The prostate is a gland in the male body. The normal parameters of a healthy organ are 2. 5-4. 5 cm long and 3-4 cm wide. It is made up of glandular and muscle tissue and is formed around the age of 23 when the accumulation of hormones increases. The glandular or secretory tissue produces a special fluid (secret) that is released at the time of ejaculation and is part of the semen.
The secret of the prostate has an alkaline reaction and ensures the vital activity and motility of sperm and protects them from the acidic environment of the vagina.
What is prostatitis
This is an inflammation of the prostate that only occurs in the male body and is involved in the production of the male sex hormone. Ligaments connect the gland to the pubic junction between the bones, its base converges with the bladder and surrounds the initial section of the urethra.
The prostate, located in the small pelvis, is separated from the rectum by a thin connective tissue septum. This anatomical location of the prostate explains the discomfort that occurs when it becomes inflamed and enlarged. The gland presses on the urethra, causing poor urine flow.
Compression of the rectum causes constipation. The location in close proximity to the perineum causes pain in this area.
Allocate acute and chronic prostatitis.
Acute prostatitiscan be caused by various bacteria:
- Escherichia coli.
- Staphylococcus aureus.
- enterococci.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- enterobacteria.
The presence of these pathogens in the body of a healthy person is natural and not harmful. But with a decrease in immunity, the bacteria are activated, penetrate the tissues of the gland and cause acute inflammatory processes, which are manifested:
- An increase in temperature, both throughout the body and rectally (in the rectum). In addition, the rectal temperature is often higher than in the armpit region.
- Complaints of chills, fever.
- The appearance of pain in the groin, scrotum, anus.
- Frequent painful (cramps, burning) urination. Urges become more frequent at night.
- General intoxication. Weakness, pain in muscles and joints, headache.
- change in color of the urine. It becomes cloudy, sometimes with an admixture of blood.
- discharge from the urethra.
A sluggish or advanced acute process lasting more than 3 months leads tochronic form.It is characterized by:
- pain in the genital area.
- violation of urination.
- sexual disorders.
main reasons
- urinary tract infection. They can go unnoticed for a long time. The normal microflora of the genitourinary system copes with the pathogenic flora for some time. But as a result of hypothermia or other unfavorable conditions, aggressive microflora begins to prevail and inflammation begins.
- congestion in the prostateis a significant risk factor. Sedentary lifestyle, hemorrhoids, constipation - these factors lead to blood stasis. The updated, oxygenated arterial blood practically stops flowing to the pelvic organs. Intracellular respiration decreases, and the infection becomes the sovereign mistress.
- Irregular sex life, - when periods of increased sexual activity are replaced by prolonged abstinence. Frequent ejaculations, as well as their limitation, lead to stress and dysfunction of the secretory function. Along with the above reasons, there are prerequisites for the start of the inflammatory process.
- obesity. Metabolism is disrupted, leading to atherosclerosis and cholesterol deposition.
- hypothermiacan lead to a decrease in immunity.
- alcohol and tobacco abuseleads to a narrowing of the large vessels that supply the prostate.
- lack of physical activitydoes not allow the muscles of the prostate to work and completely throws out the secret.
The first signs of prostatitis in men
- Weak, short-range stream of urine.
- Difficulty urinating with pain.
- Intermittent stream.
- Prolonged process of urination.
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Frequent night calls.
symptoms and signs
There are two phases of symptoms: latent (hidden) and active. In the latent phase, which can last for years, there are almost no complaints. There is slight discomfort in the scrotum, anus, or glans.
Men try to ignore it or dismiss it as overwork. Over time, the pain increases and it becomes more and more difficult to empty the bladder. This indicates that the latent phase turned into an active phase, the inflammation progressed, and obvious signs of the disease appeared:
- Unpleasant sensations during bowel movements.
- Viscous discharge from urethra during stool.
- Burning in perineum and urethra.
- Perceptible problems with potency.
- Rapid ejaculation.
- The bladder is partially and with difficulty emptied.
- problems of a psychological nature.
- Urination is repetitive and painful with threadlike discharge.
- The process of developing an erection becomes lengthy.
diagnosis
- Collection of anamnesis. The doctor finds out all the complaints that the patient is making. time of first symptoms. The presence of other diseases. Finds out the details of sexual activity, the presence of a steady partner and other information needed for an accurate diagnosis.
- Rectal examination of the prostate. Before the examination, the patient receives a microclyster for colon cleansing. Palpation examination allows you to determine the increase and pain of the organ. As a result of the prostate massage, part of the secret is revealed, which is handed over to the laboratory for research. The result allows you to determine the microflora of the gland and the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to drugs.
- Ultrasonic. This examination determines the size of the prostate, its density and structure. For a more detailed examination, transrectal ultrasound is used. The tip of the device is inserted into the rectum, allowing part of the bowel and vas deferens to be examined.
- cystoscopy. The procedure is performed with an endoscope. A thin probe with a camera is inserted into the urethra, allowing the bladder and gland to be seen on the screen. Depending on the indication, they can take a biopsy (tissue removal for analysis).
Laboratory tests are also carried out:
- General blood test (increased white blood cell count).
- Urinalysis (leukocytes, erythrocytes and protein are present in the samples).
- Bakposev on microflora is taken from the urethra (sensitivity to antibiotics is determined).
- Sperm analysis (motility, activity and accumulation of sperm, state of reproductive function).
Methods and scheme for the treatment of prostatitis
The treatment is complex. Contains preparations of various directions and actions, as well as massage, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises.
Prescribed medications:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (affect pathogenic microflora).
- Alpha-blockers normalize urine output, improve blood filling of the pelvic organs and relieve pain.
- muscle relaxer.
The treatment also includes:
- Prostate massage (helps eliminate fluid retention and swelling). Acute infectious prostatitis is a contraindication to the procedure.
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, electrostimulation, magnetic and laser therapy).
- Physical therapy.
Only a doctor can prescribe medication after receiving these tests!
prevention
- To prevent prostatitis, a mobile lifestyle is recommended. Walking, running, swimming, tennis are all good for health. Weight training and cycling should be restricted.
- Diet. Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Do not abuse alcohol and nicotine, limit the consumption of pickles and smoked meat.
- Be careful when choosing a sexual partner to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
- Regular sex life.
Compliance with these simple preventive measures will allow you to maintain your health for many years.