Prostatitis is an inflammatory process that develops in the prostate. In theory, everyone runs the risk of developing it, regardless of their age.
But men are the most susceptible to diseases, which are influenced by the following factors:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Prolonged sexual abstinence or, on the contrary, too active sex life;
- Frequent constipation. Please note that only regular disturbances of the stool 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 be in the cold for a long time in inappropriate clothing;
- Chronic inflammatory diseases (for example, chronic bronchitis) or untreated focus of infection in the body (caries, tonsillitis);
- Chronic and acute urological or venereal diseases (urethritis, gonorrhea);
- Sedentary work. First of all, they are those who are forced to remain constantly seated 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 years old. Indeed, at this age, the hormonal background changes significantly, immunity decreases, various diseases appear, and besides, few men at this age lead an active life. For these reasons, all men over 50 should see a urologist prophylactically every six months.
How does the disease start?
Usually, the first sign of the development of prostatitis is unpleasant or even painful sensations when urinating. Sometimes you have to get up several times a night to go to the bathroom. Few people go to the doctor at this stage in the development of the disease, although at this stage the treatment will be short and effective.
After a while sharp cuts, tightness or tightness 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 cloudier. Pain may appear during bowel movements.
In addition, the body temperature may rise, sometimes men notice the release of drops of translucent white fluid from the urethra. As a rule, most men see the doctor during this period of the disease.
What happens if prostatitis is left untreated?
If after the above symptoms you do not see a doctor and start treatment, the disease will progress further. The temperature can rise to 40 degrees, the pain becomes very intense, urination becomes very painful, the flow of urine is disturbed (it flows from the urethra in a thin stream or drip). The longer prostatitis is left untreated, the greater the likelihood of acute urinary retention and the development of acute renal failure. In addition, a quick examination is necessary, since symptoms similar to prostatitis are also present in cystitis and prostate cancer.
Diagnostic
After contacting a urologist, a study of the prostate through the rectum is carried out, as well as an analysis of the secretion of the prostate. This procedure is not very pleasant and sometimes painful, especially in the later stages of the disease. Sometimes that's why men don't want to go to the doctor.
But in fact, the earlier 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 remove congestion.
In the laboratory, the secretion of the gland is sown on nutrient media, the sensitivity of the microflora to antibiotics is determined, and urine analysis 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 prompt 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 pain relievers and prostate massage. 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, aching pains appear in the perineum, which disappear after walking or light exercise, there is a burning sensation when urinating. A man often does not sleep well and becomes irritable.
If 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 life, to 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 results of the test.
During self-medication, you take antibiotics "blind". This can lead to the transition of the disease to a chronic form. If the disease continues to progress, hospitalization may be necessary. In a hospital, treatment will last 1 to 2 weeks, and possibly longer.
In order to avoid the development of complications, be sure to be examined by a urologist every six months.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of prostatitis comes 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 fully;
- Lead an active lifestyle, play sports;
- Use laxatives for constipation;
- Have a regular sex life, preferably with a regular 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.