Prostatitis is an inflammatory process in which the prostate is concentrated.Another popular name for this is prostate.This disease and the associated pain in the pelvis (groin area) are accompanied by painful sensations in and around the prostate.
Most cases of pain occur for the following reasons:
- infection ;
- inflammation;
- some health problems.
Prostatitis can occur in any man, both in middle age and at a young age.Do not neglect the prevention of male prostatitis.
The role of the prostate in the body
The prostate is a small, round, uneven gland that is part of the male reproductive system.The location of the gland is below the bladder, just in front of the rectum.Surrounded by muscles and nerves, the prostate contains the urethra, or urethra (the tube that carries urine and sperm out of the body).
The prostate has a specific job: helping to create a fluid environment for sperm.
This seminal fluid protects and energizes the sperm as they travel towards the female egg.
The first signs of development of prostatitis
There are few signs of this disease.But if you have at least 2 of the following symptoms:consult a urologist immediately.
- The stream of urine descends slowly or its rangeless than 20cm.
- Difficulty, dripping, in urinating.
- Pain and burning when urinating.
- Intermittency, bifurcation, jet spray, process duration.
- Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Frequent urination at night.
- Pain between genitals and anus.
We advise you not to self-diagnose, but to undergo all the necessary tests in the hospital.
Prostatitis has a complex pathogenesis, and self-medication based on general symptoms poses a serious danger to health.Only a urologist can make a correct diagnosis after a series of tests.
Forms and symptoms of prostatitis
There are 4 types of diseases:
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis.
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
- Acute (sudden) bacterial prostatitis.
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis
This health problem can last for many years, despite treatment.The most common pathogen is Escherichia coli (lat.Escherichia coli).
Symptoms characteristic of this form:
- Burning sensation during urination.
- Frequent need to urinate at night.
- Pain in the bladder, testicles and penis, as well as between the genitals and anus.
- Painful ejaculation.
Treatment is with antibiotics.In most cases, doctors prescribe medications and these must be taken6 to 8 weeks.After the end of therapyup to 50%patients experienced relapses.Therefore, after the disease has subsided, one should not forget about prevention.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)
CP/CPPS is the most common type of disease.The symptoms are similar to those of the bacterial form of prostatitis, but the pathogen is unknown.
CP/CPPS can be caused by bacteria, including chlamydia, mycoplasma (they are transmitted sexually) or ureaplasma.Or, inflammation of the prostate gland in men develops if the body reacts to an infection or injury suffered in the past.
Treatment options includealpha 1 blockerAndanti-inflammatory drugs.In many cases, simple measures such as heat, baths or relaxation procedures lead to improvement.
Of course, there is currently no single most effective therapy.Therefore, treatment for CPPS is long and often not very effective.For patients, this often represents significant psychological stress, which can in turn have a negative impact on the course of the disease.Psychological support or psychotherapy is therefore very desirable.
Acute bacterial prostatitis (sudden)
Its symptoms often appear suddenly.In most cases, the causative agent is Escherichia coli (lat.Escherichia coli).
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The acute form is a bacterial disease, so it is treated with antibiotics.Antibiotics from the fluoroquinolone group are used here.Prompt treatment can resolve this problem and prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
Acute painful sensations require you to immediately consult a doctor.
The patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Difficulty emptying the bladder.
- Strong burning sensation when going to the toilet.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
The danger of this variety is that it occurs in a hidden way, without bothering you with symptoms.This type may be discovered when testing for other types of problems.
The reasons why the mechanism of this form is triggered are largely unclear.The nerves and muscles in the groin begin to hurt due to infection, inflammation, and other problems.
Causes of disease
Doctors have identified several possible causes, including:
- Previously discovered bacterial infections in the prostate.
- Atypical bacteria (resistant to antibiotics).
- Irritation caused by urine accumulated in the prostate.
- Problems with nerve connections in the lower urinary tract.
- Parasites.
- Problems with the pelvic muscles.
- Viruses and decreased immunity.
- A sedentary lifestyle leads to poor circulation.
- Irregular sexual relations or no sex at all.
What are the risk factors for developing prostatitis?
The causes of most cases of inflammation are not fully understood.Several factors can increase the risk of contracting bacterial prostatitis:
- a catheter (tube to drain fluid from the body) or other device recently placed in the urethra has been inserted;
- abnormal structure of the urinary tract;
- recent bladder infection;
- hypothermia.
Is it possible to prevent prostatitis?
Most cases of illness cannot be prevented.Practicing safe sex can only reduce the risk of contracting the types of diseases caused by germs.Therefore, sex with a regular partner you trust is another factor in men's health.
How is prostatitis diagnosed in men?
Physical examination
The doctor may perform a manual rectal exam (MRE) of the rectum:
- This occurs by inserting a lubricated finger of a hand wearing a sterile glove into the opening of the anus.
- The doctor will press on the prostate and feel if it is enlarged or if it is in a normal, soft state.
- Lumps or hardness may suggest the presence of prostate cancer.
- The specialist will ask you how much pain or discomfort you feel when touching the area near the gland.
- If you are ill, the test may be embarrassing and painful.
- But it won't cause any harm or pain in the long run.
Pass laboratory tests
If the doctor suspects that you have problems with the prostate and surrounding tissues, he or she will send you to a urologist.
Urologistis a specialist who deals with problems of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.Your urologist or other specialist may order tests to find out the cause and how to help you.
Each type of disease requires a different treatment approach.
Your doctor will be able to determine which type you have to ensure other health conditions are not contributing to your symptoms.Many tests are used to find the answer.
Ultrasound
To take a closer look at the prostate, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound examination of the rectum.Ultrasounduses sound waves reflected from an organ to examine its condition.To “see” the source of the inflammation, an ultrasound probe is placed in the anus.The procedure does not cause any worsening of the condition, so there is no need to be afraid.
Take a smear
The doctor will perform a urine and prostate fluid test to find out the cause of the problems.During manual rectal examination, when the prostate was massaged, fluid leaked from the penis, identified as prostatic discharge.
Urine and pronounced discharge are checked for microflora.The test result can show whether the problem is with the urinary canal, prostate, or bladder.
Blood and semen are also tested for bacteria, white blood cells, or other symptoms of infection.Additionally, if you have recently been treated with antibiotics, your test results will also change.
Diagnosis using a cystoscope
The urologist examines the inside of your urinary tract, prostate, and bladder using a cystoscope.It is a long, thin telescope with a bulb at the end.First, the doctor will give you anesthesia.Next, he will carefully insert the cystoscope into your bladder and analyze the condition of your organs.
Can prostatitis cause cancer?
Although prostate inflammation causes a lot of discomfort, it is not capable of causing cancer.There is a blood test that doctors recommend to determine the presence of a tumor.This is called a prostate specific antigen test (called PSA for short).In the presence of inflammation, PDA levels may increase.This does not mean you have cancer.The doctor will measure the PDA level several times during treatment.
Remember that you must constantly monitor your health and follow preventive recommendations.Be healthy and don't get sick!