The prostate is a gland in the male body. The normal parameters of a healthy organ are 2. 5-4. 5 cm long and 3-4 cm wide. It is made up of glandular and muscle tissue and is formed until the age of 23, when the accumulation of hormones increases. Glandular or secretory tissue produces a special fluid (secretion) that is released during ejaculation and is a component of sperm.
The prostate secret has an alkaline reaction and ensures the vital activity and mobility of spermatozoa, protecting them from the acidic environment of the vagina.
What is prostatitis
This is an inflammation of the prostate, which occurs only in the male body and is involved in the production of male sex hormones. Ligaments connect the gland to the pubic junction between the bones, its base merges with the bladder and surrounds the beginning of the urethra.
The prostate located in the pelvis is separated from the rectum by thin connective tissue. This anatomical location of the prostate explains the complaints that occur when it becomes inflamed and enlarged. The gland presses on the urethra, causing poor urine flow.
Compression of the rectum causes constipation. Being in close proximity to the perineum causes pain in this area.
Definition of acute and chronic prostatitis.
Acute prostatitiscan 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 not harmful. But with a decrease in immunity, bacteria are activated, penetrate the tissues of the gland and cause acute inflammatory processes, which are manifested by:
- An increase in temperature both in the whole body and in the rectum (rectum). Also, rectal temperature is often higher than in the armpit.
- Complaints of chills, fever.
- The appearance of pain in the groin, scrotum, anus.
- Frequent painful (cramping, burning) urination. Urges become more frequent at night.
- General poisoning. Weakness, muscle and joint pain, headache.
- A change in the color of the urine. It becomes cloudy, sometimes with a mixture of blood.
- Discharge from the urethra.
A slow or advanced acute process lasting more than 3 months leads to itchronic form.Features:
- Pain in the genital area.
- Violation of urination.
- Sexual disorders.
Main reason
- Urinary tract infections. They can go unnoticed for a long time. The normal microflora of the urogenital system copes with the pathogenic flora for a while. But as a result of hypothermia or any other unfavorable conditions, aggressive microflora begins to dominate and inflammation begins.
- congestion in the prostatea significant risk factor. A sedentary lifestyle, hemorrhoids, constipation - these factors lead to blood stagnation. The inflow of refreshed, oxygenated arterial blood into the pelvic organs practically ceases. Intracellular respiration is reduced and the infection becomes a sovereign lover.
- Irregular sex life, - when periods of increased sexual activity are replaced by prolonged abstinence. Frequent ejaculation and their limitation lead to stress and dysfunction of the secretory function. Together with the above reasons, this provides the prerequisites for the initiation of the inflammatory process.
- Obesity. Metabolism is disturbed, which leads to atherosclerosis and cholesterol deposition.
- hypothermiacan cause a decrease in immunity.
- Abuse of alcohol and smokingleads to narrowing of the large blood vessels that supply the prostate.
- Lack of physical activityit does not allow the muscles of the prostate gland to function and completely throws out the secret.
The first signs of prostatitis in men
- Weak stream of urine with short range.
- Difficulty urinating with pain.
- Broken stream.
- Prolonged urination.
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Frequent calls at night.
Symptoms and signs
Symptoms have two phases: latent (hidden) and active. During the latent phase, which can last for years, there are almost no complaints. There is a slight discomfort in the scrotum, anus or glans penis.
Men try to ignore it or write it off as overwork. Over time, the pain increases and it becomes increasingly difficult to empty the bladder. This indicates that the latent phase has become active, inflammation has begun to progress, and obvious signs of the disease have appeared:
- Unpleasant sensations during bowel movements.
- Increased discharge from the urethra during stool.
- Burning in perineum and urethra.
- Noticeable problems with potency.
- Rapid ejaculation.
- The bladder empties partially and with difficulty.
- Psychological problems.
- Urination is frequent and painful with stringy discharge.
- The process of developing an erection will be long.
Diagnostics
- Anamnesis collection. The doctor finds out all the patient's complaints. The time of the first symptoms. Presence of other diseases. You will learn the details of sexual activity, the presence of a permanent partner and other information necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
- Rectal examination of the prostate. Before the examination, the patient is given a microclyster to clean the intestines. The palpation test allows you to determine the growth and pain of the organ. As a result of prostate massage, part of the secret is released, which is transferred to the laboratory for research. The result makes it possible to determine the microflora of the gland and the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to drugs.
- ultrasound. This test determines the size, density and structure of the prostate. A transrectal ultrasound is used for a more detailed examination. The tip of the device is placed in the rectum, which allows checking a part of the intestine and the vas deferens.
- Cystoscopy. The procedure is performed using an endoscope. A thin probe with a camera is inserted into the urethra, which allows the bladder and gland to be viewed on a screen. According to the indications, a biopsy can be taken (tissue sampling for analysis).
Laboratory tests are also carried out:
- General blood test (increased number of leukocytes).
- Urinalysis (leukocytes, erythrocytes and protein are present in the samples).
- Microflora Bakposev is taken from the urethra (determine sensitivity to antibiotics).
- Sperm analysis (motility, activity and accumulation of sperm, state of reproductive function).
Methods and scheme of treatment of prostatitis
Treatment is complex. It contains preparations with different directions and effects, as well as massage, physiotherapy and medical exercises.
Prescribed medications:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (they affect the pathogenic microflora).
- Alpha-blockers normalize urine output, improve blood supply to the pelvic organs and 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 medicines after performing these tests!
Prevention
- In order to prevent prostatitis, it is recommended to lead a mobile lifestyle. Walking, running, swimming, tennis are all good for health. Extreme sports and cycling should be limited.
- Weight loss. Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Do not abuse alcohol and nicotine, limit the consumption of pickles and smoked meats.
- Choose your sexual partner carefully to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
- Regular sex life.
Following these simple preventive measures will allow you to stay healthy for many years.