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

Prostatitis is a common disease often found in men of different age groups.Prostate inflammation brings a lot of inconvenience to a person's life and, if left untreated, 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 the disease

What are the causes of prostatitis in men?Signs and symptoms, complications and treatment are important things to learn.But first we must 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 under the bladder - in fact, it covers the urinary canal.The prostate produces a secretion that is part of the semen.

Statistics show that the disease most often affects people between the ages of 25 and 50.Approximately 50–85% of patients aged 50 and over 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 watch out for?Are there effective treatments?

Causes of the development of prostatitis.Predisposing factors

Many men are interested in questions about what the first signs of prostatitis are.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 can be specific.For example, prostatitis is a consequence of a sexually transmitted disease.If we are talking about nonspecific inflammation, 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 whose impact can trigger the onset of the inflammatory process.

• To begin with, it is important to note that the disease can develop against the background of other infectious diseases, including a cold.
• Risk factors include irregular sex life.For example, promiscuity increases the likelihood of infection in the body.Long-term abstinence is also harmful.Ideally, your 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 (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 may be the result of urethral reflux, which is accompanied by the reverse flow of urine and its reflux into the genital ducts.This disorder is often associated with inflammatory diseases of the urethra or inadequate bladder catheterization.
• 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, dietary errors (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 not only know how to determine prostatitis in men.It is very important to find out what exactly triggered the development of the disease.

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

We already know the main reasons for the development of the inflammatory process.But many men are interested in questions about how to determine prostatitis on their own.In fact, this is impossible, as tests and tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.But you can suspect the disease by noticing very characteristic signs.

• How does prostatitis manifest in men?Symptoms of the disease include various urinary disorders.Patients complain of increased urgency.At the same time, the daily volume of urine does not increase.The desire appears even before the bladder is full.
• An enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urinary canal, causing the stream of urine to become weak and often interrupted.Sometimes, to evacuate, a man needs to make an effort and tense his abdominal muscles.
• The urge to urinate also becomes more frequent at night - men sometimes wake 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 severe, cutting pain.
• If we are talking about acute inflammation (especially if it is accompanied by the accumulation of purulent masses), 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 urine contains blood.This is a dangerous symptom that should not be ignored.Hematuria may indicate rupture of an abscess, 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 disturbances appear.

Characteristics of chronic inflammation

You already know the main signs of prostatitis in men (how to know 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 proceed with hidden symptoms.In most cases, this type of disease is the result of stagnant processes in the pelvic region.

The symptoms of the disease remain the same.Patients complain of pain in the perineum and problems urinating.Sometimes there is 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.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 lead to?

You already know what symptoms you need 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 suppuration of the gland and the formation of an abscess.An enlarged prostate compresses the urinary canal, which can lead to acute urinary retention.In addition, the abscess can open on its own, resulting in purulent masses entering the urinary system or intestines.

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

How to identify prostatitis in men?List of diagnostic measures

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

• To begin with, the doctor collects information about the symptoms that bother patients, the presence of certain diseases and lifestyle.
• The gland itself needs to be examined.How is a prostate test done in men?Palpation is performed rectally.During the procedure, the doctor may notice an increase in the prostate and a change in its structure.If we are talking about an inflammatory process, palpation is often accompanied by painful and very unpleasant sensations.
• During a rectal exam, samples of prostate secretions are often collected for analysis.If it contains bacterial microorganisms and the acidity of the environment is increased, this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process and the activation of one or another infection.
• A swab from the urethra is mandatory.This procedure is unpleasant, but very informative.Samples are sent for PCR diagnosis and bacterial culture.The study helps detect and identify 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 bladder from the inside.This makes it possible to detect certain diseases of the urinary system.
• Uroflowmetry is also mandatory.The procedure allows you to determine the speed of urine flow.This is important in the diagnosis of prostatitis and hyperplasia.
• How to determine prostatitis in men?Prostate ultrasound is mandatory.It is a simple, affordable and painless procedure that allows you to examine the gland, determine its size and shape, detect existing stones, etc.
• Sometimes (if an accurate diagnosis cannot be established) the patient is referred for MRI.

Drug treatment

You already know how to determine prostatitis in men.After a thorough 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 only indicated in cases of severe poisoning 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, analgesic and antipyretic medications.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 the acute form of inflammation quickly becomes chronic.Symptoms become less pronounced, but irreversible changes occur in the tissues of the gland, which can no longer be corrected.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

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

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

Patients are referred for laser and ultrasound therapy sessions.Sometimes hot microenemas with special medicinal solutions are performed.The treatment regimen also includes immunomodulatory drugs.

Diet for prostatitis

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

• The basis of the diet should be vegetables and fruits, salads seasoned with olive oil, nuts and dried fruits.
• It is allowed to consume soups, broths, lean meats and fish, but only cooked or roasted.Various cereals will be useful.
• But you will have to give up fatty meats, eggs, flour products and butter for a while.The fact is that regular consumption of these products increases the level of cholesterol, which is deposited on the walls of blood vessels, impairing blood circulation in the prostate.
• Spicy foods and seasonings, pickles, canned food, semi-finished products, very salty and smoked foods are contraindicated.These foods irritate the intestinal walls and retain water in the body.
• You need to give up alcoholic beverages.It is important to drink plenty of fluids.Fresh juices will be beneficial.But at night, the amount of water consumed should be limited - this will reduce the number of nighttime trips to the toilet.

Agree, this diet does not provide for very strict dietary restrictions.But by following this 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 knowing whether it is possible to maintain sexual activity during treatment.

It is immediately important to note that regular sex life directly affects the condition and functioning of the prostate gland.Both very frequent and promiscuous relationships and periods of prolonged abstinence are potentially dangerous.

But if the inflammatory process is already occurring, you should abandon sexual activity for a while.Of course, prostatitis is a purely male disease and in most cases is associated with the activity of nonspecific microorganisms and therefore cannot be transmitted during sexual intercourse.However, male semen contains several products of the inflammatory process that negatively affect the functioning of the organs of the female reproductive system.It is better to wait until complete recovery and only then resume sexual intercourse.

Prevention: how to prevent the development of the disease?

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

There is no medication that protects the prostate from inflammation.However, following some recommendations will help significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.

• Doctors recommend carefully monitoring personal hygiene and avoiding wearing synthetic underwear that is too tight.
• Remember that prostatitis can be caused by sexually transmitted infections.Therefore, you should abandon promiscuity and use a condom.
• Nutrition also plays an important role.Along with food, the body must receive sufficient amounts of nutrients, fiber, minerals and vitamins.
• Physical activity (gym classes, active recreation, running or daily walking) prevents blood stagnation in the pelvic organs, which also reduces the likelihood 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 preventive intake of vitamin complexes will help with this.
• It is worth reducing your general stress level and learning to deal 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 certain diseases.

Men over 40 are required to undergo an annual examination - only this can guarantee the timely diagnosis of prostatitis.How to identify a disease, how to draw up a treatment regimen, how to prevent the development of complications - only a doctor knows this.You shouldn't ignore the problem, much less try to solve it alone.