How to determine prostatitis in men?Features, signs, diagnosis and treatment

Inflammation of the prostate gland

Prostatitis is a common disease that is often encountered by men of different age categories.Inflammation of the prostate gland brings many difficulties to a person's life, and if not treated, it inevitably leads to the development of dangerous complications.Of course, many people are looking for more information about pathology.

Why does inflammation develop?How to determine prostatitis in a man, and can you do it yourself?What treatment methods does modern medicine offer?How dangerous is prostate cancer?

General information about this disease

What causes prostatitis in men?Signs and symptoms, complications and treatment are important things to learn.But first we should consider some general information.

Prostatitis is a disease accompanied by inflammation of the prostate tissue.As you know, this is a small unpaired organ located below the bladder - it actually covers the urinary tract.The prostate produces a secretion that is part of semen.

Statistics show that this disease most often affects people aged 25-50 years.About 50-85% of patients over the age of 50 have experienced some form of prostate inflammation at least once in their lives.

As you can see, this is a very common disease.This is why men look for additional information.How do you know if you have prostatitis?What symptoms should you look out for?Is there an effective treatment?

The cause of the development of prostatitis.Predisposing factors

The activity of pathogenic microorganisms is the cause of the development of prostatitis

Many men are interested in questions about the first signs of prostatitis.Symptoms and treatment, possible complications and diagnostic features are very important information.But first, it is worth considering the reasons for the development of the inflammatory process.

The cause of the inflammatory process is the activity of pathogenic microorganisms.The infection may be specific.For example, prostatitis is a result of sexually transmitted diseases.If we talk about non-specific inflammation, then the cause is the activity of Staphylococci, Streptococci, and E. coli.Sometimes prostatitis develops against the background of herpes.Of course, there are risk factors, the effect of which can trigger the beginning of the inflammatory process.

  • To begin with, it should be noted that this disease can develop against the background of other infectious diseases, including the flu.
  • Risk factors include an irregular sex life.For example, intercourse increases the possibility of infection in the body.Long-term abstinence is also dangerous.Ideally, sex life should be regular, preferably with the same partner.
  • Prostatitis often develops against the background of stagnant processes in the pelvic region.Risk factors include sedentary work and a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Hypothermia (both general and local) can also trigger the development of the inflammatory process.
  • Risk factors include chronic constipation and other digestive tract disorders.
  • The inflammatory process can be the result of urethral reflux, which is accompanied by the flow of urine and its reflux into the genital tract.This disorder is often associated with inflammatory diseases of the urethra or improper catheterization of the bladder.
  • Changes in hormone levels are also potentially dangerous, especially when it comes to decreased levels of male sex hormones.By the way, this is why mature and elderly men are more likely to suffer from prostatitis.
  • Risk factors include constant stress and nervous tension, errors in diet (in particular, excessive spicy food), and alcohol abuse.If there are prerequisites, these factors can trigger the development of the inflammatory process or the hunting of chronic prostatitis.

Doctors should know not only how to determine prostatitis in men.It is very important to know what actually triggers the development of this disease.

Prostatitis in Men: How to recognize?Description of the main symptoms

Pain in the perineum with prostatitis

We have become familiar with the main reasons for the development of the inflammatory process.But many men are interested in the question of how to determine prostatitis on their own.In fact, this is impossible, because tests and examinations are needed to confirm the diagnosis.But you can suspect this disease by looking at very characteristic signs.

  • How does prostatitis manifest in men?Symptoms of the disease include various urinary disorders.The patient complains of increased urges.At the same time, the amount of daily urine does not increase.The urge comes before the bladder is full.
  • An enlarged prostate gland puts pressure on the urinary tract, causing the flow of urine to be weak and often interrupted.Sometimes, in order to have a bowel movement, a man has to make an effort and raise his abdominal muscles.
  • The urge to urinate also becomes more frequent at night - a man sometimes wakes up several times (or even dozens of times) during the night, which affects the quality of rest.
  • Often the process of urination is accompanied by an unpleasant sensation, and sometimes severe, cutting pain.
  • If we are talking about acute inflammation (especially if it is accompanied by the accumulation of purulent masses), then the body temperature may rise to 37-39 degrees.
  • The patient complains of pain in the perineum, which increases during physical activity, sexual intercourse, and urination.Sometimes the pain is very sharp, almost unbearable.
  • Sometimes the urine contains blood.This is a dangerous symptom that should not be ignored.Hematuria may indicate the rupture of an abscess, the development of urolithiasis, or a form of malignant hyperplasia.
  • Problems with erection also appear, although this does not happen in all cases (especially if we are talking about the acute form of the inflammatory process).

