Prostatitis is an inflammatory process located in the prostate. This pathology is quite common and frequently diagnosed in the reproductive age of men. The prostate (the second name for the prostate) is located under the bladder and partially surrounds the urinary tube (urethra). Therefore, even a slight dysfunction of this organ leads to disturbances in the functioning of the genitourinary system.
The reasons for developing prostatitis
Prostatitis is classified as an inflammatory process, but this does not mean that it is caused exclusively by pathogenic microorganisms. Doctors (andrologists involved in diseases of the male reproductive system) identify several reasons for the development of the condition in question:
- Stagnation of blood in the small pelvis. This refers to the violation of microcirculation of blood in the prostate and nearby organs, which causes an enlargement of the organ. A violation can occur in the context of a sedentary lifestyle, obesity (does not need to be critical), in the postoperative period.
- Infection of the genitourinary system. Most often, when examining a patient with prostatitis, doctors isolate gonococci, staphylococci, chlamydia, and Trichomonas. Very rarely, an infection can enter the prostate in the context of a sore throat or the flu - in this case, the inflammatory process in question is differentiated as a complication.
- Regular trauma to the pelvic organs. For this reason, prostatitis develops in drivers - they constantly receive a load on the perineum, the prostate experiences tremors and vibrations.
- The entry of bacteria through biological body fluids. In every person's body, there are colonies of bacteria that live in the intestines and urethra. In the normal state, they are absolutely harmless and only under favorable conditions (weakening of the immune system, prolonged use of medication, chronic diseases, human immunodeficiency virus) do they become pathogenic and cause inflammatory processes. These bacteria can enter the prostate through the blood or lymph.
In addition, when diagnosing an inflammatory process in the prostate, factors that act as pathology triggers can also be considered:
- regular hypothermia - it can be due to the peculiarities of working conditions or lack of knowledge of the rules for wearing clothes in specific periods of the year;
- endocrine system disorders - excessive or insufficient production of male hormones, diagnosed diabetes mellitus;
- very active sex life as well as prolonged abstinence - the prostate is depleted;
- any chronic diseases - there are officially recorded cases of prostatitis development in the context of untreated bronchitis, caries, cystitis, urological infections.
Symptoms of the inflammatory process
Andrologists distinguish between the main and indirect signs of an inflammatory process developing in the prostate. The main symptoms are pronounced:
- urination becomes more frequent, regardless of the amount of liquid consumed;
- the moment the urine exits is painful, the man feels cramping and burning in the urethra;
- body temperature (hyperemia) rises to critical levels.
These symptoms are quickly accompanied by a burning sensation in the entire perineum area and pain during bowel movements.
Indirect signs of prostate inflammation are not as noticeable, but men shouldn't ignore them:
- ejaculation becomes very accelerated - the time of intercourse is shortened;
- an erection can be quite long at night;
- decreased sexual desire - partial or total;
- White "flakes" or "strands" appear in urine.
Attention: these indirect signs indicate the beginning of the development of the inflammatory process in question - it responds well to treatment and proceeds without complications.
Prostatitis is classified into acute and chronic forms of stroke, each with its own characteristics.
acute prostatitis
Acute prostatitis always starts suddenly and manifests:
- an increase in temperature;
- prolonged pain in the perineum;
- frequent need to use the bathroom;
- the release of a very small amount of urine with the sensation of a full bladder.
Note: Urinary retention is considered the most dangerous condition in the acute form of the inflammatory process in the prostate. In this case, the man will feel a strong urge to go to the bathroom, but the urine will not be released even with a strong effort. Acute urinary retention is accompanied by severe pain in the area of the anatomical location of the bladder, a feeling of pressure - patients describe their condition as "now the bladder will burst". The condition requires immediate medical attention, which involves the use of a catheter - it is inserted into the urethra and bladder, literally "pushing" the swollen gland. As soon as the catheter reaches the bladder, urine begins to leave and the patient is immediately relieved, his condition is normalized for a short period of time.
chronic prostatitis
This type of pathology under consideration is almost asymptomatic - occasionally a man feels short-lived pain in the perineum (similar to a lumbago), observes changes in sexual intercourse - may stretch or contract. In addition, the patient is irritable, night sleep is restless, the stream of urine may be weak (this is due to the narrowing of the urinary tract), in the morning there may be white clots in the urine in the form of flakes or threads.
