The instinct of procreation plays a major role in the life of every man. It seems to many of them that a good and timely erection will accompany them for many years, but, unfortunately, this does not always happen. Infections, alcohol and smoking, poor nutrition affect the condition of the reproductive system and can cause inflammation of the prostate gland, partially responsible for reproductive function. The causes and consequences of chronic prostatitis can be unpredictable. You should not joke with such a problem, you can’t get by without consulting a doctor.
A bit of anatomy
The prostate gland takes part in the formation of sperm and ensures the normal functioning of the male urogenital system.
It originates below the pubic bone and continues to the lower part of the large intestine.
It is formed during the period of fetal development and as it grows older it grows in size, reaching its maximum by 17-23 years.
Most young men have a stable functioning of the organ, but after 40-45 years, various pathological deviations may occur, which are caused by various factors.
Development mechanism
The causes of such failures are:
- Body aging.
- Bad habits.
- Hypothermia.
- Sexually transmitted and other infections.
- Poor nutrition.
- Fatigue.
- Weakened immunity.
- Rare or too frequent sex life.
- Individual structural features.
- Complications after other diseases.
- Injuries.
An acute or chronic form of prostatitis is distinguished, which can manifest itself with vivid, painful symptoms or proceed secretly.
Characteristic symptoms include:
- frequent urination
- pain in the perineum;
- problems with erection and ejaculation;
- inability to conceive a child;
- increase in body temperature;
- signs of intoxication;
- problems with bowel movements;
- nervousness, irritability;
- discomfort in one or both testicles.
Having noticed the first alarming signals, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo the necessary treatment.
The most dangerous is the chronic course, when the symptoms of the disease are insignificant, and the patient does not attach special importance to them.
According to statistics, more than 30% of men after 45 years of age suffer from various pathologies of the prostate gland, which are very dangerous for the health of the stronger sex. The consequences of chronic prostatitis can disrupt the functioning of other organs and cause depression, infertility, and sometimes death.
Diagnostics
When initially contacting a medical institution, it is necessary to voice a urologist:
- complaints
- information on the presence of other pathologies, past diseases;
- Does the next of kin have similar problems?
After collecting the necessary information, the doctor will conduct a digital examination of the gland, during which he will evaluate:
- body size;
- density;
- the presence of formations.
Additionally, you need to carry out:
- general analysis of blood and urine;
- research of juice of gland and sperm;
- cystoscopy;
- bacteriological culture of the obtained material;
- conventional and transtrectal ultrasound of the prostate gland.
Based on the results, it will be possible:
- Make an accurate diagnosis.
- Find out how long the disease lasts.
- Determine the cause.
- Identify the effects of chronic prostatitis.
Urinary Dysfunction
If the cause of the disease is the penetration of infectious agents, then the process usually extends to the urethra, bladder and kidneys.
These pathologies do not go unnoticed and cause the patient:
- burning and pain during urination;
- frequent urge to release a small amount of urine;
- discomfort in the lumbar region;
- discharge from an opening located on the glans penis;
- itching
- a constant feeling of fullness of the bladder.
Such symptoms often indicate the development of complications, namely inflammation:
- bladder - cystitis;
- the channel through which urine is excreted - urethritis;
- kidney - pyelonephritis.
The consequences of chronic prostatitis in men are treated severely. The duration of therapy and the list of prescribed drugs depend on the severity of the pathological process.
Neoplasms
Often, representatives of the stronger sex after an ultrasound scan receive a sheet on their hands with the result on which there is an inscription: diffuse changes in the prostate.
This may indicate the presence of an organ in the tissues:
- stones;
- benign cysts;
- adenomas;
- seals;
- malignant tumors;
- circulatory disorders.
As they progress, such diseases lead to inflammation and disruption of the organ.
The most dangerous consequences of prostatitis in men can be caused by various nodules (adenomas), which are often precursors of cancer.
A visit to the doctor too late can be fatal.
Sexual Dysfunction and Infertility
Many couples who cannot conceive a child primarily sin on the health of a woman. Moreover, the man has no visible problems. And only with a full examination of partners, it turns out that the cause lies in inflammation of the prostate gland.
An asymptomatic course is rare. The patient notes:
- problems with an erection, which initially appear from time to time, and as they progress, can even cause impotence;
- decreased sex drive;
- irregular ejaculation and pain during the end of sexual intercourse.
The statistics are disappointing. A late visit to the urologist leads to impotence in more than 40% of men who have noted periodic problems with sexual arousal. Therefore, the consequences of chronic prostatitis should not be joked.
Emotional disturbance
Sexual problems and constant discomfort exhaust the patient, which in the end is manifested by the development of various pathologies from the psyche and nervous system.
These include:
- Depression
- neurosis;
- increased irritability;
- aggression;
- schizophrenia (often with a predisposition);
- phobias;
- personality disorders;
- drop in self-esteem and other troubles.
It is difficult to get rid of the effects of chronic prostatitis. Without eliminating the traumatic factor, drug treatment will give a short-term effect.
Prevention
A long-lasting inflammatory process in the tissues of the prostate gland is very dangerous and will ultimately lead to the development of various pathologies.
The most effective treatment for prostatitis is combined with a set of preventive measures recommended by a doctor.
For this, it is desirable:
- Undergo a scheduled examination in the urological office at least 1 time per year.
- If complaints occur, go through an examination.
- Get rid of bad habits.
- Adjust your diet.
- Daily exercise (at least 2-3 times a week).
- Less nervous.
- Avoid overwork, both physical and emotional.
- Dress for the weather.
- Use a condom.
- Avoid prolonged lack of ejaculation.
- Time to treat other pathologies (especially the urinary system).
With the independent treatment of chronic prostatitis, the consequences are quite sad, getting rid of them is not easy. Such patients lose valuable time that may be needed to treat other diseases, such as cancerous tumors. Therefore, do not ignore the dangerous symptoms, you need to seek help on time, because in the early stages of the pathology is treated easily and quickly.