The prostate is a gland in the male body. Normal parameters of a healthy organ are 2. 5-4. 5 cm in length and 3-4 cm in width. It is made up of glandular and muscle tissues and is formed at the age of 23, when the accumulation of hormones increases. The glandular or secretory tissue produces a special fluid (secret) which is released upon ejaculation and is a component of the sperm.
The secret of the prostate has an alkaline reaction and provides the vital activity and mobility of the sperm, protecting them from the acidic environment of the vagina.
What is prostatitis
This is an inflammation of the prostate gland, which is found only in the male body and is involved in the production of the male sex hormone. Ligaments connect the gland to the pubic junction between the bones, its base converges with the bladder and surrounds the initial section of the urethra.
Located in the small pelvis, the prostate is separated from the rectum by a thin septum of connective tissue. This anatomical position of the prostate explains the disorders that appear when it becomes inflamed and enlarged. The gland presses on the urethra, thereby causing poor outflow of urine.
Compression of the rectum causes constipation. The location near the perineum causes pain in this area.
Allocate acute and chronic prostatitis.
Acute prostatitiscan be caused by various bacteria:
- Escherichia coli.
- Staphylococcus aureus.
- Enterococcus.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Enterobacteria.
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, manifested:
- An increase in temperature, both of the whole body and of the rectum (in the rectum). Also, the rectal temperature is often higher than in the axillary region.
- Complaints of chills, fever.
- The appearance of pain in the groin, scrotum, anus.
- Frequent painful urination (cramps, burning). The impulses become more frequent at night.
- General intoxication. Weakness, pain in muscles and joints, headache.
- Change in urine color. It becomes cloudy, sometimes with an admixture of blood.
- Discharge from the urethra.
It leads to a slow or advanced acute process that lasts more than 3 monthschronic form.It is characterized by:
- Pain in the genital area.
- Violation of urination.
- Sexual disorders.
Main reason
- Urinary tract infections. For a long time they can go unnoticed. The normal microflora of the genitourinary system for some time copes with the pathogenic flora. But due to hypothermia or any other unfavorable condition, aggressive microflora begins to prevail and inflammation begins.
- prostate congestionit is a significant risk factor. A sedentary lifestyle, hemorrhoids, constipation - these factors lead to stagnation of blood. The updated and oxygenated arterial blood practically ceases to flow in the pelvic organs. Intracellular respiration decreases and infection becomes a sovereign lover.
- 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 dysfunctions of the secretory function. Together with the above reasons, this provides the prerequisites for starting 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 a narrowing of the great vessels that feed the prostate.
- Lack of physical activitydoes not allow the muscles of the prostate gland to work and completely throw out the secret.
The first signs of prostatitis in men
- Weak short-range urine flow.
- Difficulty urinating with pain.
- Intermittent flow.
- Prolonged urination process.
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Frequent night calls.
Symptoms and signs
There are two phases in the symptoms: latent (hidden) and active. In the latent phase, which can last for years, there are hardly any complaints. There is a slight feeling of discomfort in the scrotum, anus or glans.
Men try to ignore it or erase it as overwork. Over time, the pain intensifies, it becomes more and more difficult to empty the bladder. This indicates that the latent phase has turned into an active phase, the inflammation has begun to progress, and obvious signs of the disease have appeared:
- Unpleasant sensations during the act of defecation.
- Fibrous discharge from the urethra during stool.
- Burning in the perineum and urethra.
- Perceptible problems with potency.
- Quick ejaculation.
- The bladder empties partially and with difficulty.
- Problems of a psychological nature.
- Urination is repeated and painful with stringy discharge.
- The process of emergence of an erection becomes long.
Diagnostics
- Collection of anamnesis. The doctor finds out all the complaints the patient makes. Time of the first symptoms. The presence of other diseases. He learns 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 microclister to clean the intestines. Palpation examination allows you to determine the increase and pain of the organ. As a result of the prostate massage, part of the secret is released, which is delivered 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 gland, its density and structure. For a more detailed examination, transrectal ultrasound is used. The tip of the device is inserted into the rectum, which allows you 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 you to view the bladder and gland on the screen. According to the indications, they can perform a biopsy (tissue sample for analysis).
Laboratory studies are also carried out:
- General blood test (increased number of leukocytes).
- Urinalysis (leukocytes, erythrocytes and proteins are present in the samples).
- Bakposev on the microflora is 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 different directions and actions, as well as massage, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises.
Prescribed drugs:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (affect pathogenic microflora).
- Alpha blockers normalize urine production, improve blood filling of the pelvic organs and reduce pain.
- Muscle relaxants.
The treatment also includes:
- Prostate massage (helps 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 drugs after receiving these tests!
Prevention
- To prevent prostatitis, it is recommended to lead a mobile lifestyle. Walking, running, swimming, tennis are good for your 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 meats.
- 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.