The "second heart of men" - the prostate or prostate gland - is an indicator of its sexuality and fertility. So each man must decide for himself whether it is dangerous for him not to monitor the condition of this organ. And with the development of inflammation of the prostate gland, you will have to ask yourself an important question - how to live with prostatitis?
prostatitis- a disease characterized by the presence of inflammation and / or infection localized in the prostate gland.
It can manifest itself with a wide range of clinical signs and complaints.
To begin with, consider prostate function:
- production of secretion, which is an integral part of sperm and participates in the liquefaction of ejaculate, as well as in its saturation with nutrients such as various enzymes and vitamins, citric acid, zinc ions, which help improve sperm motility and activity;
- The prostate contains smooth muscle fibers that help release sperm from the urethra during ejaculation, prevent sperm from entering the bladder, and participate in the mechanism of urine retention.
- produces hormones and active substances that regulate the functioning of the genital area.
Prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are the three main diseases of the organs.
All three diseases can coexist in the same prostate. That is, the presence of prostatitis does not exclude the presence of prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer in the patient and vice versa.
Causes of prostatitis and risk factors
According to statistics, prostatitis is the most common urological disease after hyperplasia (enlargement) and prostate cancer in men under 50 and the third most common in men over 50.
At least 30% of outpatient urological visits are due to prostatitis.
For all men who have experienced prostatitis, and their number has increased in recent years, it is clear that there will be no simple and carefree life with such a disease. Many factors affect the onset of the disease. This is both a deteriorating environment and a frantic pace of life, as a result of which men are exposed to stress and depression - these causes sometimes can not be changed, but there are factors that depend entirely on men themselves.
The most common causes of the disease:
- sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, rest in front of the TV;
- prolonged abstinence from sexual activity;
- improper diet leading to improper metabolism;
- bad habits: smoking, drinking alcohol and beer;
- chronic diseases of the genitourinary system;
- frequent change of sexual partners increases the risk of prostatitis;
- sexually transmitted diseases and infections of the genitourinary system;
- delayed ejaculation and ejaculation during intercourse;
- excessive consumption of spicy, fatty, salty, spicy foods;
- frequent constipation, hemorrhoids;
- reduced immunity.
Possible causes of prostatitis also include:
- intraprostatic reflux of urine as a result of dysfunctional urination (urine, with certain predisposing factors, can enter the prostate gland through the prostate ducts, causing an inflammatory process);
- unprotected anal sex;
- narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis);
- autoimmune diseases;
- functional and anatomical changes in the pelvic floor muscles;
- changes in the central nervous system, including functional and anatomical changes in the brain;
- traumatic and unusual sexual activity;
- psychological factors (a number of studies have shown the effect of psychological stress on the onset of symptoms of chronic prostatitis - some patients have been diagnosed with psychosomatic disorders, the treatment of which reduces the symptoms of prostatitis and the likelihood of recurrence has been noted).
symptoms:
- pain or burning when urinating (dysuria);
- urinary disorders;
- change in the color of urine and / or semen;
- the appearance of blood in the urine and / or semen;
- pain and / or discomfort in the abdomen, groin or lower back;
- pain and / or discomfort in the perineum;
- pain and / or discomfort in the penis and testicles;
- pain and / or discomfort during ejaculation;
- fever (in acute bacterial prostatitis).
diagnostics:
According to the generally accepted classification of prostatitis, the NIH (National Institutes of Health) has four categories of diseases traditionally denoted by Roman numerals:
I - acute bacterial prostatitis;
II - chronic bacterial prostatitis;
III - chronic abacterial prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP / CPPS):
IV - asymptomatic (asymptomatic) chronic prostatitis.
The diagnosis of prostatitis involves a digital rectal examination (rectal examination), which involves palpating (palpating) the prostate gland with the index finger through the anus (rectum).
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)- important diagnostic manipulation with suspicion of any pathology of the prostate gland. Therefore, it is recommended that men do not refuse to conduct it.
Laboratory diagnosis primarily involves a general urine test, which shows an increase in the number of leukocytes. Bacteriological culture of urine, prostate secretion and semen, as well as smear of the urethra for PPI is recommended. Based on the results of the analysis, it is possible to determine the presence of bacteria and their sensitivity to antibiotics and thus to adjust the prescribed antibiotic therapy. A general blood test is performed to assess the general condition of the body and its reaction to the inflammatory process.
Determination of the tumor marker (PSA), its fractions is also not recommended - due to the low information content and data distortion against the background of inflammation.
Treatment of prostatitis
The main thing in the treatment of the disease is the integrated approach and strict implementation of all the recommendations of a specialist. Medicine has achieved good results in the elimination of prostatitis. Once the patient finds "his" urologist, whom he unconditionally trusts, it is important not to interrupt the algorithm of therapeutic actions. Under no circumstances should treatment be discontinued after the onset of relief that occurs after taking medications that fight the infection that has entered the body.
This first success must be consolidated and continued. Treatment includes not only destroying harmful bacteria, but also repairing damaged prostate tissue, boosting immunity and correcting other changes in the body as a result of inflammation. At the beginning of the article it was said that life with prostatitis will not be carefree. Unfortunately, some patients, noticing an improvement in their health, half stop treatment with a specialist and boring trips to the clinic for procedures, and then engage in healing themselves. So to do this is not only impossible but also dangerous.
How is prostatitis treated in the clinic?
The urologist treats prostatitis and other diseases of the genitourinary system, based on international clinical guidelines. This means that he uses not only his professional knowledge, but also focuses on scientifically proven and globally accepted methods of diagnosis and therapy.
Our doctors do not prescribe ineffective drugs and examinations "just in case", do not treat non-existent diseases. When making a diagnosis, the urologist relies on the data obtained from the patient's examination, clinical picture, data from laboratory and instrumental tests.
About the dangers of self-medication
Without sufficient knowledge in the field of medicine, self-medication can only do harm. No folk methods, independently appointed, will be of any use. The urologist should become the main friend and advisor of the man in the fight against the scourge. Only a professional can tell you what methods can be used to supplement drug treatment. In addition to traditional medicine, which significantly helps to deal with the disease, but only along with traditional treatment, there is a mass of dietary supplements that have flooded the shelves of pharmacies. An ignorant person naively believes that the use of supplements will save him from prostatitis. Remember that self-medication can lead to chronicity and disease progression!