Prostatitis is an inflammatory process whose focus is the prostate.Another popular name for this is prostate.This disease and the pain in the pelvis (groin region) that is associated with it are accompanied by painful sensations in and around the prostate.
Most cases of pain occur for the following reasons:
- infection;
- inflammation;
- some health problems.
Prostatitis can occur in any man, both middle-aged and young.Do not neglect the prevention of male prostatitis.
The role of the prostate in the body
The prostate is a small, round, irregular gland that is part of the male reproductive system.The location of the gland is under the bladder, just in front of the rectum.Surrounded by muscles and nerves, the prostate contains the urethra, or urethra (the tube that carries urine and sperm out of the body).
The prostate has a specific task - to help create a liquid environment for sperm.
This seminal fluid protects and energizes the sperm as it travels to the female egg.
The first signs of prostatitis development
There are few signs of this disease.But if you experience at least 2 of the following symptoms -see a urologist immediately.
- The stream of urine falls slowly or its reachless than 20 cm.
- Difficulty, drop by drop, urination.
- Pain and burning when urinating.
- Intermittency, bifurcation, jet spraying, process duration.
- Sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Frequent urination at night.
- Pain between the genitals and anus.
We advise you not to self-diagnose, but to carry out all the necessary tests at the hospital.
Prostatitis has a complex pathogenesis and self-medication based on general symptoms poses a serious danger to health.Only a urologist can make a correct diagnosis after a series of tests.
Forms and symptoms of prostatitis
There are 4 types of the disease:
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis.
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
- Acute (sudden) bacterial prostatitis.
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis
This health problem can last for many years, despite the treatment carried out.The most common pathogen is Escherichia coli (lat.Escherichia coli).
Symptoms characteristic of this form:
- Burning sensation when urinating.
- Frequent need to urinate at night.
- Pain in the bladder, testicles and penis, as well as between the genitals and anus.
- Painful ejaculation.
Treatment is based on antibiotics.In most cases, doctors prescribe medication and the medication must be taken6 to 8 weeks.After completion of therapyup to 50%patients relapsed.Therefore, after the disease passes, we must not forget about prevention.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)
CP/CPPS is the most common type of disease.The symptoms are similar to the bacterial form of prostatitis, but the pathogen is unknown.
CP/CPPS can be caused by bacteria, in particular chlamydia, mycoplasma (they are transmitted through sex) or ureaplasma.Or prostate inflammation in men develops if the body reacts to an infection or injury suffered in the past.
Treatment options includealpha blocker 1andanti-inflammatory medications.In many cases, simple measures such as heat, baths or relaxation procedures lead to improvement.
It is clear that there is currently no more effective therapy.Therefore, treatment for CPPS is time-consuming and often not very successful.For patients, this often represents severe psychological stress, which in turn can negatively affect the course of the disease.Therefore, psychological support or psychotherapy is very desirable.
Acute (sudden) bacterial prostatitis
Your symptoms usually appear suddenly.In most cases, the causative agent is Escherichia coli (lat.Escherichia coli).
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As the acute form is a bacterial disease, it is treated with antibiotics.Antibiotics from the fluoroquinolone group are used here.Timely treatment can solve this problem and prevent the disease from becoming chronic.
Acute painful sensations force you to seek medical help immediately.
The patient presents the following symptoms:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Difficulty emptying the bladder.
- Strong burning sensation when going to the bathroom.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
The danger of this variety is that it occurs hiddenly, without bothering you with symptoms.This type may be discovered when testing for other types of problems.
The reasons why the mechanism is triggered in this way are not clear.The nerves and muscles in the groin start to hurt due to infections, inflammation and some other problems.
Causes of the disease
Doctors have identified several possible causes, including:
- Previously discovered bacterial infections in the prostate.
- Atypical (antibiotic-resistant) bacteria.
- Irritation caused by urine collection in the prostate.
- Problems with nerve connections in the lower urinary tract.
- Parasites.
- Problems with the pelvic muscles.
- Viruses and decreased immunity.
- A sedentary lifestyle that leads to poor circulation.
- Irregular sexual intercourse or total absence of sex.
What risk factors are there for developing prostatitis?
The causes of most cases of inflammation are not fully understood.Several things can increase your risk of getting bacterial prostatitis:
- a catheter (tube for draining fluids from the body) or other recently placed device has been inserted into the urethra;
- abnormal structure of the urinary tract;
- recent bladder infection;
- hypothermia.
Is it possible to prevent prostatitis?
Most cases of the disease cannot be prevented.Practicing safe sex can only reduce your risk of contracting the types of diseases caused by microbes.Therefore, sexual relations with a regular partner whom you trust is another factor in men's health.
How is prostatitis diagnosed in men?
Physical examination
The doctor may perform a manual rectal examination (MRE) of the rectum:
- It occurs by inserting a lubricated finger of one hand wearing a sterile glove into the opening of the anus.
- The doctor will press on the prostate and feel whether it is enlarged or in a normal, soft state.
- Lumps or hardness may suggest the presence of prostate cancer.
- The specialist will ask how much pain or discomfort you feel when touching the area near the gland.
- If you are sick, the exam may be inconvenient and painful.
- But it will not cause any harm and will not cause pain in the long run.
Taking tests in the laboratory
If your doctor suspects you have problems with your prostate and nearby tissues, he or she will refer you to a urologist.
Urologistis a specialist who treats problems of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.Your urologist or other specialist may order tests to find out the cause and how to help.
Each type of disease requires a different treatment approach.
Your doctor will be able to determine which type you have to ensure that other health problems are not contributing to your symptoms.Many tests are used to find the answer.
Ultrasound
To take a closer look at the prostate, the doctor prescribes an examination of the rectum using ultrasound.Ultrasounduses sound waves reflected from an organ to examine its condition.To “see” the source of the inflammation, an ultrasound probe is placed in the anus.The procedure does not worsen the condition, so there is no need to be afraid.
Taking a smear test
The doctor will do a urine and prostate fluid test to find out the cause of the problems.During manual rectal examination, when the prostate was massaged, fluid flowed from the penis, identified as prostatic secretion.
Urine and pronounced discharge are checked for microflora.The test results can show whether the problem is in the urinary canal, the prostate or the bladder.
Blood and semen are also tested for bacteria, white blood cells, or other symptoms of infection.Additionally, if you have recently been treated with antibiotics, your test results will also change.
Diagnosis using a cystoscope
The urologist examines the urinary tract, prostate, and bladder using a cystoscope.It's a long, thin telescope with a light bulb at the end.First, the doctor will give you anesthesia.He will then carefully insert the cystoscope into your bladder and analyze the condition of your organs.
Can prostatitis cause cancer?
Although prostate inflammation causes a lot of discomfort, it cannot cause cancer.There is a blood test recommended by doctors to determine the presence of a tumor.It's called a prostate-specific antigen test (called PSA for short).In the presence of inflammation, PDA levels can increase.This does not mean you have cancer.The doctor will measure the PDA level several times during treatment.
Do not forget that you must constantly monitor your health and follow preventive recommendations.Be healthy and don't get sick!