The prostate gland (prostate gland) is an important part of the male reproductive system: it produces a secretion that guarantees the motor activity and viability 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 the man, the greater the risk of morbidity.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.
Worldwide, about half of working-age men suffer from chronic prostatitis.Modern medicine is actively involved in the treatment of prostatitis.Prostatitis, in fact, can be treated successfully - it's just important to diagnose it as early as possible.As soon as the first signs of prostatitis appear, it is necessary to consult a urologist.In the initial stages, outpatient treatment is possible;in advanced cases, the patient is hospitalized.The course of treatment for both options is one to two weeks, after which the patient is required to take preventive measures to prevent further inflammation of the prostate gland.The relapse 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, resulting from bacterial infection of its tissues.Many bacteria are part of the body's normal microflora and are constantly present in the intestines and on the skin.However, when they enter the prostate tissue - usually due to non-compliance with basic hygiene rules and other reasons - they can cause the development of an acute inflammatory process.Acute prostatitis is extremely rare.Treatment must be carried out in a hospital environment.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis- is responsible for a third of all cases of prostate inflammation.This form of prostatitis is dangerous because painful symptoms can subside spontaneously, even without treatment.But this does not mean a cure - after a while an exacerbation occurs, which is increasingly painful.If nothing is done repeatedly, there is a risk of developing purulent foci, deposition of stones in the prostate, inflammation of the bladder and other serious complications, including cancer.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.A form of prostatitis that is difficult to diagnose, manifests itself as constant pain in the pelvic region that lasts more than three months.Along the way, neurological and psycho-emotional disorders may occur.Diagnosis is made by exclusion;tests may not show signs of inflammation.
Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis.It is asymptomatic and can be detected by the results of urine tests, which show a high concentration of white blood cells and bacteria.
Chronic granulomatous prostatitis.It is usually a side effect of drug treatment for other diseases or radiation to the prostate.During this disease, prostate tissue is gradually replaced by connective tissue and the gland ceases to function.
Symptoms of the disease
In men suffering from different forms of prostatitis, common symptoms can be identified.These include: Difficulty urinating due to compression of the urinary canal by the inflamed prostate.Pain and burning may occur when urinating.Impaired erection mechanism, weakened orgasm.Accelerated ejaculation.Decreased power.Mental depression, anxiety.For a patient with prostatitis, a psychological attitude towards recovery is very important.Stress further weakens the body and makes treatment more difficult, which leads to even greater depression.It can be difficult for a patient to get out of this vicious circle, so sometimes antidepressants are additionally prescribed for prostatitis.
Causes of prostatitis
The causes of prostatitis are quite varied, but are mainly associated with men's neglect of their health: sexually transmitted infections;poor circulation in the pelvic organs - for example, due to a sedentary lifestyle;prolonged sexual abstinence, interruption of sexual intercourse or artificial prolongation of sexual intercourse;impaired immunity;frequent hypothermia, typical of extreme sports fans;stress;hormonal imbalance;deficiency of vitamins and microelements;non-compliance with personal hygiene rules.
Complications
Prostatitis causes serious problems in men: problems urinating, decreased libido and impaired erectile function.If the patient does not receive adequate treatment at the right time, they may develop infertility with a 40% probability, as the prostate will no longer be able to produce secretions in normal quantities and with the required quality.Self-medication of prostatitis is unacceptable, as it can lead to a worsening of the patient's condition and the occurrence of concomitant diseases.For example, incorrectly prescribed antibiotics will have a detrimental effect on the intestinal microflora and significantly reduce immunity, without solving prostate problems.Other medications only mask the disease and its symptoms, worsening the condition.Therefore, prostatitis must be diagnosed and treated by an experienced specialist.
Prevention
Preventive measures to prevent prostatitis include: careful personal hygiene;regular and orderly sex life;healthy physical activity;a diet with sufficient proteins, vitamins and microelements;increasing general immunity;abstinence from alcohol and smoking;timely treatment of any infectious diseases;reducing the overall level of daily stress.Due to the large number of varieties of prostatitis and the factors provoking its development, men should pay attention to their well-being and consult a urologist at least twice a year.This is especially important after forty years.