The prostate gland (prostate) is an important part of the male reproductive system: it produces a secretion that ensures the motor activity and viability of sperm.The secretion contains enzymes, immunoglobulins, citric acid, vitamins, and zinc ions.If the activity of the prostate gland is disrupted, the sexual function of the male body decreases.The most common disease of the prostate gland is its inflammation - prostatitis.It usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 50.The older the man, the higher the risk of morbidity.Prostatitis occurs in acute or chronic form, is often difficult to diagnose and can lead to persistent prostate dysfunction.The most severe consequences of prostatitis are infertility and prostate cancer.
Around the world, about half of working-age men suffer from chronic prostatitis.Modern medicine is very actively involved in the treatment of prostatitis.Prostatitis, in fact, can be successfully treated - it is only important to diagnose it as early as possible.As soon as the initial signs of prostatitis appear, you need to consult a urologist.In the early stages, outpatient treatment is possible; in advanced cases, the patient is hospitalized.The course of treatment for both options is one to two weeks, after which the patient is required to take preventive measures to prevent new inflammation of the prostate gland.The relapse rate of chronic prostatitis is over 50%
Types of prostatitis
Depending on the causes and clinical picture of the disease, the following types of prostatitis are distinguished:
Acute prostatitis– severe inflammation of the prostate gland, resulting from bacterial infection of its tissues.Many bacteria are part of the body's normal microflora and are constantly present in the intestines and on the skin.However, when they enter the tissue of the prostate gland - usually due to non-compliance with the rules of basic hygiene and other reasons - they can cause the development of an acute inflammatory process.Acute prostatitis is extremely rare.Treatment should be carried out in a hospital setting.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis- accounts for a third of all cases of inflammation of the prostate gland.This form of prostatitis is dangerous because the painful symptoms can spontaneously subside even without treatment.But this does not mean healing - after a while, an exacerbation occurs, each time becoming more and more painful.If nothing is done over and over again, there is a risk of developing purulent foci, deposition of stones in the prostate, inflammation of the bladder and other serious complications, including cancer.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.A difficult form of prostatitis to diagnose, it is manifested by constant pain in the pelvic area that lasts more than three months.Along the way, neurological disorders and psychoemotional disorders may occur.The diagnosis is made by exclusion; tests may not show signs of inflammation.
Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis.It is asymptomatic and can be detected by urine test results, which show a high concentration of white blood cells and bacteria.
Chronic granulomatous prostatitis.Usually a side effect of drug treatment for other diseases or radiation to the prostate gland.During this disease, the prostate tissue is gradually replaced by connective tissue, and the gland ceases to function.
Symptoms of the disease
In men suffering from different forms of prostatitis, common symptoms can be identified.These include: Difficulty urinating due to compression of the urinary canal by the inflamed prostate gland.Pain and burning may occur when urinating.Impaired erection mechanism, weakened orgasm.Accelerated ejaculation.Decreased potency.Mental depression, anxiety.For a patient with prostatitis, a psychological attitude towards recovery is very important.Stress further weakens the body and makes treatment difficult, which leads to even greater depression.It can be difficult for a patient to break out of this vicious circle, so sometimes antidepressants are additionally prescribed for prostatitis.
Causes of prostatitis
The causes of prostatitis are quite varied, but are mainly associated with a man’s neglect of his health: sexually transmitted infections;poor circulation in the pelvic organs - for example, due to a sedentary lifestyle;prolonged sexual abstinence, interrupted sexual intercourse or artificial prolongation of sexual intercourse;impaired immunity;frequent hypothermia, which is typical for fans of extreme sports;stress;hormonal imbalance;deficiency of vitamins and microelements;failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
Complications
Prostatitis causes serious inconvenience for men: problems with urination, decreased libido, and impaired erectile function.If the patient does not receive adequate treatment on time, he may develop infertility with a 40% probability, since the prostate gland will no longer be able to produce secretions in normal quantities and of the required quality.Self-medication of prostatitis is unacceptable, as it can lead to a worsening of the patient’s condition and the occurrence of concomitant diseases.For example, incorrectly prescribed antibiotics will have a detrimental effect on the intestinal microflora and significantly reduce immunity, without solving problems with the prostate gland.Other drugs only mask the disease and its symptoms, aggravating the situation.Therefore, prostatitis must be diagnosed and treated by an experienced specialist.
Prevention
Preventive measures to prevent prostatitis include: careful personal hygiene;regular, orderly sex life;healthy physical activity;a diet with sufficient protein, vitamins and microelements;increasing general immunity;abstinence in drinking alcohol and smoking;timely treatment of any infectious diseases;reducing the overall level of daily stress.Due to the large number of varieties of prostatitis and the provoking factors of its development, men should be attentive to their well-being and visit a urologist at least twice a year.This is especially important after forty years.