Prostatitis is an inflammatory process that develops in the prostate gland. In theory, every man is at risk of developing it, regardless of age.
But men are most susceptible to diseases, which are influenced by the following factors:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Prolonged sexual abstinence or, conversely, an overly active sex life;
- Frequent constipation. Please note that only regular stool disturbances can cause prostatitis, and not episodic constipation;
- Hypothermia. In order to get sick with prostatitis, it is not necessary to swim in ice water for hours, it is enough just to sit on a cold stone or to be in the cold for a long time in unsuitable clothes;
- Chronic inflammatory diseases (for example, chronic bronchitis) or an untreated focus of infection in the body (caries, tonsillitis);
- Chronic and acute urological or previous venereal diseases (urethritis, gonorrhea);
- Sedentary work. First of all, these are those who are forced to constantly sit at work, without the opportunity to get up and warm up (drivers, computer operators);
- Any condition that can suppress the body's immune system. These include inadequate or inadequate nutrition, physical and emotional overload, constant lack of sleep, chronic stress).
All of the above factors become especially dangerous if the man's age exceeds 50 years. Indeed, at this age, the hormonal background changes significantly, immunity decreases, various diseases appear, and besides, few men at this age lead an active lifestyle. It is for these reasons that all men over 50 years of age must prophylactically visit a urologist every six months.
How does the disease begin?
As a rule, the first sign of developing prostatitis is unpleasant or even painful sensations when urinating. Sometimes you have to get up several times a night to go to the toilet. Few go to the doctor at this stage of the development of the disease, although at this stage the treatment will be short-lived and effective.
After a while, sharp cutting, pulling or shooting pains appear in the pubic or perineum, sometimes the pain radiates to the penis or the anus. Urination becomes frequent and painful, and the urine becomes much more cloudy. Pain may appear during bowel movements.
Further, the body temperature can increase, sometimes men notice the release of drops of translucent white fluid from the urethra. As a rule, most men go to the doctor during this period of the illness.
What happens if prostatitis is not treated?
If, after the above symptoms, you do not consult a doctor and start treatment, then the disease will progress further. The temperature can rise to 40 degrees, the pain becomes very severe, urination becomes very painful, the outflow of urine is disturbed (it flows out of the urethra in a thin stream or drop by drop). The longer prostatitis is left untreated, the higher the likelihood of acute urinary retention and the development of acute renal failure. Also, timely examination is necessary, since symptoms similar to prostatitis are also present in cystitis and prostate cancer.
Diagnostics
After contacting a urologist, a study of the prostate through the rectum is carried out, as well as an analysis of the secretion of the prostate gland. This procedure is not very pleasant, and sometimes painful, especially in the later stages of the disease. Sometimes it is because of this that men do not want to go to the doctor.
But in fact, the earlier you go for an examination, the less painful it is. In addition, palpation of the prostate itself is already a treatment, as it helps to eliminate congestion.
In the laboratory, the secretion of the gland is sown on nutrient media, the sensitivity of microflora to antibiotics is determined and urine analysis is performed. Ultrasound is also performed to confirm the diagnosis. Most often, the treatment of prostatitis is not difficult for a urologist, subject to timely treatment.
The early stages of prostatitis are treated at home. The patient is prescribed antibacterial drugs, baths, compresses and other thermal procedures on the perineum, as well as pain relievers and prostate massage. The treatment is carried out for about 10 days. During treatment, you should also not eat spicy foods and alcohol.
Signs and treatment of chronic prostatitis
With chronic prostatitis, aching pains appear in the perineum, which subside after walking or light exercise, there is a burning sensation when urinating. A man often does not sleep well and becomes irritable.
If left untreated, chronic prostatitis can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility. Reflexology and prostate massage are also added to the above treatment. The patient is recommended to lead a more active lifestyle, exclude spicy food and alcohol from the diet.
Trust the doctors
You should not try to diagnose yourself on your own, without a visit to the doctor. After all, only a urologist will be able to choose the optimal treatment regimen for you, based on the test results.
When self-medicating, you are taking antibiotics "blindly". This can lead to the transition of the disease into a chronic form. If the disease continues to progress, hospitalization may be necessary. In a hospital, the course of therapy will last 1-2 weeks, and maybe longer.
In order to prevent the development of complications, be sure to be examined by a urologist every six months.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of prostatitis comes down to the following recommendations:
- If you are going to be out in the cold for a long time, choose the right clothes;
- Eat regularly and fully;
- Lead an active lifestyle, go in for sports;
- Use laxatives for constipation;
- Have a regular sex life, preferably with a regular partner.
A very large number of men suffer from prostatitis. This article provides basic information about the disease, and also explains why it is necessary to visit a urologist regularly.