These are the main symptoms of prostatitis in men.They should not be ignored under any circumstances - be sure to go to the doctor as soon as the first disturbance appears.

Characteristics of chronic inflammation

Symptoms of prostatitis in men - the development of erectile dysfunction

You have recognized the main signs of prostatitis in men (how to find out if a person has the disease will be discussed below).Statistics show that the acute form of the disease, without timely treatment, sometimes develops into chronic prostatitis.Sometimes the form of chronic inflammation is primary - the first stage occurs with hidden symptoms.In most cases, this type of disease is the result of a stagnant process in the pelvic area.

Symptoms of the disease remain the same.The patient complains of pain in the perineum and problems with urination.Sometimes there is a discharge from the urethra during bowel movements.Men often face problems in their sexual life - it is possible to develop erectile dysfunction, the appearance of unpleasant sensations during sex and during ejaculation.Sometimes, chronic prostatitis leads to resolve impotence.This form of the disease is much more difficult to diagnose and treat.

What complications can the disease cause?

A man faces complications of prostatitis

You already know what symptoms you need to pay attention to and how to identify this disease.Prostatitis is a dangerous disease that should not be ignored under any circumstances.There are potentially very dangerous complications.

The acute inflammatory process is often accompanied by glandular suppuration and abscess formation.An enlarged prostate compresses the urinary tract, which can cause acute urinary retention.In addition, the abscess can open on its own, resulting in a purulent mass entering the urinary or intestinal system.

Chronic prostatitis is no less dangerous, as it leads to the gradual replacement of glandular tissue with connective tissue, the formation of scars and stones.Chronic inflammation affects potency and causes erectile problems.In addition, the affected gland cannot produce high-quality secretions to support important sperm activity, which leads to problems with conception and sometimes infertility.

How to identify prostatitis in men?List of diagnostic steps

A man with prostatitis underwent a diagnosis of the disease

If you see the above symptoms, you should consult a specialist.How to diagnose prostatitis?In this case, various procedures are widely used.

  • First, the Doctor collects information about the symptoms that bother the patient, the presence of certain diseases, and lifestyle.
  • The gland itself needs to be examined.How is a prostate test done in men?Palpation is carried out rectal.During the procedure, the doctor can note the enlargement of the prostate gland and changes in its structure.If we talk about the inflammatory process, then palpation is often accompanied by very unpleasant and painful sensations.
  • During a rectal exam, a sample of prostate secretions is often taken for analysis.If it contains bacterial microorganisms, and the acidity of the environment increases, then this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process and the activation of one or another infection.
  • A smear from the urethra is mandatory.This procedure is unpleasant, but very informative.Samples are sent for PCR diagnostics and bacterial culture.This study helps detect and identify infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases.
  • General urine and blood tests are performed to confirm the presence of inflammatory processes in the body.
  • The diagnostic scheme also includes cystoscopy.Using special equipment, the doctor examines the urethral canal and bladder from the inside.This makes it possible to detect certain diseases of the urinary system.
  • Uroflowmetry is also mandatory.This procedure allows you to determine the speed of urine flow.This is important when diagnosing prostatitis and hyperplasia.
  • How to determine prostatitis in men?Ultrasound of the prostate gland is mandatory.This is a simple, accessible and painless procedure that makes it possible to examine the glands, determine their size and shape, detect the stones that are present, etc.
  • Sometimes (if the exact diagnosis cannot be established) the patient is sent for magnetic resonance imaging.

Drug treatment

Drug treatment of prostatitis

You already know how to determine prostatitis in men.After a comprehensive diagnosis, the doctor will definitely make a treatment regimen - it is individual in each case, because it depends on the cause of the development of the disease, the characteristics of the course, etc.

Hospitalization is only indicated in cases of severe intoxication and suspected abscess formation.In all other cases, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis.

Since the inflammatory process is associated with the activity of bacterial microorganisms, antibiotics must be included in the treatment regimen.Symptomatic treatment is also carried out - patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory, painkillers, and antipyretic drugs.If there is an abscess, a procedure is performed to open it.

