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

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

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

Prostatitis is a disease associated with inflammation of the prostate tissue.As you know, this is a small unpaired organ located under the bladder - it actually covers the urinary tract.The prostate produces a secretion that is part of the sperm.

Statistics show that the disease most often affects people aged 25-50.Approximately 50-85% of patients aged 50 years and older 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 ask for additional information.How do you know if you have prostatitis?What symptoms should you watch out for?Are there effective treatments?

Causes of the development of prostatitis.Predisposing factors

Many men are interested in the questions of what are 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 consequence of a sexually transmitted disease.If we are talking about non-specific inflammation, then the cause is the activity of staphylococcus, streptococcus and E. coli.Sometimes prostatitis develops against the background of herpes.Of course, there are risk factors whose impact can cause the inflammatory process to begin.

• To begin with, it is worth noting that the disease can develop against the background of other infectious diseases, including a cold.
• Risk factors include an irregular sex life.For example, promiscuity increases the likelihood of infection in the body.Long-term abstinence is also harmful.Ideally, sex life should be regular, preferably with the same partner.
• Prostatitis often develops against the background of stagnant processes in the pelvic area.Risk factors include sedentary work and a sedentary lifestyle.
• Hypothermia (both general and local) can also cause 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 associated with the reverse flow of urine and its reflux in the genital canals.This disorder is often associated with inflammatory diseases of the urethra or with incorrect catheterization of the bladder.
• Changes in hormonal levels are also potentially dangerous, especially when it comes to a decrease in the level of male sex hormones.By the way, this is why mature and elderly men are more likely to experience 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 provoke the development of an inflammatory process or an exacerbation of chronic prostatitis.

The doctor should know not only how to determine prostatitis in men.It is very important to find out what exactly caused the development of the disease.

Prostatitis in men: how to recognize it?Description of the main symptoms

We are already familiar with the main reasons for the development of the inflammatory process.But many men are interested in questions about how to determine prostatitis themselves.In fact, this is impossible, because tests and examinations are required to confirm the diagnosis.But you can suspect the disease by noticing very characteristic signs.

• How does prostatitis appear in men?Symptoms of the disease include various urinary disorders.Patients complain of increased urge.At the same time, the daily volume of urine does not increase.The urge occurs even before the bladder is full.
• An enlarged prostate gland puts pressure on the urethra, causing the flow of urine to weaken and often stop.Sometimes, in order to defecate, a man must make an effort and strain the 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 unpleasant sensations, and sometimes strong, cutting pain.
• If we are talking about acute inflammation (especially if it is accompanied by the accumulation of purulent masses), then the body temperature can rise to 37-39 degrees.
• Patients complain of pain in the perineum, which intensifies during physical activity, sexual intercourse and defecation.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 malignant form of hyperplasia.
• Erection problems also appear, although this does not happen in all cases (especially if it is an acute form of the inflammatory process).

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

Characteristics of chronic inflammation

You are already familiar with 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, in the absence of timely treatment, sometimes develops into chronic prostatitis.Sometimes the chronic form of inflammation is primary - its first stages occur with hidden symptoms.In most cases, this type of disease is the result of stagnant processes in the pelvic area.

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

What complications can the disease bring?

You already know which symptoms to pay attention to and how to identify the disease.Prostatitis is a dangerous disease that should not be ignored under any circumstances.There is a possibility of very dangerous complications.

An acute inflammatory process is often accompanied by suffocation of the gland and the formation of an abscess.An enlarged prostate compresses the urinary tract, which can lead to acute urinary retention.In addition, the abscess can open on its own, resulting in purulent masses that enter the urinary system or intestines.

Chronic prostatitis is no less dangerous, because 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 secretion to support the vital activity of the sperm, which leads to problems with conception and sometimes to infertility.

