prostatitis

Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) is one of the most common diseases of the male urogenital and reproductive system today. This is a pathological condition that can be combined with inflammation of the prostate itself and the surrounding area. There are several types of this disease, each with different symptoms.Some men with this disease may experience severe pain, while others are not bothered by the disease; for others, symptoms of prostatitis occur periodically and are chronic. However, the symptoms of the disease can seriously impair a person's quality of life.

reason

The prostate is a nut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. The main function of the prostate is to produce fluid, which determines the quality of sperm. This gland surrounds the urethra at the bladder neck and prevents sperm from returning to the bladder. It acts like a natural valve that separates two systems - the urinary system and the reproductive system. This organ stores urine in the bladder and excretes it when needed. Prostatic inflammation can negatively impact male reproductive function and urinary tract conditions.Acute bacterial prostatitis is the least common type of prostatitis but the easiest to recognize. It's usually caused by a sudden outbreak of bacterial infection. It is easy to diagnose because it has many characteristic signs and symptoms. This severe urinary tract infection is usually accompanied by high fever and chills, in which case you need to see a doctor or go to the hospital immediately. Men of all ages are susceptible to this disease, especially those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of this prostate disorder include painful urination; difficulty emptying the bladder or an inability to empty it completely; cramping pain in the lower abdomen, perineum, back, or pelvis; chills and fever.The symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis are similar to those of acute bacterial prostatitis, but they develop gradually and are milder. Characterized by recurrent urinary tract infections in men; this inflammation occurs in representatives of different age groups, but is most common in young people and men of childbearing age.Nonbacterial chronic prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome, nonbacterial prostatitis, prostatic pain), the most common type of disease. The exact cause of this inflammation is unknown. However, the disease may begin with an acute or indolent chronic infection, followed by inflammation, or result from muscle spasms in the pelvic area.In this case, prostate inflammation may occur without any symptoms, or the symptoms may disappear. Sometimes patients experience genital pain, discomfort in the pelvic area, difficulty or pain during urination, and sometimes pain during or after ejaculation.Asymptomatic prostatitis is also common. The diagnosis can be made only when the patient presents with another disease and the main complaint is related to symptoms unrelated to prostatitis. In this case, it can be confirmed by tissue biopsy or urine and semen analysis.

What causes prostatitis

The medical community has not clearly defined the direct cause of prostatitis. However, there are several accepted theories. In the most commonly studied cases, the inflammatory process in the prostate is apparently associated with acute or chronic bacterial infection. They pass from the urethra into the prostate. Bacterial prostatitis is not contagious and cannot be spread through sexual intercourse. Sexual partners cannot "catch" this infection.Certain specific conditions or medical procedures related to diagnosis or treatment can increase the risk of contracting bacterial prostatitis. The person most likely has had a catheter or other device inserted into the urethra due to treatment for a urinary tract infection or bladder infection.Prostatitis can be caused by atypical microorganisms such as Chlamydia, Mycoplasma (transmitted through sexual contact) and Ureaplasma urealyticum. It can also be triggered by a chemical or immune response to an initial injury or infection. Muscle spasms in the pelvic area can cause pain in the prostate area. It may also be a reaction to infection or inflammation of the prostate.

Doctor's opinion:Prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate that can lead to a variety of unpleasant symptoms, such as genitourinary pain, urinary tract problems, and general discomfort. Doctors recommend seeking help at the first signs of the disease, as inappropriate treatment or lack of treatment can lead to chronic prostatitis and complications. In order to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment, you need to contact a urologist who will perform the necessary tests and choose an appropriate treatment. It is important to remember that prostatitis requires a comprehensive treatment approach, including medication, physical therapy, and regular monitoring by a specialist.

prostatitis. How to cure prostate inflammation quickly.

