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 consists of glandular and muscular tissues and is formed at the age of 23, when the accumulation of hormones increases. Glandular or secretory tissue produces a special fluid (secret) that is released at the time of ejaculation and is a component of semen.
The prostate secret has an alkaline reaction and provides the vital activity and mobility of sperm, protecting them from the acidic environment of the vagina.
what is prostatitis
This is an inflammation of the prostate, which is found only 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.
Located in the small pelvis, the prostate is separated from the rectum by a thin connective tissue septum. This anatomical location of the prostate explains the complaints that appear when it becomes inflamed and enlarged. The gland presses on the urethra, thus causing a poor flow of urine.
Compression of the rectum causes constipation. The location close to the perineum causes pain in that area.
Allocate acute and chronic prostatitis.
acute prostatitiscan be caused by various bacteria:
- 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. But with a decrease in immunity, bacteria are activated, penetrate into the tissues of the gland and cause acute inflammatory processes, manifested:
- An increase in temperature, both of the whole body and rectally (in the rectum). In addition, the rectal temperature is often higher than in the axillary region.
- Complaints of chills, fever.
- The appearance of pain in the groin, scrotum, anus.
- Frequent painful urination (cramps, burning). The impulses become more frequent at night.
- General intoxication. Weakness, pain in muscles and joints, headache.
- Change in urine color. It becomes cloudy, sometimes with a mixture of blood.
- Discharge from the urethra.
A slow 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 infections. For a long time, they can go unnoticed. The normal microflora of the genitourinary system deals with pathogenic flora for some time. But as a result of hypothermia or any other unfavorable conditions, aggressive microflora begins to prevail and inflammation begins.
- congestion in the prostateis a significant risk factor. A sedentary lifestyle, hemorrhoids, constipation - these factors lead to blood stasis. Updated and oxygenated arterial blood virtually ceases to flow to the pelvic organs. Intracellular respiration slows down and the infection becomes a 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, this provides the prerequisites for starting the inflammatory process.
- Obesity. Metabolism is disturbed, which leads to atherosclerosis and cholesterol deposition.
- hypothermiacan cause decreased immunity.
- Alcohol and tobacco abuseleads to a narrowing of the great vessels that supply the prostate.
- lack of physical activityit doesn't allow the prostate muscles to work and completely throws away the secret.
The first signs of prostatitis in men
- Weak urine stream with short range.
- Difficulty urinating with pain.
- Intermittent flow.
- Prolonged urination process.
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Frequent night calls.
Symptoms and signs
There are two stages in symptoms: latent (hidden) and active. In the latent phase, which can last for years, there are almost no complaints. There is a slight feeling of discomfort in the scrotum, anus or glans of the penis.
Men try to ignore it or dismiss it as overworked. Over time, the pain intensifies, it becomes increasingly difficult to empty the bladder. This indicates that the latent phase has turned into an active phase, inflammation has begun to progress, and obvious signs of the disease have emerged:
- Unpleasant sensations during the act of defecating.
- Fibrous discharge from the urethra during stool.
- Burning in the perineum and urethra.
- Noticeable problems with potency.
- Fast ejaculation.
- The bladder is emptied partially and with difficulty.
- Problems of a psychological nature.
- Urination is repeated and painful with stringy discharge.
- Process of emergence of an erection becomes long.
Diagnosis
- anamnesis collection. The doctor discovers all the complaints that the patient makes. Time of first symptoms. The presence of other diseases. Find out the details of sexual activity, the presence of a permanent partner and other information needed for an accurate diagnosis.
- Prostate rectal exam. Before the exam, the patient is given a microclyster to clean the intestines. The examination of palpation allows to determine the enlargement and the pain of the organ. As a result of massage on the prostate, a part of the secret is released, which is handed over to the laboratory for research. The result makes it possible to determine the microflora of the gland and the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to drugs.
- ultrasound. This test 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, which makes it possible to check part of the intestine and the seminal ducts.
- cystoscopy. The procedure is performed using an endoscope. A thin probe with a camera is inserted into the urethra, which makes it possible to see the bladder and gland on the screen. According to the indications, they may do a biopsy (tissue sampling for analysis).
Laboratory studies are also carried out:
- General blood test (increased number of white blood cells).
- Urinalysis (leukocytes, erythrocytes and proteins are present in the samples).
- Bakposev in the microflora is taken from the urethra (susceptibility to antibiotics is determined).
- Sperm analysis (motility, activity and accumulation of sperm, the state of reproductive function).
Methods and scheme for the treatment of prostatitis
Treatment is complex. It includes preparations from different directions and actions, as well as massages, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises.
Prescription drugs:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (affects pathogenic microflora).
- Alpha-blockers normalize urine production, improve blood filling of Organs pelvic organs and reduce pain.
- Muscle relaxants.
Treatment also includes:
- Prostate massage (helps eliminate fluid retention and swelling). Acute infectious prostatitis is a contraindication to the procedure.
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, electrical stimulation, magnetic therapy and laser).
- Physiotherapy.
Only a doctor can prescribe medication after receiving these tests!
Prevention
- To prevent prostatitis, it is recommended to lead a mobile lifestyle. Walking, running, swimming, tennis are good for health. Strength sports and cycling should be limited.
- Diet. Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Do not abuse alcohol and nicotine, limit the consumption of pickles and smoked meats.
- Be careful in choosing a sexual partner to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
- Normal sex life.
Following these simple preventive measures will allow you to maintain your health for many years to come.