How to identify prostatitis in men?List of diagnostic measures

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

• First, the doctor collects information about the symptoms that bother the patients, the presence of certain diseases and the way of life.
• The gland itself should be examined.How is the prostate test done in men?Palpation is performed rectally.During the procedure, the doctor may notice an enlargement of the prostate gland and a change in its structure.If we are talking about an inflammatory process, then palpation is often accompanied by very unpleasant and painful sensations.
• During a rectal examination, samples of prostate secretions are often taken for analysis.If it contains bacterial microorganisms and the acidity of the environment has increased, 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 uncomfortable, but very informative.Samples are sent for PCR diagnosis and bacterial culture.The study helps in the detection and identification of infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases.
• A general urine and blood test is performed to confirm the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
• The diagnostic scheme also includes cystoscopy.Using special equipment, the doctor examines the urethral canal and the bladder from the inside.This makes it possible to detect some diseases of the urinary system.
• Uroflowmetry is also mandatory.The procedure allows you to determine the rate of urine flow.This is important when diagnosing prostatitis and hyperplasia.
• How to determine prostatitis in men?Ultrasound examination of the prostate gland is mandatory.This is a simple, accessible and painless procedure that makes it possible to examine the gland, determine its size and shape, detect existing stones, etc.
• Sometimes (if an accurate diagnosis cannot be made) the patient is sent for magnetic resonance imaging.

Drug treatment

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

Hospitalization is indicated only 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 should be included in the treatment regimen.Symptomatic treatment is also carried out - patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory, sedative and antipyretic drugs.If there is an abscess, a procedure is performed to open it.

You already know what are the main symptoms of prostatitis in men.And the first signs are a good reason to immediately consult a doctor.The fact is that the acute form of inflammation quickly becomes chronic.Symptoms become less pronounced, but irreversible changes occur in the tissue of the gland, which cannot be corrected anymore.

Physiotherapy procedures

Physiotherapy is necessary for the chronic form of the disease - this is the only way to stop the disease.Of course, patients take antibacterial drugs and the treatment courses are quite long (sometimes 2-3 months).

Prostate massage is mandatory (it is contraindicated during periods of acute inflammation).During the procedure, it is possible to normalize the flow of prostate secretions, as well as improve blood microcirculation (and, accordingly, tissue nutrition).

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

Diet for prostatitis

You already know about the symptoms and treatment of prostatitis.Symptoms in men can vary, as can treatment regimens.But in any case, the treatment must be supplemented with a suitable diet.

• The basis of the diet should be vegetables and fruits, salads dressed with olive oil, nuts and dried fruits.
• It is allowed to consume soups, broths, lean meat and fish, but only boiled or baked.Different cereals will be useful.
• But you will have to give up fatty meat, eggs, flour products and butter for a while.The fact is that the regular consumption 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, very salty foods and smoked foods are contraindicated.Such foods irritate the intestinal walls and retain water in the body.
• You should give up alcoholic drinks.It is important to drink enough fluids.Fresh juices will be helpful.But in the evening, the amount of water consumed should be limited - this will reduce the number of night trips to the toilet.

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

Prostatitis and sexual activity

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 is worth noting right away that regular sex life directly affects the state and functioning of the prostate gland.Both very frequent, embarrassing intercourse and periods of prolonged abstinence are potentially dangerous.

But if the inflammatory process is already happening, 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, a man's sperm contains various products of the inflammatory process that negatively affect the functioning of the organs of the female reproductive system.It is better to wait until it is completely healed and only then start having sex again.

Prevention: how to prevent the development of the disease?

We have already understood the information about what functions the prostate performs in men, how can we find out if the organ is inflamed?If the disease is not diagnosed in time and treatment is started too late, it can lead to the development of a large number of unpleasant complications.That is why it is much easier to try to prevent the development of the disease.

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

• Doctors recommend careful monitoring of personal hygiene and avoiding wearing very tight synthetic underwear.
• Remember that prostatitis can be caused by sexually transmitted infections.Therefore, you should give up promiscuity and use condoms.
• Nutrition also plays an important role.Along with food, the body must receive a sufficient amount of nutrients, fibers, minerals and vitamins.
• Physical activity (gym class, 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.Fortification and preventive intake of vitamin complexes will help with this.
• It is worth reducing your overall stress level and learning to cope with adverse situations.Remember that nervous tension directly affects hormonal levels and often leads to a decrease in the activity of the immune system and the development of some diseases.

Men over 40 should undergo an annual examination - only this can guarantee the timely diagnosis of prostatitis.How to identify a disease, how to design a treatment regimen, how to prevent the development of complications - only a doctor knows about this.You should not ignore the problem, much less try to deal with it yourself.