Prostatitis is an inflammatory process localized in the prostate gland. This pathology is very common and is often diagnosed in men of reproductive age. The prostate gland (the second name for the prostate gland) is located below the bladder and partially covers the urethra. Therefore, even a small dysfunction of this organ causes disorders of the genitourinary system.
Causes of prostatitis
Prostatitis is classified as an inflammatory process, but this does not mean that it is caused only by pathogenic microorganisms. Doctors (andrologists deal with diseases of the male reproductive system) identify several reasons for the development of this pathology:
- Blood stasis in the small pelvis. This refers to a violation of blood microcirculation in the prostate gland and nearby organs, which leads to an increase in the body. The disorder can occur in the postoperative period against the background of a sedentary lifestyle, obesity (not necessarily critical).
- Infection of the genitourinary system. When examining a patient with prostatitis, doctors often isolate gonococci, staphylococci, chlamydia, and trichomonas. In very rare cases, an infection can penetrate the prostate gland against the background of a sore throat or flu - in this case, the inflammatory process in question differs as a complication.
- Regular pelvic trauma. For this reason, drivers develop prostatitis - they are constantly loaded in the perineum, the prostate gland vibrates and vibrates.
- The entry of bacteria through biological body fluids. Every human body has colonies of bacteria that live in the intestines and urethra. Under normal circumstances, they are completely harmless and only under favorable conditions (weakening of the immune system, long-term use of drugs, chronic diseases, human immunodeficiency virus) become pathogenic and cause inflammatory processes. These bacteria can enter the prostate gland through the blood or lymph.
In addition, factors that serve as provocateurs of pathology can be taken into account when diagnosing an inflammatory process in the prostate gland:
- regular hypothermia - this may be due to the characteristics of the working conditions or disregard for the rules of dress at certain times of the year;
- disorders of the endocrine system - excessive or insufficient production of male hormones, diagnosed with diabetes mellitus;
- very active sex life, as well as long-term abstinence - depletion of the prostate gland;
- There are officially registered cases of the development of prostatitis on the background of any chronic diseases - untreated bronchitis, caries, cystitis, urological infections.
Symptoms of the inflammatory process
Andrologists distinguish between primary and indirect signs of the inflammatory process that develops in the prostate gland. The main symptoms are pronounced:
- urine is more frequent, regardless of the amount of fluid consumed;
- the moment of urination is painful, the man feels cramps and burning in the urethra;
- body temperature (hyperemia) rises to critical levels.
These symptoms are very quickly combined with a burning sensation in the entire perineum and pain during bowel movements.
Indirect signs of inflammation in the prostate gland are not so noticeable, but men should ignore them:
- ejaculation is greatly accelerated - the time of sexual intercourse is reduced;
- erection can be quite long at night;
- reduction of sexual intercourse - partially or completely;
- "flakes" or white "threads" appear in the urine.
Please note: these indirect symptoms indicate the beginning of the development of the inflammatory process in question - it responds well to treatment and continues without complications.
Prostatitis is divided into acute and chronic forms of the course, each of which has its own characteristics.
Acute prostatitis
Acute prostatitis always starts suddenly and manifests itself:
- increase in temperature;
- prolonged pain in the perineum;
- desire to use the toilet often;
- very small amount of urine with a feeling of a full bladder.
Note: urinary retention in the acute form of the inflammatory process of the prostate gland is considered the most dangerous condition. In this case, the man will feel a strong desire to go to the toilet, but even with strong tension will not urinate. Acute urinary retention is accompanied by severe pain and pressure in the area where the bladder is anatomically located - patients describe their condition as "now the bladder will explode. "The condition requires urgent medical attention, which involves the use of a catheter - inserted into the urethra and bladder, as if "pushing" the swollen gland. As soon as the catheter reaches the bladder, urine begins to flow out, and the patient immediately relaxes, his condition returns to normal in a short time.
Chronic prostatitis
This type of pathology is almost asymptomatic - sometimes a man experiences short-term pain in the perineum (similar to lumbago), changes in sexual intercourse - it can either lengthen or narrow. In addition, the patient becomes irritable, sleep is disturbed at night, urine flow may be impaired (this is due to narrowing of the urinary tract), and in the morning there may be white clots in the urine in the form of flakes or clots. ropes.
