Prostatitis is an inflammatory process whose focus is the prostate gland.Another popular name is prostate.This disease and the pain in the pelvis (groin area) 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 in middle age and in youth.Do not neglect the prevention of male prostatitis.
The role of the prostate in the body
The prostate is a small, round, uneven gland that is a component of the male reproductive system.The location of the gland is below 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 on their way to the female egg.
The first signs of the development of prostatitis
There are few signs of this disease.But if you encounter at least 2 of the following symptoms:consult a urologist immediately.
- The urine stream falls slowly or its rangeless than 20cm.
- Difficulty, drop by drop, in urinating.
- Pain and burning when urinating.
- Intermittence, bifurcation, jet spray, process duration.
- Sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Frequent urination at night.
- Pain between the genitals and anus.
We recommend that you do not diagnose yourself, but rather undergo all necessary tests in 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 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 taken.The most common pathogen is Escherichia coli (lat.Escherichia coli).
Characteristic symptoms 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.
The treatment is based on antibiotics.In most cases, doctors prescribe medication and the medication must be taken.6 to 8 weeks.After completing therapyup to 50%patients had relapses.Therefore, once the disease has disappeared, 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 those of the bacterial form of prostatitis, but the pathogen is unknown.
CP/CPPS can be caused by bacteria, particularly chlamydia, mycoplasma (transmitted sexually), or ureaplasma.Or inflammation of the prostate in men develops if the body reacts to an infection or injury received 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.
Of course, there is currently no more effective therapy.Therefore, the treatment of CPPS is prolonged and often not very successful.For patients, this often represents serious psychological stress, which in turn can negatively affect the course of the disease.Therefore, psychological support or psychotherapy is highly desirable.
Acute (sudden) bacterial prostatitis
Its symptoms usually appear suddenly.In most cases, the causative agent is Escherichia coli (lat.Escherichia coli).
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Since 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 immediately seek medical help.
The patient presents the following symptoms:
- Fever.
- Shivers.
- Difficulty emptying the bladder.
- Intense burning sensation when going to the bathroom.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
The danger of this variety is that it occurs in a hidden way, without bothering with symptoms.This type can be discovered during testing for other types of problems.
The reasons why the mechanism is activated in this way are not clear.The nerves and muscles in the groin start to hurt due to infection, inflammation and some other problems.
Causes of the disease
Doctors have identified several possible causes, including:
- Previously discovered bacterial infections in the prostate gland.
- Atypical bacteria (resistant to antibiotics).
- Irritation caused by the accumulation of urine in the prostate gland.
- 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 relations or total absence of sexual relations.
What risk factors exist for the development of 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 to drain fluid 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 the risk of contracting these types of diseases caused by microbes.Therefore, sexual relations with a regular partner who is trusted is another factor in men's health.
How is prostatitis in men diagnosed?
Physical examination
The doctor may perform a manual rectal examination (MRE) of the rectum:
- It is produced by inserting a lubricated finger of a hand wearing a sterile glove into the opening of the anus.
- The doctor will press on the prostate gland 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 you how painful or uncomfortable it feels when you touch the area near the gland.
- If you are sick, the exam may be uncomfortable and painful.
- But it will not cause any damage or cause pain in the long term.
Perform tests in the laboratory.
If your doctor suspects that you have problems with your prostate and nearby tissues, you will be referred to a urologist.
Urologistis a specialist who deals with problems of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.Your urologist or other specialist can order tests to determine 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 make sure 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.UltrasoundIt uses sound waves reflected by 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 reason to be afraid.
Doing a smear test
The doctor will perform an analysis of urine and prostate fluid to determine the cause of the problems.During manual rectal examination, when the prostate was massaged, fluid flowed from the penis, identified as prostatic secretion.
The microflora of urine and pronounced secretion are checked.The test result can show whether the problem is in the urinary canal, prostate, or bladder.
Blood and semen are also tested for bacteria, white blood cells, or other symptoms of infection.Also, if you recently received antibiotic treatment, your test results will also change.
Diagnosis using cystoscope.
The urologist examines the inside of the urinary tract, prostate, and bladder using a cystoscope.It is a long, thin telescope with a bulb on the end.First, the doctor will give you anesthesia.Then, he or she will carefully insert the cystoscope into your bladder and analyze the condition of your organs.
Can prostatitis cause cancer?
Although inflammation of the prostate causes a lot of discomfort, it is not capable of causing cancer.There is a blood test that doctors recommend to determine the presence of a tumor.It is called a prostate-specific antigen test (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.
Don't forget that you must constantly monitor your health and follow preventive recommendations.Be healthy and don't get sick!