The prostate as an independent organ was first described in the anatomical studies of an ancient Greek physician who practiced in 350 BC.But doctors at that time did not pay much attention to it, and the works of this doctor were practically not preserved, so the gland was later rediscovered by the Venetian doctor Nicola Massa.In 1838, Verdes gave the first accurate morphological description of the pathology of the prostate gland, which over time was completed by the brilliant minds of his time.By the way, until the beginning of the 20th century, the existence of chronic prostatitis was not generally recognized by many general practitioners and psychoanalysts, who called it "anal-rectal psychosis".Fortunately, modern medicine has learned not only to make a timely diagnosis, but also to treat this serious disease very successfully.But what exactly is prostatitis?
General features
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, a special male organ located just below the bladder.Its job is to produce prostate secretions, which are an important component of sperm.In addition, the gland blocks the exit from the urethra during erection.
Inflammation, as you may have guessed, can occur for a variety of reasons.Because the prostate gland is directly connected to the urethra, the most common reason for the development of prostatitis is the entry of infectious agents into the gland.Everyone knows that the human body has a large number of symbiotic bacteria that are part of its normal microflora.However, as soon as such bacteria leave their colonies and enter other tissues, they turn from an ally into a source of trouble, causing strong inflammatory reactions.Enterobacteriaceae (the most famous representatives Proteus), Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococci, all of them penetrate the gland in different ways.The most obvious route is the urethra, but given that the prostate gland is connected to a large vascular network, both blood and lymph can act as vehicles for bacteria.
There is another group of pathogens called "atypical" in the medical community, because these agents are less common.This includes, for example, fungal infections - many have heard of Candida fungus, which affects internal tissues and causes the disease "candidiasis".Typically, fungal spores penetrate internal organs when a person's immune system is seriously weakened - it is not at all unusual for modern people to constantly overload the body due to a harsh climate and a tight work schedule and lack of sleep.Prostatitis can also be viral in nature.Human papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus, herpes virus and even influenza virus (!) can cause inflammation of the prostate gland and a whole cascade of complications that deplete an already weakened body.
In addition, non-bacterial pathogens also cause prostatitis.First of all, we are talking about purulent formations in the body: particles of pus break off from the general mass and enter the tissues with the bloodstream.Sometimes the blood itself, without external agents, can cause an inflammatory reaction.If a man leads a mostly sedentary lifestyle and ignores physical exercises, the blood in the gland stagnates and causes blockage of blood vessels.And finally, the last (but not the most important) reason is long-term sexual abstinence and promiscuity.In the first case, when iron is not needed, it breaks down because the body supplies it with less and less blood, so the cells begin to starve.In the second case, all the blame falls on the shoulders of the partner who can serve as a carrier of certain types of urinary tract infections. It is difficult to confuse the symptoms of prostatitis with something else.The main symptom is a sharp, sharp, less pressing pain during urination and defecation.This is aggravated by pain in the lower back, perineum, scrotum and lower back.Due to the increase in the size of the gland, it often blocks the urethra and therefore the process of urination becomes difficult.In the case of bacterial infection, greenish and yellowish discharge from the duct itself can often be observed, and in some cases hemospermia develops - the appearance of blood in the sperm.
What are the dangers of prostatitis?
From all the above, it is not difficult to conclude that inflammation of the prostate gland causes a number of problems.The most common result of advanced prostatitis is impotence and infertility, because the disorder of the prostate gland causes a sharp decrease in the production of hormones responsible for sexual desire.The reaction to an infection is rarely localized only in the gland;usually the center of inflammation also covers the neighboring tissues.Therefore, prostatitis is accompanied by vesiculitis, pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis and other lesions of the genitourinary system.If the cause of prostatitis is a fungal, bacterial or viral infection, you can easily infect your sexual partner.Sexually transmitted agents can cause infectious diseases of the genitourinary system in women.In addition, infection in the blood can simply lead to blood poisoning and spread throughout the body.
You've probably heard the phrase "prostate adenoma" on radio and television commercials.Adenoma is a tumor that increases in size over time, not only does not provoke inflammation and can develop malignantly, but also compresses the genitourinary system.Why is this so important?It's not just about painful, extremely difficult urination and complete erectile dysfunction.The compressed organ receives less and less blood, as a result of which the tissues first shrink and then completely die, which leads to the appearance of a large focus of necrosis.This form of prostatitis can no longer be treated.
How to treat prostatitis
First of all, one simple truth must be firmly remembered: only a qualified doctor can help in the treatment of prostatitis.A healer is not grandmother and burdock decoctions, tantric practices and willow bark compresses.Such a disease does not go away by itself: the longer the patient delays treatment, the more problems he will face and the more expensive the treatment will be.Many men do not understand modern pharmacology and are superstitiously afraid that the doctor will prescribe them a number of drugs that will not only be useless, but will seriously damage their wallet and health.No need to fear: instead of a handful of pills, you will most likely be prescribed a single drug at a very reasonable price.
5 interesting facts about prostatitis
Here are some sad facts about the "main male disease" of our time: - Healthy nutrition is the key to success: with proper nutrition, you can not only strengthen the immune system, but even slow down the inflammatory growth of the prostate.— Every third man in the world suffers from one or another form of prostatitis.— By the way, prostatitis is not a "disease of old people": some of its forms can develop at a fairly young age (20-25 years).— In most cases, prostate massage is prescribed, but massage can only treat prostatitis.Sometimes massage is strictly contraindicated.— Prostatitis can be asymptomatic for a long time, but during a sharp decrease in immunity, for example, during illness, during hypothermia, etc.will definitely manifest itself in time.