You already know what the main symptoms of prostatitis in men are.And the first signs are a good reason to immediately consult a doctor.The fact is that acute forms of inflammation quickly become chronic.The symptoms become less obvious, but irreversible changes occur in the glandular tissue, which can no longer be corrected.

Physiotherapy procedures

Physiotherapy is needed for chronic forms of the disease - this is the only way to stop the disease.Naturally, patients take antibacterial drugs, and the course of treatment is quite long (sometimes 2-3 months).

Prostate massage is mandatory (it is contraindicated during the period of acute inflammation).During the procedure, it is possible to normalize the outflow of prostate secretions, as well as improve blood circulation (and, thus, tissue nutrition).

Patients are sent for laser and ultrasound therapy sessions.Sometimes warm microenemas with a special medicinal solution are performed.The treatment regimen also includes immunomodulatory drugs.

Diet for prostatitis

You already know about the symptoms and treatment of prostatitis.Signs in men may vary, as well as the treatment regimen.But in any case, treatment must be supplemented with an appropriate diet.

  • The basis of the diet should be vegetables and fruits, salads dressed with olive oil, nuts, and dried fruits.
  • It is allowed to take broth, soup, lean meat and fish, but only boiled or baked.A variety of grains will be useful.
  • But you need to give up fatty meats, eggs, flour products, and butter for a while.The fact is that the regular use of such products increases the level of cholesterol, which is deposited on the walls of blood vessels, damaging blood circulation in the prostate gland.
  • Spicy foods and spices, pickles, canned foods, semi-finished products, overly salty foods, and smoked foods are contraindicated.Such foods irritate the intestinal wall and retain water in the body.
  • You have to give up alcoholic drinks.It is important to drink enough fluids.Fresh juice will be beneficial.But in the evening, the amount of water used should be limited - this will reduce the number of night trips to the toilet.

Agree, this diet does not provide too strict dietary restrictions.But by following such a diet, you can speed up the healing process, improve the function of the digestive tract, and strengthen the immune system.

Prostatitis and sexual activity

Prostate

You already know how to find out if a man has prostatitis.But many patients are interested in the question of whether it is possible to maintain sexual activity during treatment.

It was immediately noticed that a regular sex life directly affects the state and function of the prostate gland.Both too frequent, endless intercourse and prolonged periods of abstinence are potentially dangerous.

But if the inflammatory process has already occurred, then you should give up sexual activity for a while.Of course, prostatitis is a purely male disease and in most cases is associated with the activity of non-specific microorganisms, and therefore cannot be transmitted during sexual intercourse.However, men's semen contains various products of inflammatory processes that have a negative effect on the function of the organs of the female reproductive system.It is better to wait until recovery is complete and only engage in sexual intercourse again.

Prevention: How to prevent the development of this disease?

We have learned information about the function of the prostate performed in men, how can we know if the organ is inflamed?If the disease is not diagnosed on time and treatment begins late, it can lead to the development of a large number of unpleasant complications.That is why it is easier to prevent the development of this disease.

There is no medicine that will protect the prostate gland from inflammation.However, following some recommendations will help reduce the risk of developing this disease.

  • Doctors recommend carefully monitoring personal hygiene and avoiding wearing synthetic pants that are too tight.
  • Remember that prostatitis can be caused by a sexually transmitted infection.Therefore, you should give up intercourse and use a condom.
  • Nutrition also plays an important role.Along with food, the body must receive a sufficient amount of nutrients, fiber, minerals and vitamins.
  • Physical activity (gym classes, active recreation, daily jogging or walking) prevents blood stagnation in the pelvic organs, which also reduces the possibility of developing an inflammatory process.
  • Doctors recommend giving up alcohol, smoking and other bad habits.
  • It is very important to strengthen the immune system.Hardening and taking a vitamin complex will help with this.
  • Need to reduce your overall stress level and learn to cope with bad situations.Remember that nervous tension directly affects hormone levels and often causes a decrease in the activity of the immune system and the development of certain diseases.

Men over the age of 40 are required to undergo an annual examination - only this can guarantee a timely diagnosis of prostatitis.How to identify the disease, how to make a treatment regimen, how to prevent the development of complications - only a doctor knows about this.You cannot ignore this problem, let alone try to solve it yourself.