Inflammation of the prostate gland, unfortunately, is a very common disease, especially when it comes to middle-aged and elderly men. In the absence of therapy, an ailment can lead to a host of complications. That is why correct and timely diagnosis is so important. Prostatitis is often characterized by a sluggish course, and many patients ignore the symptoms, thereby refusing medical care. Is it possible to diagnose a disease at home? What procedures does the diagnosis of prostatitis in men require? Answers to these questions will be useful to many members of the stronger sex.
Prostatitis: what is a disease?
Prostatitis is a disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the tissues of the prostate gland. This organ produces a specific secret, which, mixed with sperm, ensures the viability and activity of sperm. This is a very common problem, because according to statistics, 50% of men over 50 suffer from this disease. Inflammation of this gland affects the functioning of the entire urogenital system, causing urination disorders and problems with potency, secondary infectious diseases, etc.
The main causes of the development of the disease
Diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis are directly related to the causes of the development of the disease, because an effective treatment regimen largely depends on this factor. In most cases, the cause of the inflammatory process is the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the gland tissue. The infection may be specific, for example, sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonococcus).
Conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, in particular, staphylococci, E. coli, streptococci, can also act as pathogens. These bacteria are present in the body of every person, but are activated by a decrease in immune defense. The risk factors in this case include the presence of chronic diseases, malnutrition, irregular sexual activity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Diagnosis of prostatitis at home: what symptoms should I pay attention to?
With prostatitis, it is extremely important to notice the symptoms on time and seek qualified help. What signs are worth paying attention to?
- The inflammatory process is accompanied by an enlargement of the prostate gland, which begins to compress the urinary canals. As the disease develops, men have problems with urination - the process is often accompanied by soreness, and the urge to empty the bladder becomes more frequent. In addition, urine becomes turbid, which can often be seen even with the naked eye.
- The second important symptom is potency problems. Often patients suffer from erectile dysfunction. There is also premature ejaculation during intercourse.
- Some patients complain of pain in the groin, perineum and tailbone. Soreness may increase during bowel movements. By the way, about 50% of men with prostatitis have no pain.
If you notice such deterioration in yourself, you should immediately consult a doctor, since delay is fraught with dangerous consequences.
The correct medical history
First, a primary diagnosis is made. Prostatitis is accompanied by a number of important signs, so the doctor collects all the necessary information about the presence of certain symptoms. For example, patients are asked about which disorders of the genitourinary system are present and how long they appeared.
It is also important to know if the man has any other diseases, and whether he suffered from prostatitis in the past. The doctor is also interested in the presence of risk factors (what kind of lifestyle a person leads, whether he has a permanent sexual partner, whether he uses protective equipment during sex, etc.). By the way, today there is a special questionnaire with a list of questions that the patient can fill out independently. After evaluating the responses, the doctor can determine the likelihood of developing prostatitis in men.
Diagnosis of prostatitis: tests
After collecting an anamnesis, the patient is prescribed additional studies. After all, with suspected inflammation of the prostate, a thorough and comprehensive diagnosis is needed. Prostatitis is an ailment that affects the work of the entire genitourinary system, so the doctor needs to get the results of the following tests:
- A general blood test demonstrates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body (the number of leukocytes is increased).
- Laboratory testing of urine is also important for diagnosis. With prostatitis, an increased number of red blood cells, white blood cells and protein is found in urine samples. Sometimes additional bacteriological culture is carried out.
- Semen analysis makes it possible to evaluate the functioning of the reproductive system. During laboratory studies, experts pay attention to the physicochemical properties of sperm, as well as sperm activity, motility and concentration. Such an analysis makes it possible to determine whether the reproductive system of the man was damaged.
- A smear from the urethra is a rather unpleasant, but very informative study. The doctor introduces a special tool with a narrow swab at the end inside the penis (about 3-4 cm). The obtained cell samples are then sent to the laboratory. In this way, you can determine the presence of infection and even establish its type.
Rectal examination of the patient
What other procedures does the diagnosis require? Prostatitis - an indication for rectal examination of the prostate gland. Before the procedure, the patient should undergo microclyster to cleanse the intestines. With palpation, the doctor may note an increase in the size of the prostate, the presence of soreness, etc.
In addition, it is important to take samples of prostate secretion for analysis. To this end, prostate massage is performed. As soon as the first portion of the gland secretion leaves, the doctor makes a smear on the laboratory glass. It is worth noting that with inflammation of the prostate, the procedure can be extremely unpleasant.
Prostate Secret Analysis
The secret obtained during the massage is then sent to the laboratory for microscopic examination. After staining the samples, a specialist carefully examines them under high magnification. With prostatitis in secret, an increased number of white blood cells is observed.
In addition, it is necessary to study the characteristics of the microflora of the prostate gland. During the study, the specialist determines the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, their number and even sensitivity to certain drugs.
Ultrasound examination of the prostate
Diagnosis of chronic prostatitis necessarily includes an ultrasound examination of the gland. The procedure is quite simple to carry out. During the examination, the doctor can study the structure and density of the prostate gland, determine its size, see the presence of neoplasms, if any.
Transrectal ultrasound is considered more informative , which is carried out by introducing a special sensor into the rectum. In this way, a specialist can determine the presence of suppuration and abscesses in the tissues of the prostate gland, check the condition of the intestines and seminal vesicles.
Other research methods during diagnosis
As a rule, the above procedures are enough to not only make a diagnosis, but also to determine the cause of the inflammatory process. But there are other methods for diagnosing prostatitis.
In some cases, patients are advised to sign up for computed or magnetic resonance imaging. This is the most accurate method of examination, as it allows you to determine the size of the prostate gland, to detect the presence of neoplasms and stones. True, this procedure is expensive.
Cystoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that allows the doctor to carefully examine the urinary canals, the inner surface of the bladder and the prostate gland. A thin probe with a small camera at the end is inserted into the urethra, and the doctor can examine the picture on the big screen. If there are indications, a biopsy is also carried out simultaneously with cystoscopy - tissue sampling, which is subsequently sent for laboratory analysis. It is worth saying that this is not a standard measure for acute prostatitis. A biopsy is indicated if there is a suspicion of the presence of malignant neoplasms, which happens with chronic forms of inflammation and hypertrophy of the prostate gland.
The main methods of treatment of prostatitis
Many men are interested in questions about what prostatitis is. Symptoms, diagnosis, complications - this, of course, is important information. But it is worth considering the basic principles of treatment.
In acute inflammation, the patient is immediately prescribed antibiotics with a wide spectrum of effects. Alpha blockers are also included in the treatment regimen, which normalize the outflow of urine and improve blood supply to the pelvic organs.
Therapy for prostatitis is a long and complex process. In some cases, patients are prescribed prostate massage. It is believed that such a procedure helps to improve blood supply to the pelvic organs, eliminate puffiness and fluid congestion. Nevertheless, massage can be carried out only with chronic non-infectious prostatitis and only in a hospital setting - acute inflammation is an absolute contraindication.
Other treatment methods give good results, including laser and magnetic therapy, electrophonophoresis, electroneurostimulation. Patients are recommended proper nutrition, feasible physical activity and special therapeutic exercises to eliminate congestion in the pelvic organs (for example, Kegel exercises).