The prostate is a gland in the male body. Normal parameters of a healthy organ are 2. 5-4. 5 cm long and 3-4 cm wide. It consists of glandular and muscle tissue and is formed until the age of 23, when the accumulation of hormones increases. The glandular or secretory tissue produces a special liquid (secret) that is released during ejaculation and is an integral part of the semen.
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, which is found only in the male body, and is involved in the production of male sex hormones. Ligaments connect the gland to the pubic junction between the bones, its base converges with the bladder and surrounds the initial part 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 problems that occur when it becomes inflamed and enlarged. The gland presses on the urethra, which causes a weak outflow of urine.
Rectal compression causes constipation. The location in close proximity to the perineum causes pain in this area.
Define 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 the tissues of the gland and cause acute inflammatory processes, which manifest themselves:
- Increase in temperature, both of the whole body and of the rectum (in the rectum). Moreover, the rectal temperature is often higher than in the axillary region.
- Complaints of chills, fever.
- Appearance of pain in the groin, scrotum, anus.
- Frequent painful (cramping, burning) urination. The urges are more frequent at night.
- General intoxication. Weakness, pain in muscles and joints, headache.
- Change in urine color. It becomes cloudy, sometimes with traces of blood.
- Discharge from the urethra.
Slowed 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.
The main reasons
- Urinary tract infections. They can go unnoticed for a long time. 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 condition, 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 stagnation. Updated, oxygenated arterial blood practically stops flowing to the pelvic organs. Intracellular respiration decreases and the infection becomes the 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 stated reasons, this provides the prerequisites for the initiation 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 tobaccoleads to narrowing of the large blood vessels that feed the prostate.
- Lack of physical activityit does not allow the prostate muscles to work and completely expels the secret.
The first signs of prostatitis in men
- A weak, short-range stream of urine.
- Difficulty urinating with pain.
- Intermittent stream.
- Prolonged urination.
- 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 feeling of discomfort in the scrotum, anus or glans penis.
Men try to ignore it or write it off as being overwhelmed. Over time, the pain intensifies, it becomes increasingly difficult to empty the bladder. This indicates that the latent phase has turned into an active one, that inflammation has begun to progress and that obvious signs of the disease have appeared:
- Unpleasant sensations during the act of defecation.
- Stringy discharge from urethra during stool.
- Burning in perineum and urethra.
- Noticeable problems with potency.
- Rapid ejaculation.
- The bladder empties partially and with difficulty.
- Problems of a psychological nature.
- Urination is repeated and painful with filamentous discharge.
- The process of erection becomes long.
Diagnostics
- Collection of anamnesis. The doctor reveals all the complaints the patient has. Time of first symptoms. 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 clean the intestines. A palpation examination allows you to determine the enlargement and soreness of the organs. As a result of prostate massage, part of the secret is released, which is sent 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, its density and structure. A transrectal ultrasound is used for a more detailed examination. The tip of the device is inserted into the rectum, which makes it possible to check part of the intestine and seminal ducts.
- Cystoscopy. The procedure is performed using an endoscope. A thin probe with a camera is inserted into the urethra, which allows examination of the bladder and gland on the screen. According to the indications, they can take a biopsy (taking tissue samples for analysis).
Laboratory studies are also performed:
- General blood test (increased number of leukocytes).
- Urine analysis (leukocytes, erythrocytes and proteins are present in the samples).
- Bacterial swabs are taken from the urethra (sensitivity to antibiotics is determined).
- Sperm analysis (motility, activity and accumulation of spermatozoa, state of reproductive function).
Methods and scheme for the treatment of prostatitis
The treatment is complex. It includes preparations of various directions and actions, plus massages, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises.
Prescribed medications:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (affect pathogenic microflora).
- Alpha-blockers normalize urine output, improve blood flow to the pelvic organs and reduce pain.
- Muscle relaxants.
Treatment also includes:
- Prostate massage (helps to 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 medication after these tests!
Prevention
- In order 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 meat.
- Be careful when 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.