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 consists of glandular and muscle tissues and is formed by 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 a component of semen.
The secret of the prostate has an alkaline reaction and provides 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 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 septum of connective tissue. This anatomical location of the prostate explains the complaints that appear when it becomes inflamed and enlarged. The gland presses on the urethra, thereby causing a poor outflow of urine.
Compression of the rectum causes constipation. 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.
- Enterococcus.
- 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 into the tissues of the gland and cause acute inflammatory processes, manifested:
- An increase in temperature, both of the whole body and rectal (in the rectum). Moreover, 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 (cramps, burning) urination. Urges become more frequent at night.
- General intoxication. Weakness, pain in muscles and joints, headache.
- Change in color of urine. It becomes cloudy, sometimes with an admixture of blood.
- Discharge from the urethra.
A sluggish or advanced acute process that lasts 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 copes with the 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 stagnation of blood. The updated, oxygenated arterial blood practically ceases to flow into the pelvic organs. Intracellular respiration decreases 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. Together with the above reasons, this gives the prerequisites for starting the inflammatory process.
- Obesity. Metabolism is disturbed, which leads to atherosclerosis and cholesterol deposition.
- hypothermiamay cause a decrease in immunity.
- Alcohol and tobacco abuseleads to a narrowing of the large vessels that feed the prostate.
- Lack of physical activitydoes not allow the muscles of the prostate gland to work and completely throw out the secret.
The first signs of prostatitis in men
- Weak urine stream with short range.
- 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 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 penis.
Men try to ignore it or write it off as overwork. Over time, the pain intensifies, it becomes more and more difficult to empty the bladder. This indicates that the latent phase turned into an active one, the inflammation began to progress and obvious signs of the disease appeared:
- Unpleasant sensations during the act of defecation.
- Stringy discharge from the urethra during stool.
- Burning in the perineum and urethra.
- Perceptible problems with potency.
- Rapid ejaculation.
- The bladder is emptied partially and with difficulty.
- Problems of a psychological nature.
- Urination is repeated and painful with filamentous discharge.
- The process of emergence of an erection becomes long.
Diagnostics
- Collection of anamnesis. The doctor finds out all the complaints that the patient makes. Time of first symptoms. The presence of other diseases. Finds out 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 cleanse the intestines. Palpation examination allows you to determine the increase and soreness of the organ. As a result of prostate massage, a portion of the secret is released, 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.
- ultrasound. This examination determines the size of the prostate gland, 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 view the bladder and gland on the screen. According to indications, they can take a biopsy (tissue sampling for analysis).
Laboratory studies are also carried out:
- General blood test (increased number of leukocytes).
- 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 spermatozoa, the state of reproductive function).
Methods and scheme for the treatment of prostatitis
The treatment is complex. Includes preparations of different directions and actions, plus 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 reduce pain.
- Muscle relaxers.
Treatment also includes:
- Prostate massage (helps eliminate fluid retention and swelling). Acute infectious prostatitis is a contraindication for the procedure.
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, electrical stimulation, magnetic and laser therapy).
- Physiotherapy.
Only a doctor can prescribe medications after receiving these tests!
Prevention
- To prevent prostatitis, it is recommended to lead a mobile lifestyle. Walking, running, swimming, tennis are all good for health. Strength sports and cycling should be limited.
- Dieting. Eating foods high in vitamins and minerals. Do not abuse alcohol and nicotine, limit the consumption of pickles and smoked meats.
- Caution in choosing a sexual partner to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
- Regular sex life.
Compliance with these simple preventive measures will allow you to maintain health for many years.