Please note: the chronic form of the inflammatory process in the prostate gland can develop invisibly to the patient himself. The fact is that at a young age, acute prostatitis persists with mild symptoms, and if a young person likes to drink alcohol or is very enthusiastic about his work, he does not have time to pay attention to changes in urination or periodic pain. perineum. The symptoms of acute prostatitis will disappear over time, but this does not mean that the disease has receded - it has simply become chronic.
Methods of treatment of prostatitis
Treatment of the inflammatory process in the prostate gland should be carried out only under the supervision of an andrologist. It not only diagnoses prostatitis itself (often its symptoms are the same as prostate cancer), but also reveals the real cause of its occurrence. In general, several different treatments can be used to treat inflammation of the prostate gland.
Drug treatment
With prostatitis, antibacterial agents (antibiotics) can be prescribed, but only if pathogenic bacteria are isolated during the examination and are recognized as the cause of the development of the pathology. Simultaneously with antibiotics, the patient is prescribed probiotics or prebiotics - drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora and resist the development of pathological processes there.
If the inflammatory process began as a result of adverse external factors (hypothermia, trauma), then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will be prescribed.
In case of hormonal disorders, the man should undergo a course of hormonal therapy.
Please note: drug treatment is very variable, so it should be chosen individually - in this case, self-medication is strictly prohibited.
Physiotherapy
Treatment of prostatitis should be comprehensive. Against the background of the use of drugs will be effective to carry out certain physiotherapy procedures:
- Electrical stimulation - accelerates metabolic processes, stimulates more active production of hormones, restores the structure of the gland.
- Magnetotherapy is a painless procedure that helps reduce the level of inflammation and get rid of swelling of the prostate gland.
- Prostate massage - is performed only after medical measures for acute inflammation, the procedure is painful, but very effective.
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Please note: prescriptions from the traditional medicine category should not be the only treatment - they can only speed up the therapeutic process and improve the effectiveness of medication and physiotherapy.
The most effective and safe alternative treatments include:
- Eat pumpkin seeds. They contain zinc, which is an important element for men's health, so it is necessary to eat 30 raw seeds 30 minutes before meals throughout the course of therapy for prostatitis.
- Pumpkin honey balls. Peel a squash, grate it and squeeze the juice. Roll the resulting mass into small balls and store in refrigerator. It is necessary to eat 1-2 balls before meals (30 minutes) - it is not necessary to chew, it is better to dissolve slowly. Treatment with this prescription continues until the symptoms of prostatitis disappear.
- Decoction of hazelnut leaves. You can collect hazelnut leaves yourself or buy dry raw materials at the pharmacy, you need a glass of boiling water for a tablespoon of the source. The broth is brewed as usual tea for 20 minutes, filtered and taken 50 ml at least 4 times a day. Note: Hazelnut peel is also sold in pharmacies - it can be used in the treatment of prostatitis and according to the same recipe. But keep in mind that the brewing time for the bark is doubled.
- Parsley juice. Prepare from the green leaves of the plant and take 1 dessert spoon 3 times a day before meals.
- Broth from parsley seeds. 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). The broth should be taken in the amount of 1 tablespoon every morning and evening.
In any case, no matter how safe the product looks, you should first consult your doctor. For example, if a man, in addition to prostatitis, has cholelithiasis, then the use of pumpkin seeds is strictly prohibited for him - any appointment is strictly carried out individually.
Diet and lifestyle
In order to get the best results during therapeutic measures for prostatitis, it is necessary to follow a certain diet. Fatty meat, smoked and very salty foods, dough and chocolate should be excluded from the diet. The menu can include fish and seafood, milk and its derivatives, steamed vegetables. For prostatitis, it is very useful to use freshly made juices from vegetables and fruits - they will help strengthen and restore the immune system.
During therapy, you should exclude alcohol and lead an active lifestyle - at least exercise in the morning, walk more and get rid of extra pounds.
Prostatitis is not considered a life-threatening disease for men, but ignoring its symptoms can lead to serious complications. One of the most difficult consequences is male infertility and loss of erectile function, which often occurs with long-lasting chronic prostatitis.