Prostatitis is a common disease that can affect men of any age. It is an inflammatory disease of the prostate that causes various symptoms and has negative consequences for men's health. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of prostatitis, as well as discussing preventive measures to preserve men's health.
Definition of disease. Causes of the disease
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland in men, which causes various symptoms and makes urination difficult.
Prostatitis can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as infections, injuries, allergies, and stress. Some of the most common causes of prostatitis include:
- Bacterial infection: This is the most common cause of prostatitis. Bacteria can enter the prostate through the genitourinary tract or blood, causing inflammation.
- Chronic constipation: Prolonged constipation can put stress on the prostate, which can cause inflammation.
- Sexual problems: Prolonged lack of sexual activity or sexual fatigue can lead to the development of prostatitis.
- Autoimmune diseases: Some autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation of the prostate.
- Injury to the prostate: Injury to the prostate can cause inflammation.
- Irregular sexual activity: Lack of regular sexual activity can lead to stagnation of secretions in the prostate gland, which can cause inflammation.
Knowing the causes of prostatitis will help prevent its development. To prevent the development of prostatitis, it is necessary to monitor your health and consult a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease.
Prostatitis symptoms
Prostatitis can manifest itself with several unpleasant symptoms that negatively impact a man's quality of life. Some of the most common symptoms of prostatitis include:
- Pain and discomfort in the perineum, rectum or bladder.
- Painful urination, sometimes with a burning sensation or pain.
- The need to urinate more frequently than normal, including at night.
- Weak, intermittent, or difficult urine flow.
- Sexual problems, such as pain or discomfort during erection or ejaculation.
- Feeling tired or generally weak.
- Increased body temperature and fever.
- Increased sensitivity to cold.
- Pain with pressure on the prostate.
- The appearance of blood in urine or semen.
The symptoms of prostatitis can vary and appear at different times and with varying degrees of severity. If you suspect prostatitis, you should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Pathogenesis of prostatitis
The pathogenesis of prostatitis includes a complex of changes that occur in the prostate and other tissues of the male body during the inflammatory process.
Bacterial prostatitis develops when bacteria enter the prostate gland through the genitourinary tract or blood. The inflammatory process causes expansion of capillaries and damage to the walls of blood vessels, which leads to tissue swelling and impaired blood microcirculation. Additionally, bacteria can continue to multiply and produce toxins, which also contribute to inflammation.
Non-bacterial prostatitis, which is not associated with infections, can be caused by various factors such as chronic stress, autoimmune diseases, allergies, microcirculation disorders, etc. In nonbacterial prostatitis, there is no obvious infection, but some scientists associate it with changes in nervous system function and disorders in the immune system.
The general mechanism of prostatitis pathogenesis includes disruption of the normal prostate microflora, an inflammatory reaction, tissue damage, and prostate dysfunction. The most effective approach to treating prostatitis is complex treatment, including antibacterial therapy, analgesics, physiotherapeutic procedures, prostate massage and other methods of influence. Treatment must be prescribed by a doctor!
Classification and stages of development of prostatitis
There are several classifications of prostatitis, but the most common is based on its causes:
- Bacterial prostatitis caused by a bacterial infection.
- Chronic prostatitis/post-chronic prostatitis syndrome is characterized by constant symptoms, but the inflammatory process is not detected.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis caused by non-infectious causes.
- Acute prostatitis is characterized by rapid onset of the disease, intense pain and severe symptoms.
The stages of development of prostatitis can be different, but usually there are three:
- Acute prostatitis. Rapid onset of the disease, severe symptoms such as pain, burning when urinating, fever, etc. Acute prostatitis can be caused by a bacterial infection and requires immediate treatment.
- Chronic prostatitis/Chronic post-prostatitis syndrome. Symptoms are constantly present and can last for months or even years. There may be no inflammatory process and the symptoms may be non-infectious in nature.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis. Symptoms are constantly present, but the inflammatory process is not detected. This type of prostatitis can be caused by various reasons such as stress, prolonged constipation, microcirculation disorders, etc.
Knowledge of the classification and stages of development of prostatitis can help in timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease. If you notice symptoms of prostatitis, you should see a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.
Complications of prostatitis
Prostatitis can cause several complications that can have a negative impact on men's health. Some of the most common complications of prostatitis include:
- Prostate cancer.
- Epididymitis is inflammation of the testicle.
- Sclerosing lymphangitis.
- Seminal cyst.
- Sepsis.
- Prostate dysfunction.
- Increased risk of developing depression and other psychological problems.
It is important to remember that prostatitis is a serious disease that requires timely diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect prostatitis, you should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Prostatitis diagnosis
Diagnosis of prostatitis includes physical examination, urine and blood tests, and other additional tests.
During a physical exam, your doctor will examine the prostate through the rectum to assess its size, shape, and texture. If the prostate is enlarged or abnormally shaped, this may indicate the presence of prostatitis.
A urine test will reveal the presence of bacteria and other indicators of inflammation. The blood will also show signs of inflammation.
Additional tests may include prostate ultrasound, MRI, biopsy, and other methods.
Your doctor may also recommend a prostate antigen (PSA) test. This substance is produced by the prostate and can be elevated in the presence of prostatitis, prostate cancer and other diseases.
In general, diagnosing prostatitis can be challenging because the symptoms of prostatitis can be very similar to those of other genitourinary diseases. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor for professional diagnosis and treatment if prostatitis is suspected.
Prostatitis treatment
The treatment of prostatitis depends on the type and cause of the disease. Bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, which aim to kill the bacteria that cause the infection.
For chronic prostatitis/post-chronic prostatitis syndrome, when the infection is not detected, a combination of medications can be used, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and diuretics, as well as medications that improve blood circulation in the prostate.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is treated with medications such as anti-inflammatories, medications to improve blood circulation to the prostate, and medications to improve urination.
Additional treatments for prostatitis include physical therapy, prostate massage, and lifestyle changes such as proper nutrition, exercise, adequate rest, and stress management.
It is important to remember that prostatitis treatment is prescribed only by a qualified doctor. If you suspect prostatitis, see a urologist or andrologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Forecast. Prevention
The prostatitis prognosis depends on the type and extent of the disease. Bacterial prostatitis can be treated successfully if treatment is started in a timely manner. Chronic prostatitis can cause long-term discomfort, but it is usually not a life-threatening disease.
Prostatitis prevention includes:
- Maintaining hygiene means regularly washing your genitals and using condoms during sexual intercourse.
- Avoid hypothermia – clothing should be appropriate for the weather conditions and sitting on cold surfaces should be avoided.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Eat well and drink plenty of water.
- Regular medical examination to detect diseases of the genitourinary system.
- Regular exercise and stress management.
It is important to know that prostatitis is a serious disease that can negatively affect a man's quality of life. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor for preventive medical examinations and timely treatment at the first signs of the disease.
The modern clinic is suitable for professional diagnosis and treatment. The clinic will offer a comprehensive diagnosis, including a medical examination, blood and urine tests, ultrasound and other additional studies.
Depending on the diagnostic results, the clinic's specialists can prescribe individual treatment, including medication, physiotherapy, prostate massage, lifestyle changes and other treatment methods.
In addition, in the clinic you can receive advice from qualified specialists and recommendations on the prevention of prostatitis and other diseases of the genitourinary system.
Do not delay in visiting your doctor if you suspect prostatitis. A professional clinic will help you identify and treat the disease as quickly as possible.