Note: the chronic form of the inflammatory process in the prostate can develop imperceptibly to the patient. The fact is that at a young age, acute prostatitis continues with mild symptoms, and if a young person likes to drink alcohol or is very interested in their work, then they don't have time to pay attention to changes in urination or periodic pain during perineum. The symptoms of acute prostatitis go away over time, but that doesn't mean the disease has subsided—it has simply become chronic.
Methods for treating prostatitis
Treatment of the inflammatory process in the prostate should only take place under the supervision of an andrologist. It not only diagnoses prostatitis itself (often its symptoms are identical to those of prostate cancer), but it also reveals the true cause of its occurrence. In general, several different therapies can be used to treat prostate inflammation.
drug treatment
In prostatitis, antibiotics (antibiotics) may be prescribed, but only if, during the examination, pathogenic bacteria are isolated and recognized as the cause of the development of the pathology. Simultaneously with antibiotics, probiotics or prebiotics are prescribed to the patient - drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora and resist the development of pathological processes in it.
If the inflammatory process started as a result of the negative effects of external factors (hypothermia, trauma), then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will be prescribed.
In case of hormonal disturbances, the man must undergo a course of hormonal therapy.
Note: drug treatment is highly variable, therefore it must be selected individually - self-medication in this case is strictly prohibited.
Physiotherapy
Treatment of prostate inflammation must be comprehensive. And in the context of drug use, it will be effective to perform certain physical therapy procedures:
- Electrical stimulation - accelerates metabolic processes, causes more active production of hormones, restores the structure of the gland.
- Magnetotherapy is a painless procedure that helps to reduce the level of inflammation and eliminate swelling in the prostate.
- Prostate Massage - It is performed only after carrying out medical measures in relation to acute inflammation, the procedure is painful but very effective.
ethnoscience
Please note: prescriptions in the traditional medicine category should not be the only method of treatment - they can only speed up the therapeutic process and improve the effect of taking medication and performing physiotherapy.
The most effective and safe methods of alternative treatment include:
- Eating pumpkin seeds. They contain zinc, which is an essential element for male health, so for prostatitis you need to eat 30 raw seeds 30 minutes before meals during the course of therapy.
- Pumpkin honey balls. Peel 100 grams of raw pumpkin seeds, mash them in a meat grinder (or in a blender, but not into small crumbs) and mix with 200 grams of honey. Make small balls with the resulting dough and store them in the refrigerator. Before eating (30 minutes), it is necessary to eat 1-2 small balls - there is no need to chew, it is better to dissolve little by little. Treatment with this prescription continues until symptoms of prostatitis disappear.
- A decoction of hazelnut leaves. You can collect hazelnut leaves yourself, or you can buy dried raw material from the pharmacy, a cup of boiling water is needed for a tablespoon from the fountain. The broth is fermented like a normal tea for 20 minutes, filtered and taken in 50 ml at least 4 times a day. Note: Hazelnut husk is also sold in pharmacies - it can also be used to treat prostatitis and according to the same prescription. But remember that for the crust, the preparation time is doubled.
- Parsley juice. Prepare from the green leaves of the plant and take 1 dessert spoon 3 times a day before meals.
- Parsley Seed Broth. You need to take 1 tablespoon of parsley seeds, pour 400 ml of boiling water and leave for 2 hours (you can do this in a thermos). You need to drink the broth every day in the morning and at night in the amount of 1 tbsp.
In any case, no matter how safe the medicine may seem, you should consult your doctor first. For example, if a man, in addition to prostatitis, has cholelithiasis, the use of pumpkin seeds is strictly prohibited for him - any consultation is strictly individual.
diet and lifestyle
To obtain the best result during therapeutic measures in relation to prostatitis, it is necessary to follow a certain diet. She is supposed to exclude fatty meats, smoked and salty dishes, sweets and chocolates from her diet. The menu can include fish and seafood, milk and dairy products, steamed vegetables. It is very helpful for prostatitis to use fresh vegetable and fruit juices - they help to strengthen and restore the immune system.
During therapy, you need to ditch alcohol and lead an active lifestyle - at the very least, get your morning exercise, walk more, and get rid of the extra pounds.
Prostatitis is not considered a life-threatening disease for men, but ignoring its symptoms can lead to the development of serious complications. One of the most difficult consequences is male infertility and loss of erectile function, which often occurs with prolonged chronic prostatitis.