symptom

Symptoms depend on the type of prostatitis and the type of infection causing it. Patients usually don't notice any signs of illness, but some experience symptoms similar to those of a urinary tract infection. Please note that other illnesses may cause the same or similar symptoms. It is important to have a diagnosis by a medical professional to determine whether the patient actually has prostatitis and what type of prostatitis it is.The symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis are severe and require immediate emergency medical care. Common ones include: chills, fever, burning sensation when urinating, heaviness in the lower abdomen, and inability to empty the bladder.The symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis are similar to those of acute bacterial prostatitis infection, but without fever. Other symptoms: burning sensation when urinating; frequent need to urinate, especially at night; pain in the perineum, testicles, bladder, and lower back; pain during ejaculation. Symptoms may be intermittent, with flare-ups and remissions. What started as a process turned into calculus prostatitis.Symptoms of nonbacterial prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome) include difficulty and sometimes painful urination, discomfort or pain in the perineum, bladder, testicles, and penis, and difficulty or pain in ejaculation. Sometimes, and most often, these symptoms may be indistinguishable from those of chronic bacterial prostatitis described above.

Diagnosis of prostatitis

Correct diagnosis is very important in the treatment of any disease, especially prostatitis. Because different forms of treatment not only have different lengths of time, but also have different scopes of methods and means. Additionally, it is important to distinguish symptoms from other similar symptoms, such as urethritis, cystitis, prostatic hypertrophy, adenoma, or cancer. In order to make the most accurate diagnosis, you will need many types of tests and studies.One of the tools doctors use in diagnosis is to study symptoms using special questionnaires filled out by patients. In addition to filling out the questionnaire, your doctor may order a physical exam.To check the condition of your prostate, your doctor will perform a digital rectal exam. This is a simple test in which the specialist inserts a lubricated (gloved) finger into the patient's rectum. The prostate is located in front of the rectum and slightly below the bladder; palpation allows the doctor to easily find and examine problem organs.This way the doctor can determine whether the prostate is enlarged. Irregularities may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. The specialist is also able to assess the level of pain or discomfort the patient is experiencing when the doctor compresses the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor and perineum. If the patient does have prostatitis, this procedure may cause immediate pain or discomfort but will not cause disruption or significant long-term pain.If your doctor needs a more precise diagnosis or decides a biopsy is needed, he may order a transrectal ultrasound so he can see the prostate. If a specialist suspects that you do have prostatitis or another prostate disease, he may refer you to a urologist who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive system to confirm the diagnosis.The urologist will repeat some tests and may analyze various urine samples, as well as a sample of prostatic fluid obtained by massaging the prostate during rectal palpation. Examine urine and prostate secretion samples for signs of inflammation and infection. These tests will help your urologist more accurately diagnose your problem: whether there is inflammation or infection in your urethra, bladder, or prostate.Some doctors may order blood and semen tests to check for abnormal microorganisms, white blood cell counts, or other signs of infection.The urologist may order a cystoscopy, in which a small, special telescope is inserted into the urethra to examine the bladder, urethra, and prostate. The urologist may also order a urinary flow test, which can help measure the strength of the urine flow and obstruction caused by spasmodic inflammation of the prostate, urethra, or pelvic muscles.

interesting facts

1. Prostatitis can affect men of any age:Although prostatitis is more common in men over 50, even younger men can develop it.
2. There are many causes of prostatitis:The most common causes include bacterial infection, inflammation, and prostate duct obstruction. In some cases, the cause may be unknown.
3. Prostatitis can have a variety of symptoms:These symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain when urinating, fever, and chills. Symptoms usually depend on the type of prostatitis and its severity.

other people's experiences

Prostatitis is a common disease in men that causes inflammation of the prostate. People facing this problem note that the symptoms of prostatitis can be very unpleasant and interfere with normal life. Many people express concerns about perineal pain, urinary problems, and general discomfort. However, it is important to remember that prostatitis is a reversible disease and prompt consultation with your doctor, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle changes can help manage it. People are advised not to delay in seeing a specialist and follow the advice for a speedy recovery.

