Prostatitis is one of the most common urological diseases.No man is immune to it, and with age the probability of its occurrence only increases.What treatments does modern medicine offer?
What is the prostate
The prostate, or prostate gland, is a gland of the male reproductive system.With its relatively small size, it performs an important function: it participates in the production of seminal fluid, that is, it produces a secretion responsible for the motor activity of the spermatozoa.
Where is the prostate located?
The prostate gland in men is located in the pelvis, under the bladder, around the urethra.Therefore, the first signs of inflammation of the prostate can be suspected by difficulty urinating.
What is prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland.It can occur acutely or become chronic.Usually, the disease occurs against a background of weakened immunity and under the influence of various negative factors:
- bacterial and viral urinary tract infections;
- prolonged hypothermia;
- physical inactivity;
- alcohol and smoking abuse;
- sexually transmitted diseases;
- chronic fatigue;
- prolonged stress;
- hormonal disorders;
- failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
Signs of prostatitis
Symptoms of acute prostatitis in most men manifest themselves quite similarly:
- pain and burning sensation when urinating;
- frequent urination;
- pain of varying intensity and duration in the abdomen, pelvic organs and groin;
- decreased sexual activity, pain during and after sexual intercourse, premature and painful ejaculation, erectile dysfunction;
- cloudy urine and bloody discharge in the urine;
- increase in temperature;
- nervousness, depression.
If the symptoms of prostatitis do not disappear within three months, we are most likely talking about a chronic form of the disease.Depending on the causes and manifestations of symptoms, chronic prostatitis can be:
- Bacterial (caused by a bacterial infection).Unpleasant sensations can pass and recur over a long period of time, but without proper treatment they will become stronger and stronger and can lead to dangerous complications.
- Nonbacterial (a type of disease in which tests may not show inflammation).Diagnosed by characteristic symptoms excluding other diseases.
- Asymptomatic (calculated as a result of tests for other diseases and does not manifest itself in any way).
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Diseases of the urinary system in men are often accompanied by similar symptoms, so for an accurate diagnosis of prostatitis and effective treatment it is necessary to consult a doctor.He will conduct an exam, which may include:
- digital rectal exam;
- urine and blood tests;
- Ultrasound of the urinary system;
- urodynamic tests;
- testing for infections;
- analysis of prostatic secretion.
Treatment of prostatitis
Depending on the causes, different medications may be used to treat the disease.
Antibiotic therapy is used to treat the infection that caused the disease.In the acute form of the disease, high doses of drugs are prescribed for one or two weeks;in the chronic form, low doses are prescribed for a long period.
Be careful!Only a doctor can prescribe antibiotics (like other drugs) after precisely identifying the causative agent of the infection.Self-medicating can lead to even greater health problems.
If there are problems with urination, which occur due to spasms of the urethra and smooth muscles of the bladder and ureters, alpha-blockers are prescribed.These drugs slow the transmission of nerve impulses to receptors that cause spasm of smooth muscles, help reduce pressure in the urethra, and make urination easier.To relieve pain, doctors may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Also, to alleviate the condition, doctors often prescribe hormonal drugs: they block the work of male sex hormones and help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
To treat chronic prostatitis, products based on prostate extract are used.They have a complete normalizing effect on the prostate gland and relieve unpleasant symptoms of inflammation.
Some herbal remedies are also effective against prostatitis: they relieve pain and inflammation and also strengthen the immune system.These include preparations with an extract of the fruits of the creeping palm, as well as preparations based on silkworm larvae biomass.
Complications and prevention
Advanced prostatitis can later lead to erectile dysfunction and even infertility.In addition, long-term inflammation of the prostate gland can develop into serious diseases, such as benign and malignant neoplasms.Therefore, it is important to promptly contact a urologist if you experience symptoms of prostatitis and also not forget the following precautions:
- maintain personal hygiene;
- lead an active lifestyle;
- follow a balanced diet;
- strengthen immunity;
- abandon bad habits;
- treat diseases in a timely manner and regularly visit a urologist;
- reduce stress levels.
Unfortunately, in our country, men tend to postpone visiting the doctor and treatment until the unpleasant symptoms become unbearable and sometimes very painful.This makes the treatment process more complex, time-consuming and often ineffective.Don't delay your trip to your vacation.Take care of your health and get a timely diagnosis.