Prostatitis is an inflammatory process that develops in the prostate gland. In theory, every man runs the risk of developing it, regardless of his age.
But men are more susceptible to diseases, which are influenced by the following factors:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Prolonged sexual abstinence or, conversely, an overly active sexual life;
- Frequent constipationNote that only regular stool disturbances can cause prostatitis and not episodic constipation;
- Hypothermia. To get sick with prostatitis, it is not necessary to swim in ice water for hours, it is enough to sit on a cold stone or spend a lot of time in the cold in inappropriate clothing;
- Chronic inflammatory diseases (for example, chronic bronchitis) or an untreated focus of infection in the body (caries, tonsillitis);
- Previous chronic and acute or venereal urological diseases (urethritis, gonorrhea);
- Sedentary work. First of all, these are the ones who are forced to constantly sit at work, without the opportunity to get up and warm up (drivers, computer operators);
- Any condition that can suppress the body's immune system. These include inadequate or inadequate nutrition, physical and emotional overload, constant lack of sleep, chronic stress).
All the above factors become especially dangerous if a man is over 50 years old. In fact, at this age, the hormonal background changes significantly, immunity decreases, various diseases appear, and, moreover, few men at this age lead an active lifestyle. It is for these reasons that all men over 50 must visit a urologist prophylactically every six months.
How does the disease start?
As a general rule, the first sign of developing prostatitis is unpleasant or even painful sensations when urinating. Sometimes you have to get up several times at night to go to the bathroom. Few go to the doctor at this stage in the development of the disease, although at this stage the treatment will be short-lived and effective.
After some time, sharp cutting, drawing or stabbing pains appear in the pubis or perineum, sometimes the pain radiates to the penis or anus. Urination becomes frequent and painful and the urine becomes much cloudy. Pain may appear during bowel movements.
Also, the body temperature can rise, sometimes men notice the release of drops of translucent white fluid from the urethra. As a general 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 continue to progress. The temperature can rise to 40 degrees, the pain becomes very severe, urination becomes very painful, the output of urine is disturbed (it leaves the urethra in a fine stream or drop by drop). The longer prostatitis is left untreated, the greater the likelihood of acute urinary retention and the development of acute kidney failure. In addition, a timely examination is necessary, since symptoms similar to prostatitis are also present in cystitis and prostate cancer.
Diagnostics
After contacting a urologist, a study of the prostate 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 this is why men don't want to go to the doctor.
But in fact, the earlier you go for an exam, the less painful it is. In addition, palpation of the prostate itself is already a treatment, as it helps to eliminate congestion.
In the laboratory, the secretion of the gland is seeded in nutrient media, the sensitivity of the microflora to antibiotics is determined, and a urinalysis is performed. An ultrasound is also done to confirm the diagnosis. Most often, the treatment of 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 drugs, baths, compresses and other thermal procedures on the perineum, as well as pain relievers and prostate massage. The treatment is carried out for about 10 days. During treatment, you should also not eat spicy foods or alcohol.
Signs and treatment of chronic prostatitis.
In chronic prostatitis, painful pains appear in the perineum, which disappear 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 previous treatment. The patient is advised to lead a more active lifestyle, exclude spicy food and alcohol from the diet.
Trust the doctors
You should not try to diagnose yourself, without a visit to the doctor. After 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 between 1 and 2 weeks, and maybe even longer.
To prevent the development of complications, be sure to be examined by a urologist every six months.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of prostatitis boils down to the following recommendations:
- If you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors, choose the right clothes;
- Eat regularly and abundantly;
- Lead an active lifestyle, play sports;
- Use laxatives for constipation;
- Have a regular sex life, preferably with a regular partner.
A 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.