Prostatitis is a common disease that can affect men at any age. This is an inflammatory prostate disease 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 we will also consider preventive measures to preserve men's health.
Definition of disease. Causes of disease
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland in men that causes various symptoms and leads to difficulty urinating.
Prostatitis can be caused by various reasons such as infections, injuries, allergies and stress. Some of the most common causes of prostatitis are:
- Bacterial infection: This is the most common cause of prostatitis. Bacteria can enter the prostate through the genitourinary tract or blood, causing inflammation.
- Chronic constipation: Long-term constipation can put stress on the prostate, which can lead to inflammation.
- Sexual problems: Prolonged 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.
- Prostate Injury: Prostate injuries can lead to inflammation.
- Irregular sexual activity: Lack of regular sexual activity can lead to stagnation of secretions in the prostate, which can cause inflammation.
Knowing the causes of prostatitis will help prevent its development. To avoid the development of prostatitis, you must monitor your health and consult a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms of prostatitis
Prostatitis can be manifested by various symptoms that are unpleasant and negatively affect the quality of life of men. Some of the most common symptoms of prostatitis are:
- Pain and discomfort in the perineum, rectum or bladder.
- Painful urination, sometimes with a burning sensation 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.
- Increased sensitivity to cold.
- Pain with pressure on the prostate.
- Appearance of blood in urine or semen.
Symptoms of prostatitis can vary and can appear at different times and with varying degrees of severity. If you suspect prostatitis, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Pathogenesis of prostatitis
The pathogenesis of prostatitis includes a complex of changes that occur in the prostate and other tissues of the male body during the inflammatory process.
Bacterial prostatitis occurs when bacteria enter the prostate 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 disruption of blood microcirculation. In addition, bacteria can continue to multiply and produce toxins, which also contribute to inflammation.
Non-bacterial prostatitis, which is not related to 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 disorders in 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 approach to the treatment of prostatitis is complex treatment, including antibacterial therapy, painkillers, physiotherapeutic procedures, prostate massage and other methods of action. Treatment must be prescribed by a doctor!
Classification and stages of development of prostatitis
There are several classifications of prostatitis, but the most common are based on causes:
- Bacterial prostatitis caused by a bacterial infection.
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic postprostatitis syndrome is characterized by constant symptoms, but the inflammatory process is not detected.
- Chronic abacterial prostatitis caused by non-infectious causes.
- Acute prostatitis is characterized by a rapid onset of the disease, severe pain and pronounced symptoms.
The stages of development of prostatitis can be different, but usually there are three:
- Acute prostatitis. Rapid onset of the disease, pronounced 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 constantly present and can last for months or even years. There may be no inflammatory process, and the symptoms may be non-infectious in nature.
- Chronic abacterial prostatitis. Symptoms are constantly present, but the inflammatory process is not detected. This type of prostatitis can be caused by various reasons, such as stress, long-term constipation, microcirculation disorder, etc.
Knowing 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 consult a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.
Complications of prostatitis
Prostatitis can cause various complications that can negatively affect men's health. Some of the most common complications of prostatitis are:
- Prostate cancer.
- Epididymitis is an inflammation of the testicles.
- Sclerosing lymphangitis.
- Seminal cyst.
- Sepsis.
- 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 consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Diagnosis of prostatitis includes a physical examination, urine and blood tests, and other additional tests.
During the physical exam, your doctor will examine the prostate through the rectum to assess its size, shape, and texture. If the prostate is enlarged or has an abnormal shape, it may indicate the presence of prostatitis.
A urine test will reveal the presence of bacteria and other indicators of inflammation. The 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 and can be elevated 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 those of other genitourinary 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, which aim to kill the bacteria that cause the infection.
For chronic prostatitis/chronic postprostatitis syndrome, when the infection is not detected, a combination of drugs can be used, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and diuretics, as well as drugs that improve blood circulation in the prostate.
Chronic abacterial prostatitis is treated with drugs, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs to improve blood circulation in the prostate, and drugs to improve urination.
Additional 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, consult 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 on time. Chronic prostatitis can cause long-term discomfort, but it is usually not a life-threatening disease.
Prevention of prostatitis includes:
- Maintaining hygiene means regularly washing the genitals and using condoms during sexual intercourse.
- Avoiding hypothermia - clothing should match the weather conditions and avoid sitting on cold surfaces.
- Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Eat properly 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 negatively affect a man's quality of life. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor for preventive medical examinations and timely treatment at the first signs of the disease.
The modern clinic is suitable for professional diagnosis and treatment. The clinic will offer you a comprehensive diagnosis, including a medical examination, blood and urine tests, ultrasound and other additional studies.
Depending on the diagnostic results, the clinic's specialists can prescribe individual treatment, including medication, physiotherapy, prostate massage, lifestyle changes and other treatment methods.
In addition, in the clinic you can get advice from qualified experts and recommendations on the prevention of prostatitis and other diseases of the genitourinary system.
Do not delay a visit to the doctor if you suspect prostatitis. A professional clinic will help you recognize and treat the disease as soon as possible.