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 consists of glandular and muscular tissue and is formed at the age of 23, when the accumulation of hormones increases. Glandular or excretory tissue produces a special fluid (secretion) that is released at the moment of ejaculation and is a component of sperm.
Prostate secretion 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 gland, which is found only in the male body and is involved in the production of the male sex hormone. Ligaments connect the gland to the pubic junction between the bones, its base converges with the bladder and surrounds the initial part of the urethra.
Located in the pelvis, the prostate is separated from the rectum by a thin septum of connective tissue. This anatomical location of the prostate explains the complaints that appear when it becomes inflamed and enlarged. The gland presses on the urethra, thus causing a poor flow of urine.
Compression of the rectum causes constipation. The location near the perineum causes pain in this area.
Define acute and chronic prostatitis.
Acute prostatitiscan be caused by different 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 tissue of the gland and cause acute inflammatory processes, manifested:
- An increase in temperature, both in the whole body and rectal (in the rectum). In addition, the rectal temperature is often higher than in the axillary region.
- Complaints of chills, fever.
- The appearance of pain in the groin, scrotum, anus.
- Frequent painful urination (cramps, burning). Urges become more frequent at night.
- General intoxication. Weakness, muscle and joint pain, headache.
- Change in urine color. It becomes cloudy, sometimes mixed with blood.
- Discharge from the urethra.
A slow or advanced acute process lasting more than 3 months leads tochronic form.It is characterized by:
- Pain in the genital area.
- Violation of urination.
- Sexual disorders.
The main reasons
- Urinary tract infections. For a long time, they can go unnoticed. The normal microflora of the genitourinary system faces the pathogenic flora for some time. But as a result of hypothermia or any other unfavorable condition, the aggressive microflora begins to prevail and inflammation begins.
- congestion in the prostateis an important risk factor. A sedentary lifestyle, hemorrhoids, constipation - these factors lead to blood stagnation. Updated and oxygenated arterial blood practically stops flowing to the pelvic organs. Intracellular respiration is reduced and the infection becomes a sovereign mistress.
- Irregular sex life, - when periods of increased sexual activity are replaced by prolonged abstinence. Frequent ejaculations, as well as their restriction, 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 tobaccoleads to a narrowing of the large vessels that feed the prostate.
- Lack of physical activityit does not allow the muscles of the prostate gland to work and fully expel the secretion.
The first signs of prostatitis in men
- Poor short-term flow of urine.
- Difficulty urinating with pain.
- Intermittent stream.
- Prolonged urination.
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Frequent calls at night.
Symptoms and signs
There are two stages in symptoms: latent (hidden) and active. In the latent phase, which can last for years, there are almost no complaints. There is a slight feeling of discomfort in the scrotum, anus or glans penis.
Men try to ignore it or write it off as too much work. Over time, the pain intensifies, emptying the bladder becomes more and more difficult. This indicates that the latent phase turned into an active one, the inflammation began to progress and visible signs of the disease appeared:
- Unpleasant sensations during the act of defecation.
- Strong discharge from the urethra during defecation.
- Burning in the perineum and urethra.
- Obvious potency problems.
- Rapid ejaculation.
- The bladder empties partially and with difficulty.
- Problems of a psychological nature.
- Urination is frequent and painful with filamentous discharge.
- The process of the appearance of an erection becomes long.
Diagnosing
- Collection of anamnesis. The doctor reveals all the complaints that the patient makes. Time of first symptoms. The presence of other diseases. It reveals 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. Palpation examination allows you to determine the growth and pain of the organ. As a result of the prostate massage, a part of the secret is released, which is submitted to the laboratory for research. The result allows you to determine the microflora of the gland and the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to drugs.
- ULTRASOUND. This examination determines the size of the prostate gland, its density and structure. For a more detailed examination, transrectal ultrasound is used. The tip of the device is inserted into the rectum, which makes it possible to check part of the intestines and seminal ducts.
- Cystoscopy. The procedure is performed using an endoscope. A thin probe with a camera is inserted into the urethra, which makes it possible to see the bladder and the gland on the screen. According to indications, they may take a biopsy (tissue sample for analysis).
Laboratory studies are also carried out:
- General blood test (increase in the number of leukocytes).
- Urine analysis (leukocytes, erythrocytes and proteins are present in the samples).
- Bakposev in the microflora is taken from the urethra (susceptibility to antibiotics is determined).
- Sperm analysis (motility, activity and accumulation of spermatozoa, state of reproductive function).
Methods and schemes for the treatment of prostatitis
Treatment is complex. Includes preparations of various directions and actions, plus massage, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises.
Prescribed medications:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (affect pathogenic microflora).
- Alpha-blockers normalize urine production, 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 for the procedure.
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, electrical stimulation, magnetic and laser therapy).
- Physiotherapy.
Only a doctor can prescribe medications after taking these tests!
prevention
- To prevent prostatitis, it is recommended to lead a mobile lifestyle. Walking, running, swimming, tennis are all good for health. Strength sports and cycling should be limited.
- Diet. Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Do not abuse alcohol and nicotine, limit the consumption of pickles and smoked meat.
- Be careful in choosing a sexual partner to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
- Regular sex life.
Compliance with these simple preventive measures will allow you to maintain health for many years.