The prostate is a gland in the male body. The normal parameters of a healthy organ are 2. 5-4. 5 cm in length and 3-4 cm in width. It is made up of glandular and muscle tissue and is formed by the age of 23 when the accumulation of hormones increases. Glandular or excretory tissue produces a special fluid (secretion) that is released during ejaculation and is a component of sperm.
The secret of the prostate has an alkaline reaction and ensures the vital activity and mobility of spermatozoa, protecting them from the acidic environment of the vagina.
What is prostatitis?
This is an inflammation of the prostate gland, which is only in the male body and is involved in the production of male sex hormones. Ligaments connect the gland to the junction between the bones, its base is connected to the bladder and surrounds the beginning of the urethra.
Located in the small pelvis, the prostate gland is separated from the rectum by a thin septum of connective tissue. This anatomical location of the prostate explains the complaints that arise during its inflammation and growth. The gland presses on the urethra, causing a weak flow of urine.
Compression of the rectum causes constipation. Location near the perineum causes pain in this area.
Distinguish between acute and chronic prostatitis.
Acute prostatitisVarious bacteria can cause:
- Escherichia coli.
- Staphylococcus aureus.
- Enterococcus.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Enterobacteriaceae.
The presence of these pathogens in the body of a healthy person is natural and not harmful. However, with a decrease in immunity, bacteria become active, penetrate the tissues of the gland and cause acute inflammatory processes, manifesting as:
- An increase in temperature both in the whole body and in the rectum (rectum). Moreover, the rectal temperature is often higher than the axillary region.
- Cold, fever complaints.
- The appearance of pain in the groin, scrotum, anus.
- Frequent painful (cramping, burning) urination. Calls are more frequent at night.
- General intoxication. Weakness, pain in muscles and joints, headache.
- Change in urine color. Sometimes it is cloudy with a mixture of blood.
- Urethral discharge.
It leads to a slow or advanced acute process lasting more than 3 monthschronic form.It is characterized by:
- Pain in the genital area.
- Disturbance of urination.
- Sexual disorders.
The main reasons
- Urinary tract infections. They can go unnoticed for a long time. The normal microflora of the genitourinary system fights the pathogenic flora for a while. However, as a result of hypothermia or any other adverse conditions, the dominance of aggressive microflora begins and inflammation begins.
- blockage in the prostate glandis a significant risk factor. Sedentary lifestyle, hemorrhoids, constipation - these factors cause blood stagnation. Renewed, oxygen-rich arterial blood practically stops flowing to the pelvic organs. Intracellular respiration is reduced and the infection becomes a sovereign mistress.
- Irregular sex life, - when periods of increased sexual activity are replaced by long-term abstinence. Frequent discharge, as well as their restriction, causes stress and impaired secretion function. Together with the above reasons, this gives the initial conditions for the start of the inflammatory process.
- Obesity. Metabolism is disturbed, which leads to atherosclerosis and cholesterol deposition.
- hypothermiacan cause a decrease in immunity.
- Abuse of alcohol and tobaccoleading to narrowing of the large vessels that feed the prostate.
- Lack of physical activityit does not allow the muscles of the prostate gland to work and completely expel the secret.
The first signs of prostatitis in men
- Short-term weak urine flow.
- Difficulty urinating with pain.
- Intermittent flow.
- Prolonged urination process.
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Frequent calls at night.
Symptoms and signs
There are two stages of symptoms: latent (hidden) and active. In the latent phase, which can last for years, there are almost no complaints. There is a slight discomfort in the scrotum, anus or glans penis.
Men try to ignore it or write it off as too much work. Over time, the pain intensifies, and it becomes increasingly difficult to empty the bladder. This indicates that the latent phase turns into an active phase, inflammation begins to progress, and obvious signs of the disease appear:
- Unpleasant sensations during the act of defecation.
- Stringy discharge from urethra during stool.
- Burning in the perineum and urethra.
- Perceived problems with potency.
- Rapid ejaculation.
- The bladder is partially and with difficulty emptying.
- Psychological problems.
- Urination is frequent and painful with a filamentous discharge.
- The process of creating an erection is long.
Diagnostics
- Anamnesis collection. The doctor studies all the complaints of the patient. Time of first symptoms. The presence of other diseases. It studies the details of sexual activity, the presence of a permanent partner and other information necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
- Rectal examination of the prostate. Before the examination, the patient is given a microclyster to clean the intestines. Palpation examination allows determining the growth and pain of the organ. As a result of prostate massage, part of the secret is released, it is transferred to the laboratory for research. The result allows determining the microflora of the gland and the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to drugs.
- ultrasound. This examination determines the size, density and structure of the prostate gland. Transrectal ultrasound is used for a more detailed examination. The tip of the device is inserted into the rectum, which allows you to examine part of the intestine and the seminal canals.
- Cystoscopy. The procedure is performed using an endoscope. A thin probe with a camera is inserted into the urethra, which allows the bladder and gland to be seen on the screen. As indicated, they may take a biopsy (tissue sample for analysis).
Laboratory studies are also conducted:
- General blood test (increased number of leukocytes).
- Urinalysis (the samples contain leukocytes, erythrocytes and protein).
- Bakposev on microflora is taken from the urethra (sensitivity to antibiotics is determined).
- Sperm analysis (sperm motility, activity and accumulation, state of reproductive function).
Prostatitis treatment methods and scheme
Treatment is complex. It includes preparation of various directions and movements, as well as massage, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises.
Prescribed drugs:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (affects pathogenic microflora).
- Alpha-blockers normalize urine output, improve blood filling of the pelvic organs and reduce pain.
- Muscle relaxants.
Treatment also includes:
- Prostate massage (helps to relieve fluid retention and swelling). Acute infectious prostatitis is a contraindication for the procedure.
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, electrical stimulation, magnetic and laser therapy).
- Physiotherapy.
Only the doctor can prescribe drugs after taking these tests!
Prevention
- A mobile lifestyle is recommended to prevent prostatitis. Walking, running, swimming, tennis are good for health. Power sports and cycling should be limited.
- Diet. Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Do not abuse alcohol and nicotine, limit the consumption of acid and smoked meats.
- Be careful when choosing a sexual partner to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
- Regular sex life.
Following these simple preventive measures will allow you to maintain your health for many years.