Prostatitis is an inflammatory process that develops in the prostate gland. In theory, every man is at risk of this disease, regardless of age.
But men are most susceptible, due to the following factors:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Prolonged sex abstinence or, conversely, an overly active sex life;
- Constipation often. Please note that only frequent fecal disorders can cause prostatitis and not constipation;
- Hypothermia. To get prostatitis, it is not necessary to swim in ice for hours, just sitting on ice or staying cold in inappropriate clothing is enough;
- Chronic inflammatory diseases (for example, chronic bronchitis) or an untreated foci of infection in the body (cavities, tonsillitis);
- Chronic and acute urinary diseases or previous venereal diseases (urethritis, gonorrhea);
- Sedentary work. First of all, there are people who are forced to continuously sit and work, without a chance to get up and start up (driver, computer operating);
- Any condition that can suppress the body's immune system. These include inadequate or inadequate nutrition, physical and emotional overload, lack of persistent sleep, chronic stress).
All of the above factors become especially dangerous if a man is over 50 years old. Indeed, at this age, the hormonal background changes significantly, immunity decreases, many diseases appear, and in addition, very few men of this age live an active lifestyle. It is for these reasons that all men over the age of 50 must see a preventive urologist every six months.
How does the disease start?
As a rule, the first sign of developing prostatitis is discomfort or even pain when urinating. Sometimes you have to get up several times during the night to go to the bathroom. Less visit to the doctor at the advanced stage of the disease, although at this stage the treatment will be short-term and effective.
After a while, pain such as cutting, pulling, or shooting appear in the pubic or perineum, sometimes spreading to the penis or anus. Urination becomes frequent and painful, and the urine becomes much more cloudy. Pain may appear with a bowel movement.
Moreover, the body temperature can rise, sometimes men notice the secretion of clear white liquid droplets from the urethra. As a rule, most men see a doctor during this stage of the disease.
What if prostatitis isn't treated?
If you do not consult your doctor after the above symptoms and start treatment, the disease will get worse. The temperature can rise up to 40 degrees, the pain becomes very intense, the urination is very painful, the flow of urine is disturbed (flowing out of the urethra into a thin or drop stream). The longer it remains untreated with prostatitis, the higher the likelihood of acute urinary retention and development of acute kidney failure. In addition, a timely examination is needed because symptoms similar to prostatitis are also present in cystitis and prostate cancer.
Diagnose
After contacting a urologist, a study of the prostate through the rectum is performed, as well as an analysis of the prostate secretion. This procedure is not very pleasant, and is sometimes painful, especially in the later stages of the disease. Sometimes it is because of this that a man does not want to see a doctor.
But in fact, the earlier you go to the doctor, the less painful it is. Also, prostate self-manipulation has been a treatment, as it helps to eliminate blockages.
In the laboratory, the secretions of the gland are sown on the nutrient medium, determine the sensitivity of the microbiota to antibiotics and perform urine analysis. Ultrasound is also performed to confirm the diagnosis. Usually, the treatment of prostatitis is not difficult for a urologist, depending on timely treatment.
The first stage of prostatitis is treated at home. Patients are prescribed antibacterial drugs, baths, compresses, and other thermal procedures on the perineum, as well as pain relievers and prostate massage. The treatment is carried out for about 10 days. During treatment, you should also not eat spicy foods and alcohol.
Signs and treatment of chronic prostatitis
In chronic prostatitis, painful pains appear in the episiotomy, gradually decrease after walking or doing light exercise, with a burning sensation when urinating. A man often does not sleep well and becomes irritable.
If left untreated, chronic prostatitis can cause pelvic inflammation, even infertility. Acupressure and prostate massage are also added to the above treatments. The patient should lead a more active lifestyle, excluding spicy foods and alcohol from the diet.
Trust the doctors
You should not try to diagnose yourself without seeing a doctor. After all, only a urologist can choose the optimal treatment regimen for you, based on the test results.
When you buy your own medicine, you are taking antibiotics "blindly". This can lead to the transformation of the disease into a chronic form. If the disease continues to progress, hospitalization may be required. In the hospital, the course of treatment will last 1-2 weeks, and possibly even longer.
To prevent the development of complications, be sure to see your urologist every six months.
Preventive
Prevention of prostatitis is based on the following recommendations:
- If you are going to be out in the cold for a long time, choose the right clothes;
- Eat regularly and fully;
- Practicing an active lifestyle, participating in sports activities;
- Use a laxative to treat constipation;
- Having a regular sex life, preferably with a regular partner.
A very large number of men suffer from prostatitis. This article provides background information about this disease and explains why it is necessary to see a urologist regularly.