Prostatitis is an inflammatory process localized in the prostate gland. This pathology is quite common and is often diagnosed in the reproductive age of men. The prostate (the second name for the prostate gland) is located below the bladder and partially surrounds the urinary tube (urethra). Therefore, even a slight dysfunction of this organ leads to disturbances in the functioning of the genitourinary system.
The reasons for the development of prostatitis
Prostatitis is classified as an inflammatory process, but this does not mean that it is caused solely by pathogenic microorganisms. Doctors (andrologists are engaged in diseases of the male reproductive system) identify several reasons for the development of the pathology in question:
- Pool of blood in the small pelvis. This refers to the violation of blood microcirculation in the prostate gland and nearby organs, which provokes an increase in the organ. A violation can occur against the background of a sedentary lifestyle, obesity (it does not have to be critical), in the postoperative period.
- Infection of the genitourinary system. Most often, when examining a patient with prostatitis, doctors isolate gonococci, staphylococci, chlamydia and Trichomonas. Very rarely, an infection can penetrate the prostate gland against the background of a sore throat or flu - in this case, the inflammatory process in question is differentiated as a complication.
- Regular trauma to the pelvic organs. Because of this, prostatitis develops in drivers: they constantly receive a load on the perineum, the prostate gland experiences tremors and vibrations.
- The entry of bacteria through the biological fluids of the body. In each person's body there are colonies of bacteria that live in the intestines and urethra. In the normal state, they are absolutely harmless and only under favorable conditions (weakening of the immune system, prolonged use of drugs, chronic diseases, human immunodeficiency virus) become pathogenic and cause inflammatory processes. These bacteria can enter the prostate gland through blood or lymph.
In addition, when diagnosing an inflammatory process in the prostate gland, factors that act as provocateurs of pathology can also be considered:
- regular hypothermia - this may be due to the peculiarities of working conditions or ignoring the rules for wearing clothes at specific times of the year;
- disorders in the endocrine system - excessive or insufficient production of male hormones, diagnosed diabetes mellitus;
- too active sex life, as well as prolonged abstinence: the prostate gland is exhausted;
- any chronic diseases - there are officially registered cases of the development of prostatitis against the background of untreated bronchitis, caries, cystitis, urological infections.
Symptoms of the inflammatory process
Andrologists distinguish between the main and indirect signs of a developing inflammatory process in the prostate gland. The main symptoms are pronounced:
- urination becomes more frequent, regardless of the amount of fluid consumed;
- the moment of outflow of urine is painful, the man feels cramps and burning in the urethra;
- body temperature (hyperemia) rises to critical levels.
These symptoms are very quickly joined by a burning sensation in the area of the entire perineum and pain during bowel movements.
Indirect signs of inflammation in the prostate gland aren't that obvious, but men shouldn't ignore them:
- ejaculation becomes too accelerated - intercourse time is reduced;
- the erection can be quite long at night;
- decreased sexual desire - partial or complete;
- White "flakes" or "threads" appear in the urine.
Note: these indirect signs indicate the onset of the development of the inflammatory process in question: it responds well to treatment and proceeds without complications.
Prostatitis is classified into acute and chronic forms of the course, each of which has its own characteristics.
Acute prostatitis
Acute prostatitis always begins suddenly and manifests itself:
- an increase in temperature;
- prolonged pain in the perineum;
- frequent need to use the toilet;
- the release of a very small amount of urine with a feeling of full bladder.
Note: urinary retention is considered the most dangerous condition in the acute form of the inflammatory process of the prostate gland. In this case, the man will feel a strong need to go to the toilet, but urine will not be released even with a strong effort. Acute urinary retention is accompanied by severe pain in the area of the anatomical location of the bladder, a feeling of pressure - patients describe their condition "now the bladder will burst". The condition requires immediate medical attention, which involves the use of a catheter: it is inserted into the urethra and bladder, literally "pushing" the swollen gland. As soon as the catheter reaches the bladder, the outflow of urine begins and the patient is immediately relieved, his condition normalizes for a short time.
chronic prostatitis
This type of pathology under consideration is almost asymptomatic - occasionally a man experiences short-term pain in the perineum (similar to a low back pain), notes changes in sexual intercourse - it can stretch or contract. In addition, the patient becomes irritable, the night sleep is restless, the flow of urine may weaken (this is due to the narrowing of the urinary tract), in the morning there may be white clots in the urine in the form of flakes or threads.
