The prostate is a gland in the male body. Normal parameters of a healthy organ are 2. 5-4. 5 cm long and 3-4 cm wide. It consists of glandular and muscular 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) that is released at the time of ejaculation and is a component of semen.
The secret of the prostate has an alkaline reaction and provides vital activity and mobility of sperm, protecting them from the acidic environment of the vagina.
what is prostatitis
This is an inflammation of the prostate, which is found only in the male body and is involved in the production of the male sex hormone. Ligaments connect the gland with 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 location of the prostate explains the discomfort that occurs when it becomes inflamed and enlarged. The gland presses on the urethra, causing poor urine flow.
Compression of the rectum causes constipation. The location very close to the perineum causes pain in this area.
Assign acute and chronic prostatitis.
acute prostatitisIt can be caused by various bacteria:
- Escherichia coli.
- Staphylococcus aureus.
- Enterococcus.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Enterobacteriaceae.
The presence of these pathogens in the body of a healthy person is natural and harmless. But with a decrease in immunity, the bacteria are activated, penetrate the tissues of the gland and provoke acute inflammatory processes, which manifest themselves:
- Increased temperature, both of the whole body and rectally (in the rectum). In addition, the rectal temperature is usually 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 urges become more frequent at night.
- General drunkenness. Weakness, muscle and joint pain, headache.
- Change in urine color. It becomes cloudy, sometimes with an admixture of blood.
- discharge from the urethra.
A slow or advanced acute process lasting more than 3 months leads tochronic form.It is characterized by:
- Pain in the genital area.
- Violation of urination.
- sexual disorders
main reasons
- urinary tract infections. For a long time, they can go unnoticed. The normal microflora of the genitourinary system copes with pathogenic flora for some time. But as a result of hypothermia or any other unfavorable conditions, an aggressive microflora begins to prevail and inflammation begins.
- congestion in the prostateis a significant risk factor. A sedentary lifestyle, hemorrhoids, constipation - these factors lead to blood stagnation. Updated oxygenated arterial blood practically stops flowing to the pelvic organs. Intracellular respiration decreases and the infection becomes the sovereign owner.
- irregular sex life, - when periods of increased sexual activity are replaced by prolonged abstinence. Frequent ejaculations, as well as their limitation, cause stress and dysfunction of the secretory function. Along with the above reasons, this gives the prerequisites for starting the inflammatory process.
- Obesity. Metabolism is disturbed, which leads to atherosclerosis and cholesterol deposition.
- hypothermiacan cause decreased immunity.
- Alcohol and tobacco abuseleads to a narrowing of the large vessels that feed the prostate.
- lack of physical activitydoes not allow the muscles of the prostate gland to work and completely throws off the secret.
The first signs of prostatitis in men
- Weak urine stream with short range.
- Difficulty urinating with pain.
- Intermittent jet.
- Prolonged process of urinating.
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Frequent night calls.
Symptoms and signs
There are two phases to 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 penis.
Men try to ignore it or dismiss it as overwork. Over time, the pain intensifies, it becomes more and more difficult to empty the bladder. This indicates that the latent phase became active, the inflammation began to progress, and obvious signs of the disease appeared:
- Unpleasant sensations during the act of defecation.
- Stringy discharge from the urethra during evacuation.
- Burning in the perineum and urethra.
- Noticeable problems with potency.
- Quick ejaculation.
- The bladder empties partially and with difficulty.
- Psychological problems.
- Urination is repeated and painful with stringy discharge.
- The process of the appearance of an erection becomes long.
Diagnostics
- anamnesis collection. The doctor finds out about all the complaints made by the patient. Time of first symptoms. The presence of other diseases. Find out the details of sexual activity, the presence of a permanent partner and other information necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
- Prostate rectal exam. Before the examination, the patient is given a microclyster to cleanse the intestines. Palpation examination allows you to determine the increase and pain of the organ. As a result of prostate massage, a part of the secret is released, which is given 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 test determines the size of the prostate, its density and structure. For a more detailed examination, transrectal ultrasound is used. The tip of the device is inserted into the rectum, allowing part of the intestine and seminal ducts to be checked.
- Cystoscopy. The procedure is performed with an endoscope. A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the urethra, allowing the bladder and gland to be viewed on the screen. As directed, they may take a biopsy (take a tissue sample for analysis).
Laboratory studies are also performed:
- General blood test (increased number of leukocytes).
- Urine analysis (leukocytes, erythrocytes and proteins are present in the samples).
- Bakposev in microflora is taken from the urethra (antibiotic sensitivity is determined).
- Sperm analysis (motility, activity and accumulation of sperm, the state of reproductive function).
Methods and scheme for the treatment of prostatitis
Treatment is complex. It includes preparations of different directions and actions, as well as massages, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises.
Prescription drugs:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (affect pathogenic microflora).
- Alpha-blockers normalize urine output, improve blood filling of the pelvic organs, reduce pain.
- Muscle relaxants.
Treatment also includes:
- Prostate massage (helps eliminate fluid retention and swelling). Acute infectious prostatitis is a contraindication to the procedure.
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, electrical stimulation, magnetic and laser therapy).
- Physiotherapy.
Only a doctor can prescribe medication after receiving these tests!
Prevention
- To prevent prostatitis, it is recommended to lead a mobile lifestyle. Walking, running, swimming, playing tennis are good for health. Strength sports and cycling should be limited.
- Dieting. Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Do not abuse alcohol and nicotine, limit the consumption of pickles and smoked meats.
- Caution in choosing a sexual partner to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
- usual sex life
Compliance with these simple preventive measures will allow you to maintain health for many years.