Prostatitis is an inflammatory process that develops in the prostate gland. In theory, every man is at risk of developing it, regardless of age.
But men are more susceptible to diseases, which are affected by the following factors:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Prolonged sexual abstinence or, conversely, excessively active sex life;
- Frequent constipation. Please note 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 just to sit on a cold stone or stand in the cold for a long time in unsuitable clothes;
- Chronic inflammatory diseases (for example, chronic bronchitis) or focus of infection in the untreated body (caries, tonsillitis);
- Chronic and acute urological diseases or previous venereal diseases (urethritis, gonorrhea);
- Sedentary work. First of all, these are the ones who are forced to sit constantly at work, without the possibility of getting up and warming up (drivers, IT 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 of the above factors become especially dangerous if a man is over 50. Indeed, at this age, the hormonal background changes significantly, immunity decreases, various diseases appear, and in addition, few men at this age lead an active lifestyle. It is for these reasons that all men over the age of 50 must visit a urologist prophylactically every six months.
How does the disease start?
As a rule, the first sign of developing prostatitis are unpleasant or even painful sensations when urinating. Sometimes you have to get up several times during the 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 a while, sharp, pulling 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 can appear during bowel movements.
In addition, the body temperature can rise, sometimes men notice the release of drops of translucent white fluid from the urethra. As a rule, most men go to the doctor during this period of the disease.
What happens if prostatitis is not treated?
If, after the above symptoms, you do not consult a doctor and start treatment, the disease will progress further. The temperature can rise to 40 degrees, the pain becomes very strong, urination becomes very painful, the outflow of urine is disturbed (it flows out of the urethra in a thin stream or drop by drop). The longer prostatitis is not treated, the greater the likelihood of acute urinary retention and the development of acute renal failure. In addition, timely examination is required, as prostatitis-like symptoms are also present in cystitis and prostate cancer.
Diagnostics
After contacting a urologist, a study of the prostate through the rectum and an analysis of the secretion of the prostate gland are performed. 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 sooner 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 sown on nutrient media, the sensitivity of the microflora to antibiotics is determined, and 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 painkillers and prostate massage. The treatment is carried out for about 10 days. You should also not eat spicy foods and alcohol during treatment.
Signs and treatment of chronic prostatitis
In chronic prostatitis, aching pains appear in the perineum, which subside after walking or light exercise, there is a burning sensation when urinating. A man often does not sleep well and becomes irritable.
Left untreated, chronic prostatitis can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility. Reflexology and prostate massage are also added to the above treatment. The patient is recommended to lead a more active lifestyle, exclude spicy foods and alcohol from the diet.
Trust the doctors
You shouldn't 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 "blind" antibiotics. This can lead to the transition of the disease into a chronic form. If the disease continues to progress, hospitalization may be required. In a hospital, the course of therapy will last 1-2 weeks, and possibly even longer.
To prevent complications from developing, 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 be out in the cold for a long time, choose the right clothes;
- Eat regularly and completely;
- Lead an active lifestyle, engage in sports;
- Use laxatives for constipation;
- Having a regular sex life, preferably with a normal partner.
A very 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.