prostatitis is complex treatment, including antibacterial therapy, painkillers, 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 are based on the cause:
- Bacterial prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
- Chronic prostatitis/Chronic postprostatitis syndrome is characterized by persistent symptoms, but the inflammatory process is not detected.
- Chronic abacterial prostatitis caused by non-infectious causes.
- Acute prostatitis is characterized by rapid disease onset, severe pain and severe symptoms.
The stages of prostatitis development can vary, but there are usually three:
- Acute prostatitis. Rapid onset of illness, severe symptoms such as pain, burning when urinating, fever, etc. Acute prostatitis can be caused by a bacterial infection and requires immediate treatment.
- Chronic prostatitis/Chronic postprostatitis syndrome. Symptoms are always present and can last for months or even years. There may be no inflammatory process, and the symptoms may not be contagious.
- Chronic abacterial prostatitis. Symptoms are always 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.
Knowledge of 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 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. Some of the most common complications of prostatitis include:
- Prostate cancer.
- Epididymitis is inflammation of the testicles.
- Sclerosing lymphangitis.
- Seminal cyst.
- Sepsis.
- Prostate dysfunction.
- Increased risk of 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 proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Diagnosis of prostatitis 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 texture. 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 be increased 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 other genitourinary diseases. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor for professional diagnosis and treatment if you suspect prostatitis.
Treatment of prostatitis
Treatment for 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 drugs can be used, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and diuretics, as well as drugs that improve blood circulation in the prostate gland.
Chronic abacterial prostatitis is treated with drugs, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs to improve blood circulation in the prostate gland, and drugs to facilitate 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.
Forecast. Prevention
The prognosis of prostatitis depends on the type and degree of the disease. Bacterial prostatitis can be treated successfully if treatment is started on time. Chronic prostatitis can cause long-term discomfort, but is usually not a life-threatening disease.
Prevention of prostatitis includes:
- Keeping clean means regularly washing the genitals and using condoms during sexual intercourse.
- Avoiding hypothermia - clothing should be appropriate for the weather conditions and sitting on cold surfaces should be avoided.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Eat right and drink enough water.
- Regular medical examinations 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 examination and timely treatment at the early signs of the disease.
Modern clinics are suitable for professional diagnostics and treatment. The clinic will offer you a comprehensive diagnosis, including medical examination, blood and urine tests, ultrasound and other additional studies.
Depending on the diagnostic results, the clinician can prescribe individual treatment, including medications, physiotherapy, prostate massage, lifestyle changes and other treatment methods.
In addition, at the clinic you can receive advice from qualified specialists and recommendations on the prevention of prostatitis and other diseases of the genitourinary system.
Do not delay visiting your doctor if you suspect prostatitis. A professional clinic will help you identify and treat the disease as soon as possible.