The prostate gland (prostate) is an important part of the male reproductive system: it produces secretions that ensure the motor activity and vitality of sperm.The secretion contains enzymes, immunoglobulins, citric acid, vitamins and zinc ions.If the activity of the prostate gland is disturbed, the sexual function of the male body decreases.The most common disease of the prostate gland is its inflammation - prostatitis.It usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 50.The older a man is, the higher the risk of developing the disease.Prostatitis occurs acutely or chronically, is often difficult to diagnose, and can lead to persistent prostate dysfunction.The most serious consequences of prostatitis are infertility and prostate cancer.
About half of working men worldwide suffer from chronic prostatitis.Modern medicine is very actively involved in the treatment of prostatitis.Prostatitis, in fact, can be successfully treated - it is only important to diagnose it as early as possible.As soon as the initial symptoms of prostatitis appear, you should consult a urologist.In the early stages, outpatient treatment is possible;in advanced cases, the patient is hospitalized.For both options, the course of treatment is one to two weeks, after which the patient is required to take preventive measures to prevent new inflammation of the prostate gland.The recurrence rate of chronic prostatitis is more than 50%
Types of prostatitis
Depending on the causes and clinical picture of the disease, the following types of prostatitis are distinguished:
Acute prostatitis- severe inflammation of the prostate gland as a result of bacterial infection of its tissues.Many bacteria are part of the body's normal microflora and are constantly present in the intestines and skin.However, when they enter the tissue of the prostate gland - usually due to non-compliance with basic hygiene rules and other reasons - they can lead to the development of an acute inflammatory process.Acute prostatitis is extremely rare.Treatment should be carried out in a hospital setting.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis- accounts for one third of all cases of inflammation of the prostate gland.This form of prostatitis is dangerous because painful symptoms can go away on their own even without treatment.But this does not mean recovery - after a while, each time a more painful exacerbation occurs.If nothing is done repeatedly, there is a risk of other serious complications, including the formation of pus, prostate stones, bladder inflammation and cancer.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.The form of prostatitis, which is difficult to diagnose, manifests itself with constant pain in the pelvic region lasting more than three months.Neurological disorders and psychoemotional disorders may occur on the way.Diagnosis is made by exclusion;tests may not show signs of inflammation.
Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis.It is asymptomatic and can be detected by urine test results showing a high concentration of white blood cells and bacteria.
Chronic granulomatous prostatitis.Usually a side effect of drug treatment for other diseases or radiation to the prostate gland.During this disease, prostate tissue is gradually replaced by connective tissue and the gland stops functioning.
Symptoms of the disease
Common symptoms can be identified in men suffering from various forms of prostatitis.These include: Difficulty urinating due to compression of the urethra by an inflamed prostate gland.There may be pain and burning when urinating.Violation of erection mechanism, weakening of orgasm.Accelerated ejaculation.Decrease in potency.Mental depression, anxiety.Psychological attitude to recovery is very important for a patient with prostatitis.Stress further weakens the body and makes it difficult to heal, which leads to even greater depression.It can be difficult for the patient to get out of this vicious circle, so sometimes antidepressants are also prescribed for prostatitis.
Causes of prostatitis
The causes of prostatitis are quite diverse, but they are mainly associated with a man's neglect of his health: sexually transmitted infections;poor blood circulation in the pelvic organs - for example, due to a sedentary lifestyle;long-term abstinence from intercourse, interrupted intercourse or artificial prolongation of intercourse;weakened immunity;frequent hypothermia, characteristic of extreme sports enthusiasts;stress;hormonal imbalance;lack of vitamins and trace elements;non-compliance with personal hygiene rules.
Complications
Prostatitis is a serious concern for men: problems with urination, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction.If the patient does not receive adequate treatment in time, there is a 40% chance of infertility, because the prostate gland will no longer be able to produce secretions in the normal amount and quality.Self-treatment of prostatitis is unacceptable, as it can lead to the deterioration of the patient's condition and the development of concomitant diseases.For example, wrongly prescribed antibiotics will have a harmful effect on the intestinal microflora and significantly reduce immunity without solving problems related to the prostate gland.Other drugs only hide the disease and its symptoms, making the condition even worse.Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis should be carried out by an experienced specialist.
Prevention
Preventive measures to prevent prostatitis include: careful personal hygiene;regular, regular sex life;healthy physical activity;a diet with enough protein, vitamins and trace elements;increasing general immunity;abstinence from alcohol and smoking;timely treatment of any infectious diseases;reduce the overall level of daily stress.Due to the large number of types of prostatitis and the provoking factors of its development, men should pay attention to their well-being and visit a urologist at least twice a year.This is especially important after forty years.