Prostatitis is an inflammatory process, the focus of which is the prostate gland.Another popular name for it is prostate.This disease and associated pain in the pelvis (groin area) are accompanied by painful sensations in and around the prostate.
In most cases, pain occurs for the following reasons:
- infection;
- inflammation;
- Certain health problems.
Prostatitis can be found in any man, both middle and young.Do not neglect the prevention of male prostatitis.
The role of the prostate gland in the body
The prostate is a small, round, uneven gland that is a component of the male reproductive system.The location of the gland is under the bladder, in front of the rectum.Surrounded by muscles and nerves, the prostate contains the urethra, or urethra (the tube that carries urine and sperm out of the body).
The prostate gland has a specific task - to help create a liquid environment for sperm.
This seminal fluid protects and strengthens the sperm as it makes its way to the woman's egg.
The first signs of the development of prostatitis
There are several signs of this disease.But if you find yourself with at least 2 of the following symptoms –Consult a urologist immediately.
- Urine flow slowly falls below or within its rangeless than 20 cm.
- Difficulty, dribbling, urination.
- Pain and burning during urination.
- Interruption, bifurcation, jet spraying, process duration.
- Sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Frequent urination at night.
- Pain between the genitals and anus.
We advise you not to diagnose yourself, but to undergo all the necessary examinations in the hospital.
Prostatitis has a complex pathogenesis, and self-medication based on general symptoms poses a serious threat to your health.Only a urologist can make a correct diagnosis after a series of examinations.
Forms and symptoms of prostatitis
There are 4 types of the disease:
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis.
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
- Acute (sudden) bacterial prostatitis.
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis
This health problem can persist for many years, regardless of treatment.The most common pathogen is Escherichia coli (Lat.Escherichia coli).
Characteristic symptoms of this form:
- Burning sensation during urination.
- Frequent need to urinate at night.
- Pain in the bladder, testicles and penis, as well as between the genitals and anus.
- Painful ejaculation.
Treatment is based on antibiotics.In most cases, doctors prescribe medication and the medication must be taken6 to 8 weeks.After completion of therapyup to 50%Patients had relapses.Therefore, after the disease subsides, we should not forget about prevention.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)
CP/CPPS is the most common type of the disease.The symptoms are similar to the bacterial form of prostatitis, but the pathogen is unknown.
CP/CPPS can be caused by bacteria, particularly chlamydia, mycoplasma (they are sexually transmitted) or ureaplasma.Or inflammation of the prostate in men develops if the body reacts to an infection or injury received in the past.
Treatment options includeAlpha 1 blockerandAnti-inflammatory drugs.In many cases, simple measures such as heat, baths or relaxation procedures lead to improvement.
Of course, there is currently no most effective therapy.Therefore, the treatment of CPPS is long and often not very successful.For patients, this often represents a serious psychological stress, which in turn can negatively affect the course of the disease.Therefore, psychological support or psychotherapy is highly recommended.
Acute (sudden) bacterial prostatitis
Its symptoms often appear suddenly.In most cases, the causative agent is Escherichia coli (Lat.Escherichia coli).
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Since the acute form is a bacterial disease, it is treated accordingly with antibiotics.Antibiotics from the fluoroquinolone group are used here.Timely treatment can solve this problem and prevent the disease from becoming chronic.
Acute painful sensations make you seek medical help immediately.
The patient has the following symptoms:
- Fever.
- a chill.
- Difficulty emptying the bladder.
- A strong burning sensation when going to the toilet.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
The danger of this variety is that it appears secretly, without bothering with symptoms.This type of detection can be done while testing other types of problems.
The reasons why this form of mechanism occurs are largely unclear.The nerves and muscles in the groin begin to ache due to infection, inflammation, and other problems.
Causes of the disease
Doctors have identified several possible causes, including:
- Previously detected bacterial infections in the prostate gland.
- Atypical bacteria (resistant to antibiotics).
- Irritation caused by accumulation of urine in the prostate gland.
- Problems with nerve connections in the lower urinary tract.
- parasites.
- Problems with pelvic muscles.
- Viruses and decreased immunity.
- Sedentary lifestyle that leads to decreased blood circulation.
- Irregular sexual intercourse or complete absence of sex.
What are the risk factors for the development of prostatitis?
The causes of most cases of inflammation are not fully understood.Several factors can increase the risk of bacterial prostatitis:
- A catheter (tube to drain fluid from the body) or other device that was recently placed in the urethra is inserted;
- pathological structure of the urinary tract;
- recent bladder infection;
- Hypothermia.
Is it possible to prevent prostatitis?
Most cases of the disease cannot be prevented.Practicing safe sex only reduces the risk of germ-borne diseases.Therefore, having sex with a regular partner you trust is another factor in men's health.
How is prostatitis manifested in men?
physical examination
A doctor may perform a manual rectal examination (MRE) of the rectum:
- This is done by inserting a finger lubricated with a sterile glove into the anus opening.
- The doctor will press on the prostate gland and feel whether it is enlarged or normal, soft.
- Lumps or hardness may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
- The specialist will ask you how painful or uncomfortable you feel when he touches the area near the gland.
- If you are sick, the examination can be uncomfortable and painful.
- But it will not cause any harm and will not cause long-term pain.
Conducting tests in the laboratory
If the doctor suspects that you have a problem with the prostate and surrounding tissues, he will refer you to a urologist.
Urologistis a specialist who deals with problems of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.Your urologist or other specialist may order tests to find out the cause and how to help.
Each type of disease requires a different treatment approach.
Your doctor will be able to determine which type you have to make sure other health problems aren't contributing to your symptoms.Many tests are used to find the answer.
Ultrasound
To examine the prostate gland in more detail, the doctor will prescribe a rectal examination using ultrasound.UltrasoundUses sound waves reflected from the organ to check its condition.An ultrasound probe is placed in the anus to "see" the source of inflammation.The procedure does not worsen the condition, so there is no need to be afraid.
Taking a smear test
The doctor will take a urine test and fluid from the prostate gland to find out the cause of the problems.During a manual rectal examination, when the prostate was massaged, a fluid oozed from the penis, which was identified as prostatic discharge.
Urine and pronounced discharge are checked for microflora.The test result can show whether there is a problem in the urethra, prostate or bladder.
Blood and semen are also tested for bacteria, white blood cells, or other signs of infection.In addition, if you have recently been treated with antibiotics, your test results will also change.
Diagnosis using a cystoscope
A urologist examines your urinary tract, prostate, and bladder using a cystoscope.It is a long, thin telescope with a bulb at the end.First, the doctor will give you anesthesia.Then he will carefully insert the cystoscope into the bladder and analyze the condition of your organs.
Can prostatitis cause cancer?
Although inflammation of the prostate causes a lot of discomfort, it cannot cause cancer.There is a blood test that doctors recommend to determine the presence of cancer.It is called the prostate-specific antigen test (PSA for short).In the presence of inflammation, PDA levels can increase.It does not mean you have cancer.During the treatment, the doctor will measure the PDA level several times.
Do not forget that you must constantly monitor your health and follow preventive recommendations.Be healthy and don't get sick!