Prostatitis in Men: Causes, Signs, and Treatment

Frequent urination, pain, perineal discomfort, hyperthermia, decreased sexual performance and libido are problems faced by 80% of men aged 45-50, but most put off seeing a doctor until the pain becomes unbearable.Unpleasant symptoms indicate inflammation of the prostate and require immediate treatment: prostatitis in men can quickly become chronic and can lead to infertility, sexual dysfunction and tumors.

What is prostatitis

The prostate is an organ about the size and shape of a chestnut, located beneath the bladder.Its lower part borders the perineum.The male prostate performs the following functions: secretion - the production of sex hormones and secretions that determine sperm quality, and barrier - the separation of the ejaculation and urination processes.

The gland's second name is often used to refer to a common disease that affects around half of the male population: the older a man is, the higher his risk - prostatitis is rarely diagnosed in men aged 20-25.This disease has serious complications and is very dangerous, so early recognition is important.

The course of treatment lasts for 14 days, and patients need to strictly adhere to preventive measures for several months.If the disease has become chronic, the risk of recurrence is 50%.

Classification

Treatment of the male prostate sometimes lasts for several years.This disease has no symptoms for the time being, but after a few months you will be reminded that your immunity drops sharply, your intestinal flora is destroyed, and other stress conditions occur in your body.Prostate disease in men comes in several forms:

  • hot.It is characterized by a bacterial infection of the prostate tissue.Typical symptoms are severe pain and a sharp increase in body temperature.The disease must be treated in a hospital;
  • Chronic bacterial infection.Periodic abatement of symptoms is often taken as a sign of recovery, but this is an illusion - each subsequent exacerbation is more severe than the previous one, due to the development of foci of suppuration and the appearance of tumors;
  • Asymptomatic.The disease is actively developing but asymptomatic.This type of prostate in men is usually discovered incidentally based on the results of a urine test.
  • Granulomatous.Termination of glandular function due to overgrowth of connective tissue;
  • Pelvic pain syndrome.It is a difficult-to-diagnose disease associated with persistent pain in the pelvic area, neurological and psycho-emotional disorders.

What does the prostate mean to men?First, a diagnosis means rethinking your lifestyle, being patient and following your doctor's advice - you may need to undergo treatment for a long time.

Men's Healthy and Diseased Prostate

What causes prostate cancer in men?

reason

The exact algorithm by which the inflammatory process of the prostate occurs has not yet been determined, but a pattern has been identified: as overall immunity decreases, the likelihood of disease increases.Why does this happen?Infectious pathogens that enter the mucous membranes of healthy people remain in a "dormant" state and will not spread until the body's protective function weakens.This is how the male prostate begins to develop.

Factors that increase risk:

  • hypothermia;
  • perineal injuries and bruising;
  • sexually transmitted diseases;
  • Inactive lifestyle, sedentary work;
  • Poor quality of sexual life;
  • Use of contraceptive methods that interrupt sexual intercourse (incomplete ejaculation occurs);
  • Stress, neurosis, depression;
  • Bad habits – drinking, smoking;
  • Drug poisoning.

Doctors also point to a link between the popularity of genital compression tights and increased incidence.Prostate symptoms are more common in men who prefer skinny jeans than in men who prefer baggy jeans.

Etiology of chronic forms

Permanent prostatitis in men is the result of inadequate treatment (or no treatment at all) of acute inflammation of the prostate.Causes of exacerbation: sexually transmitted diseases, stress at work and at home, forced restriction of emptying the rectum or bladder, wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fibers.

Another factor is pelvic congestion caused by low mobility.Patients who have experienced an acute attack of male prostate cancer must take all measures to prevent recurrence: First, walk more to promote blood circulation.

Symptoms of prostate inflammation in men

acute prostatitis

The course of this disease can be divided into three types: catarrhal, follicular, and parenchymal (the most dangerous).In the first case, discomfort begins with persistent pain in the pubic area and a slight increase in body temperature.Soon, the man will notice discomfort during urination or intercourse, as well as a persistent feeling of fatigue.

The follicular type is characterized by severe pain in the penis and lower back: the bowel and bladder cannot be completely emptied.If left untreated, a third disease will develop.

What is male prostate parenchyma?Difficulty urinating turns into complete urinary retention, the body temperature reaches 39-40 degrees, and mucus discharge occurs from the rectum.The condition is serious and requires immediate hospitalization.

chronic prostatitis

Symptoms in this form are often vague and inexpressible, making diagnosis difficult.The pain syndrome has a permanent character, is localized to the lower abdomen, and is easily tolerated.After intimacy, discomfort increases.

Having some difficulty urinating - the stream is intermittent.This urge becomes more frequent.After physical exertion, abnormal discharge occurs from the head of the genitals.Erectile dysfunction is possible.The temperature is maintained at 37 – 37.3 C.

If a man develops symptoms of chronic prostatitis, treatment should not be delayed: low-grade inflammation may lead to infertility.

Prostatitis causes pain in reproductive organs

diagnosis

If you suspect prostate inflammation, a prompt visit to a urologist is the best solution.During the appointment, the doctor will ask some questions about your health and review the patient's medical record to gather medical history.Next, the organ is externally inspected and palpated through the rectum.

To confirm the diagnosis, several studies were performed:

  • secret analysis;
  • Prostate ultrasound;
  • Collection of PCR materials;
  • MRI of the pelvic organs.

If necessary, a special device (uroflowmeter) can be used to measure the flow of urine during urination.The measurement is performed in the clinic: the patient empties his bladder into a special container with a sensor, which produces a graphic image at the end of the procedure.

Male prostate treatment

Before formulating a treatment plan, it is important to identify all the factors that trigger the inflammatory process.When the exact cause of prostatitis in men is determined, treatment can be more effective.The urologist develops a personal comprehensive plan that includes the following elements:

  • Medication.For viral causes, antiviral drugs are prescribed; for infectious lesions, antibacterial drugs are prescribed.Also use anti-inflammatory suppositories and creams, immunostimulants, and, if necessary, analgesics;
  • physiotherapy.Determine the method according to the condition of the disease.This could be electrophoresis, magnet therapy, laser therapy, UHF;
  • massage.The procedure is performed by a doctor or (with training) the patient's spouse - emotional comfort and family support are very important for the patient.Massage can improve the outflow of purulent inflammatory secretions from the prostate ducts.

The effectiveness of the prescribed treatment is evaluated after 10-14 days: if positive dynamics are observed, treatment is continued after a short break.If there is no improvement, a decision will be made to stop certain medications and procedures and replace them with others.

Doctor prescribes treatment for prostatitis

prevention

The male prostate, symptoms and treatment is a topic that should be studied in detail by every strong representative of the sex who has reached childbearing age.Knowing the preventive measures will help avoid inflammation.

How to protect yourself from prostatitis?It is recommended to avoid hypothermia and unprotected sexual intercourse, and to get tested regularly for STDs.Empty your bladder promptly and choose loose-fitting pants.