Note: the chronic form of the inflammatory process in the prostate gland can develop imperceptibly for the patient himself. The fact is that at a young age, acute prostatitis proceeds with mild symptoms, and if a young man likes to drink alcohol or is too passionate about his work, he does not have time to pay attention to changes in urination or periodic pain in the perineum. The symptoms of acute prostatitis will disappear over time, but that does not mean that the disease has receded - it has simply become chronic.
Methods for the treatment of prostatitis
Treatment of the inflammatory process in the prostate gland should take place only under the supervision of an andrologist. It not only diagnoses prostatitis itself (often its symptoms are identical to prostate cancer), but also reveals the true cause of its onset. In general, different therapies can be used to treat inflammation of the prostate.
Pharmacological treatment
With prostatitis, antibacterial agents (antibiotics) may be prescribed, but only if, during the examination, pathogenic bacteria were isolated and recognized as the cause of the development of the pathology. Simultaneously with antibiotics, the patient is prescribed probiotics or prebiotics - drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora and resist the development of pathological processes in it.
If the inflammatory process began due to the negative effects of external factors (hypothermia, trauma), then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will be prescribed.
In case of hormonal disorders, a man must undergo a course of hormone therapy.
Note: drug treatment is highly variable, so it should be selected on an individual basis - self-medication in this case is strictly prohibited.
Physiotherapy
Treatment of inflammation of the prostate gland should be comprehensive. And against the background of the use of drugs, it will be effective to carry out certain physiotherapy procedures:
- Electrical stimulation - accelerates metabolic processes, causes more active production of hormones, restores the structure of the gland.
- Magnetotherapy is a painless procedure that helps reduce the level of inflammation and eliminate swelling of the prostate gland.
- Prostate gland massage - is performed only after carrying out medical measures in connection with acute inflammation, the procedure is painful, but very effective.
ethnoscience
Note: Recipes from the category of traditional medicine should not be the only method of treatment - they can only speed up the therapeutic process and enhance the effect of taking medications and physiotherapy.
The most effective and safe methods of alternative treatment include:
- Eat pumpkin seeds. They contain zinc, which is an essential element for men's health, so for prostatitis it is necessary to eat 30 raw seeds 30 minutes before meals during the course of therapy.
- Pumpkin honey balls. Peel 100 grams of raw pumpkin seeds, chop them in a meat grinder (or in a blender, but not into small crumbs) and mix with 200 grams of honey. Form into balls from the resulting mass and store them in the refrigerator. Before eating (30 minutes), you need to eat 1-2 balls - there is no need to chew it, it is better to dissolve it slowly. Treatment with this prescription continues until the symptoms of prostatitis disappear.
- A decoction of hazelnut leaves. You can collect hazel leaves yourself, or you can buy dry raw materials at the pharmacy, you need a glass of boiling water for one tablespoon of the source. The broth is brewed like regular tea for 20 minutes, filtered and taken in 50ml at least 4 times a day. Note: Hazelnut bark is also sold in pharmacies - it can also be used in the treatment of prostatitis and according to the same prescription. But keep in mind that for the crust the infusion time is doubled.
- Parsley juice. Prepare it from the green leaves of the plant and take 1 dessert spoon 3 times a day before meals.
- Parsley seed broth. You need to take 1 tablespoon of parsley seeds, pour 400 ml of boiling water and leave for 2 hours (you can do this in a thermos). You need to take broth every day in the morning and in the evening in the amount of 1 tbsp.
In any case, no matter how safe the remedy may seem, you must first consult your doctor. For example, if a man, in addition to prostatitis, has cholelithiasis, he is strictly forbidden to use pumpkin seeds - any appointments are made on a strictly individual basis.
Diet and lifestyle
To achieve the best result during therapeutic measures in relation to prostatitis, it is necessary to adhere to a certain diet. It should exclude from the diet fatty meat, smoked and too salty dishes, pastries and chocolate. The menu can include fish and seafood, milk and its derivatives, steamed vegetables. It is very useful for prostatitis to use freshly prepared juices from fruits and vegetables - they will help strengthen and restore the immune system.
During therapy, it is necessary to exclude alcohol and lead an active lifestyle - at least, do morning exercises, walk more and get rid of extra pounds.
Prostatitis is not considered a life-threatening disease for men, but ignoring its symptoms can lead to the development of serious complications. One of the most difficult consequences is male infertility and loss of erectile function, which often occurs with prolonged chronic prostatitis.