Prostatitis is an inflammatory process focused on the prostate.Another popular name for it is prostate.This condition and the associated pelvic (groin) pain are accompanied by painful sensations in and around the prostate.
Most pain occurs for the following reasons:
- Infection;
- Inflammation;
- some health problems.
Prostatitis can occur in any man, both middle-aged and young.Do not neglect the prevention of male prostatitis.
The role of the prostate in the body
The prostate is a small, round, bumpy gland that is part of the male reproductive system.The gland is located under 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 special job: to help create a fluid environment for sperm.
This seminal fluid protects and supplies the sperm with energy on their way to the female egg.
The first signs of prostatitis development
There are few signs of this disease.However, if you notice that you have at least two of the following symptoms:Consult a urologist immediately.
- The stream of urine sinks sluggishly downwards or within his reachless than 20cm.
- Difficulty, drop by drop, urination.
- Pain and burning when urinating.
- Intermittency, bifurcation, spraying of the jet, duration of the process.
- Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Frequent urination at night.
- Pain between genitals and anus.
We advise you not to make the diagnosis yourself, 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 threat to your health. Only a urologist can make a correct diagnosis after a series of examinations.
Forms and symptoms of prostatitis
There are 4 types of the disease:
- 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 the treatment provided.The most common pathogen is Escherichia coli (Latin: Escherichia coli).
Symptoms characteristic of this form:
- Burning feeling when urinating.
- Frequent urge to urinate at night.
- Pain in the bladder, testicles and penis as well as between the genitals and anus.
- Painful ejaculation.
Treatment is based on antibiotics.In most cases, doctors prescribe medication and the medication should be taken6 to 8 weeks.After completing therapyup to 50%Patients had relapses.Therefore, once the disease has subsided, we must 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 the bacterial form of prostatitis, but the pathogen is unknown.
CP/CPPS can be caused by bacteria, particularly chlamydia, mycoplasma (they are transmitted through sexual intercourse), or ureaplasma.Or inflammation of the prostate gland in men occurs when the body reacts to a past infection or injury.
Treatment options include:Alpha-1 blockersandanti-inflammatory drugs.In many cases, simple measures such as heat, baths or relaxation procedures lead to improvement.
Of course, there is currently no most effective therapy.Therefore, the treatment of CPPS is lengthy and often not very successful.This often represents a severe psychological burden for patients, which in turn can have a negative impact on the course of the disease.Therefore, psychological support or psychotherapy is highly desirable.
Acute (sudden) bacterial prostatitis
The symptoms often appear suddenly.In most cases the pathogen is Escherichia coli (Latin: Escherichia coli).
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Since the acute form is a bacterial disease, it is treated accordingly with antibiotics.Antibiotics from the group of fluoroquinolones are used.Timely treatment can solve this problem and prevent the disease from becoming chronic.
Acute pain sensations force you to immediately consult a doctor.
The patient has the following symptoms:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Difficulty emptying the bladder.
- Severe burning sensation when going to the toilet.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
The danger of this variant is that it occurs hidden without bothering you with symptoms.This type can 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 the disease
Doctors have identified several possible causes, including:
- Previously discovered bacterial infections of the prostate.
- Atypical bacteria (resistant to antibiotics).
- Irritation caused by urine accumulation in the prostate.
- Problems with nerve connections in the lower urinary tract.
- Parasites.
- Problems with the pelvic muscles.
- Viruses and reduced immunity.
- A sedentary lifestyle that leads to poor blood circulation.
- Irregular sexual relations or complete absence of sex.
What risk factors are there for the development of prostatitis?
The causes of most inflammation are not fully understood.Several things can increase your risk of bacterial prostatitis:
- a catheter (tube used to drain fluid from the body) or other device recently inserted into the urethra;
- abnormal structure of the urinary tract;
- recent cystitis;
- Hypothermia.
Can prostatitis be prevented?
Most cases of illness cannot be prevented.Practicing safe sex can only reduce the risk of developing diseases caused by microbes.Therefore, sexual relationships with a committed partner whom you trust is another factor in men's health.
How is prostatitis diagnosed in men?
Physical examination
The doctor may perform a manual rectal examination (MRE) of the rectum:
- This is done by inserting a lubricated finger of a hand wearing a sterile glove into the opening of the anus.
- The doctor presses on the prostate and feels whether it is enlarged or in a normal, soft state.
- Lumps or hardening may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
- The specialist will ask you how painful or uncomfortable it is for you when he touches the area near the gland.
- If you are sick, the exam may be uncomfortable and painful.
- However, it will not cause any harm or long-term pain.
Conducting tests in the laboratory
If the doctor suspects that you have problems with the prostate and surrounding tissues, he will refer you to a urologist.
urologistis a specialist who deals with problems of the urinary tract and male reproductive system.Your urologist or other specialist may order tests to find the cause and provide relief.
Each type of disease requires a different treatment approach.
Your doctor can determine which type you have to make sure other health problems are not contributing to your symptoms.To find the answer, many tests are used.
Ultrasonic
In order to take a closer look at the prostate, the doctor prescribes an examination of the rectum using ultrasound.Ultrasonicuses sound waves reflected from an organ to examine its condition.To “see” the source of inflammation, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the anus.The procedure does not cause the condition to worsen, so there is no fear.
Take a smear test
The doctor will do a urine test and collect fluid from the prostate to find the cause of the problems.During manual rectal examination, during which the prostate was massaged, fluid flowed from the penis, which was identified as prostatic discharge.
Urine and pronounced discharge are examined for microflora.The test result can show whether the problem lies in the urinary canal, prostate or bladder.
Blood and semen are also checked for bacteria, white blood cells, or other symptoms of infection.In addition, your test results will also change if you have recently been treated with antibiotics.
Diagnosis using cystoscope
The urologist uses a cystoscope to examine the inside of your urinary tract, prostate and bladder.It's a long, thin telescope with a light bulb at the end.First, the doctor will give you anesthesia.He then carefully inserts the cystoscope into your bladder and analyzes the condition of your organs.
Can prostatitis cause cancer?
Although inflammation of the prostate causes great discomfort, it is not capable of causing cancer.Doctors recommend a blood test to determine the presence of a tumor.It is a so-called prostate-specific antigen test (PSA for short).If inflammation is present, PDA levels may increase.This doesn't mean you have cancer.The doctor will measure the PDA value several times during the treatment.
Do not forget that you need to constantly monitor your health and follow preventive recommendations.Stay healthy and don't get sick!