Prostatitis is an inflammatory process that develops in the prostate gland. In theory, every man risks developing it, regardless of age.
But men are more susceptible to diseases, which are affected by the following factors:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Prolonged sexual abstinence or, conversely, an overactive sex life;
- Frequent constipation. Please note that only regular bowel movements can cause prostate, and not episodic constipation;
- Hypothermia. In order to get sick with prostate, it is not necessary to swim in ice water for hours, it is enough just to sit on a cold stone or be in the cold for a long time with inappropriate clothes;
- Chronic inflammatory diseases (for example, chronic bronchitis) or an untreated focus of infection in the body (caries, tonsillitis);
- Previous chronic and acute urological or venereal diseases (urethritis, gonorrhea);
- Sitting work. First of all, these are the ones who are forced to constantly sit at work, without the possibility of getting up and warming up (drivers, computer operators);
- Any condition that can suppress the body's immune system. These include inadequate or inadequate nutrition, physical and emotional overload, persistent lack of sleep, chronic stress).
All of the above factors become especially dangerous if a man is over 50 years old. Indeed, at this age, the hormonal background changes significantly, immunity decreases, various diseases appear and in addition, few men at this age lead an active lifestyle. It is for these reasons that all men over the age of 50 should prophylactically visit a urologist every six months.
How does the disease start?
As a rule, the first sign of developing prostatitis is the uncomfortable or even painful sensation when urinating. Sometimes you have to get up several times a night to go to the bathroom. Few go to the doctor at this stage of disease development, although at this stage 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 radiating to the penis or anus. Urination becomes frequent and painful, and urine becomes much more turbid. Pain may appear during bowel movements.
Further, body temperature may rise, sometimes men notice the release of droplets of translucent white fluid from the urethra. As a rule, most men go to the doctor during this period of illness.
What happens if prostatitis is not treated?
If, after the above symptoms, you do not consult a doctor and start treatment, the disease will progress further. The temperature can rise to 40 degrees, the pain becomes very strong, urination becomes very painful, urine flow is disturbed (it flows from the urethra into a thin stream or drip). The longer the prostate is left untreated, the higher the likelihood of acute urinary retention and the development of acute renal failure. Also, timely examination is necessary, as prostatitis-like symptoms are also present in cystitis and prostate cancer.
Diagnosing
After contact with a urologist, a prostate examination is performed through the rectum, 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, touching the prostate itself is already a treatment, as it helps eliminate congestion blockages.
In the laboratory, glandular secretion is cultured in nutrient media, the microflora is sensitive to antibiotics, and urine analysis is performed. Ultrasound is also performed to confirm the diagnosis. Most often, treating 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 medications, baths, compresses and other thermal procedures on the perineum, as well as pain relievers and prostate massage. The treatment is performed for about 10 days. During treatment, you should also not eat spicy foods and alcohol.
Signs and treatment of chronic prostatitis
In 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, to exclude spicy food and alcohol from the diet.
Trust the doctors
You should not try to diagnose yourself without a visit to the doctor. Above all, only a urologist will be able to choose the optimal treatment regimen for you, based on the test results.
When you self-medicate, you are taking antibiotics "blindly". This can lead to the transition of the disease to 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 even longer.
To prevent complications from developing, be sure to get 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 completely;
- Take an active lifestyle, do 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 explains why it is necessary to visit a urologist regularly.