treat

Treatment of prostatitis depends directly on the type of bacterial infection diagnosed during the study.For acute bacterial prostatitis, patients need to take antibiotics for at least 14 days. Sometimes patients require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. If the patient has difficulty urinating, a urinary catheter is needed. If the disease does not respond to treatment, the doctor will prescribe other antibiotics, which will continue until full recovery.It is important to know that you should always follow your doctor's instructions when taking antibiotics. Don't miss another appointment or stop treatment early just because you think your symptoms have gone away.If chronic bacterial prostatitis is diagnosed, you will need to take antibiotics for a longer period of time than if you have acute prostatitis. About 75% of cases of chronic bacterial prostatitis are completely cured within 6-7 months. Sometimes symptoms return and antibiotic treatment must be repeated over and over again. If there is no response to this treatment, long-term, low-dose antibiotic therapy is recommended to relieve symptoms. In some rare cases, surgery may be necessary if a patient has specific anatomical problems, such as scar tissue in the urethra, that interferes with treatment of the prostate.If chronic pelvic pain syndrome is diagnosed, the patient may not need antibiotics. Urologists often encounter difficulties when trying to determine whether a patient has bacterial or nonbacterial prostatitis. Sometimes, previous antimicrobial therapy can mask the diagnosis. In this case, antibiotics can be used, at least initially, even if the diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis has not yet been established. How you respond to antibiotic treatment will determine whether treatment should continue. Many patients who do not have an actual infection may feel better during antibiotic treatment because most antibiotics have direct anti-inflammatory effects.Depending on symptoms and treatment dynamics, patients may be prescribed several methods to quickly restore their health. In addition to antibiotics, some experts prescribe alpha-blockers. These medications help relieve spasms and relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder base, eliminating pain during urination. Folk remedies are often used successfully - anti-inflammatory herbal preparations, analgesic infusions, muscle relaxants, plant extracts (quercetin and/or bee pollen). Prostate massage releases fluid that causes pressure and pain in the prostate.Hot baths, mud baths, or various other heat treatments (localized heating in the form of a hot water bottle or heating pad) can soothe and temporarily relieve the discomfort associated with the infection. If sitting is too uncomfortable, patients are advised to use special pillows.In addition to primary treatment, acupuncture, reflexology, and relaxation exercises may help relieve some symptoms. You may be advised to follow a special diet that avoids certain foods (such as spices) and drinks (such as caffeinated acidic drinks), and avoid triggers that may worsen prostate pain (such as riding a bicycle).Only preventive measures, timely diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to treating the prostate can keep men healthy for many years. Take good care of your second heart - your prostate!

FAQ

How to tell if you have prostatitis?

Pain and burning sensation during urination Difficulty urinating Urinary leakage Frequent urination Cloudy urine Blood in the urine (hematuria) Pain in the abdomen, groin, suprapubic area General symptoms of discomfort (fever, weakness)

What is prostatitis? Why is it dangerous?

Prostatitis is an inflammatory process of the prostate. The main threat to this inflammatory process is that it may not manifest itself for a long time. Sometimes, a person can be ill for years and not even realize they need treatment.

Why do men develop prostatitis?

Causes of Prostatitis Symptoms of prostatitis usually appear in men aged 30-50 years. The most common cause is infectious lesions caused by the penetration of pathogenic flora from the genitourinary tract or glands of the genitourinary system. This is because the urethra and anus are close together.

How can you get prostatitis?

Bacteria enter the prostate through the urethra, blood, and lymph, disrupting the rhythm of sexual life, decreasing immunity, sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, etc. ), and damage to pelvic organs and tissues.

Useful tips

Tip #1

Symptoms of prostatitis can vary and include perineal pain, frequent urination, and increased body temperature. When prostatitis is first suspected, be sure to consult a urologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Tip #2

Pay attention to your lifestyle: maintain an active lifestyle, drink more water, break bad habits and include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. This will help strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of prostatitis.

Tip #3

Even if there are no obvious symptoms of disease, it is important to undergo regular preventive examinations with a urologist. Catching prostatitis early will allow you to start treatment early and avoid complications.