If we transfer the concept of the Achilles heel to the sexual sphere of the representatives of the strong half of humanity, then the prostate will play its role. Acute or chronic form of inflammation is always a threat to health, and the causes of prostatitis in men are so different that it is not easy to treat the disease. Even with the advancement of medicine, urogenital pathology remains one of the most common, in addition, the disease is "getting younger". To properly diagnose it, you need to know what causes prostatitis.
What is prostatitis
The term used to denote exclusive male disease is based on two concepts: prostate (Latin for "prostate") and is (from Latin "inflammation"). Prostatitis is an andrological pathology in the form of an inflammatory process in the prostate area. For a number of reasons, the "other heart" in the male body stops coping with its functions, threatening the appearance of such unpleasant phenomena as suppuration, loss of libido, disturbed ejaculation, infertility.
What causes prostatitis in men
Age is not included in the list of factors that cause pathology in men. The real statistics are unknown, and registered cases, taking into account the correct diagnosis, indicate that about 35% of young men aged 30 to 40 have faced such a diagnosis.
Other causes of prostatitis in young and mature men are considered more important and threatening:
- infections (genitourinary, sexually transmitted infections) or tonsillitis;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- circulatory disorders (venous blood stagnation);
- broken relationship;
- prolonged abstinence;
- hypothermia;
- hormonal imbalance;
- prison;
- overeating;
- constant stress.
In young men
Extremely active sexual activity, as well as prolonged abstinence or irregular sexual intercourse, can cause prostatitis in young men. The course of urological pathology in them is characteristic in the acute form, and the most common cause is a sexually transmitted infection. Gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia provoke the appearance of acute prostatitis in young men, relying on possible structural abnormalities of prostate tissue.
Causes of chronic prostatitis in men
If bacteria and other pathogens of infectious inflammation can cause the appearance of an acute form of urological pathology, then other factors can cause chronic diseases. The danger of this variant of prostatitis lies in the long and often asymptomatic course of the disease. The characteristic signs cannot be recognized immediately, and as the disease periodically worsens, men prefer not to contact a specialist. The inflammatory process continues to develop, and the following factors may contribute to the occurrence of chronic prostatitis:
- lifting weights with a full bladder;
- anatomical disorders;
- injuries;
- bacterial infection of other organs.
Causes of acute form
When an infection enters the body through the external genitalia, the result of bacterial activity is inflammation of the prostate tissue. The acute process is clinically pronounced, so problems with the diagnosis of prostatitis in men rarely occur.
To avoid unpleasant sensations that can affect potency, it is useful to know the main causes of acute prostatitis in men, including the following:
- infectious agents (streptococci, staphylococci, trichomonas, chlamydia, Escherichia coli);
- promiscuity in sexual relations;
- using a urethral catheter;
- instrumental intervention when examining the urethral area;
- hypothermia;
- congestion, circulatory disorders.
Infectious Inflammation
By their nature, the causes of prostatitis in men are different, and the most common is the action of pathogens. One type of bacteria can cause the development of pathology after sexual intercourse, while another can contribute to the appearance of urethritis, pyelonephritis, cystitis. Infectious agents enter the prostate from the urethra or rectum. Timely examination can detect the presence of Klebsiella, enterococci, Trichomonas and other types of bacteria that cause prostatitis.
Prostate congestion
This type of prostatitis is more common in mature men, while younger men are less likely to get it. It is difficult to recognize the pathology, so over time it becomes chronic. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the symptoms of this form of prostatitis in men may be completely absent, and only the burning sensation in the perineum, mild pain radiating to the inner thigh after a long walk may indicate the presence of urological non-infectious pathology. What factors cause stagnation of venous blood in the small pelvis?
The main causes of prostatitis in men are:
- sedentary work;
- minimal sexual intercourse activity or termination;
- hypothermia of the pelvic organs, the whole body;
- hormonal disorders;
- inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system, pelvic organs, rectum;
- varicose veins and other diseases associated with impaired venous outflow;
- prison.
Congenital anomalies can cause stagnation of venous blood and secretions that lead to prostatitis in men. Violation of glandular structure can reduce libido or lead to inhibition of sexual activity. The special hormones responsible for erection are not produced in sufficient quantities, which makes ejaculation difficult. A special secretion accumulates in the ducts of the gland, and since ejaculation in a man is disturbed and complete emptying of the ducts does not occur, the stagnant phenomenon progresses.
Acquired reasons
Urological disease alone cannot be transmitted. Nevertheless, medical practice proves that there is a risk: during sexual intercourse, infectious agents can enter the tissues, and then bacteria will enter the prostate, causing inflammation.
The following factors make up the group of acquired causes of prostatitis:
- Perineal trauma, which may be accompanied by the development of a chronic inflammatory process, damage to the prostate vessels or impaired erectile function.
- Narrowing of the urethra, leading to impaired urine outflow and increased urethral pressure.
- Inflammatory process in the genitourinary system (urethritis), when the infection enters the prostate tissue.
- Prostate stones.
- Negative impact of professional activities.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Only based on the results of a comprehensive examination, a urologist can make a correct diagnosis for a patient. To determine the nature and form of the disease, the doctor will take a medical history, conduct a general and urological examination. In order to understand the clinical picture and what can cause unpleasant symptoms, a specialist will perform a rectal examination of the prostate, a painful but extremely necessary procedure.
Regular visits to the urologist can avoid some diagnostic procedures.
The main set of studies, which allows the diagnosis of prostatitis in men, includes the following activities:
- general urine analysis;
- analysis of prostate secretion;
- examination of ejaculate;
- urethral swab;
- Prostate ultrasound;
- computed tomography of the pelvic organs;
- biopsy.
Treatment of prostatitis
The doctor can recommend how to treat urological diseases only after carrying out diagnostic measures. In order to avoid serious complications or delay the treatment of prostatitis, it makes sense for the patient to use the tactics chosen by the specialist, in addition, it is important to follow the recommendations. The method of treatment of prostatitis in men will depend on the nature of the inflammatory process: infectious or non-infectious nature.
The general treatment regimen looks like this:
- Antibacterial therapy.Taking antibiotics from the group of fluoroquinolones with their unique properties is leading the list of drugs that can complicate and prevent further development of prostatitis in men. Occasionally, drugs from the macrolide group may be prescribed, and anti-inflammatory (nonsteroidal) drugs help relieve pain.
- Physiotherapy.Each method is aimed at improving blood circulation, using procedures such as magnetic and laser therapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic baths.
- Massage.This is the most effective post-treatment treatment that helps manage inflammation. When a specialist touches this area, pain cannot be avoided, but massage helps to speed recovery, remove pus and improve the effect of antibiotics.
- Immunomodulatory therapy.For complete recovery, measures and means aimed at correcting the state of the immune system are necessary. Vitamins, strengthening drugs help to restore immunity, maintain and improve well-being, so that strength seems to fight against the unpleasant disease and the cause of prostatitis.
- Folk remedies, prevention.These routes are used as an adjunct in the phase when it was possible to deal with the main symptoms of prostatitis in men. Herbal teas, candles and other recipes based on the gifts of nature should be used after consulting an expert. It is also helpful for the patient to reconsider their diet and nutrition, increasing the proportion of natural products, giving up alcohol, exercising regularly, and avoiding nervous strain.