Prostatitis: what every man should know

Prostatitis ranks first among all diseases of men's health: according to statistics, it affects about 35% of young and middle-aged men. Despite the fact that this is a fairly common problem, not all men aware of inside information on their main enemy.

Here are the answers to the most common questions about this disease:

What is prostatitis?

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, which is situated directly below the bladder only in men. This organ performs many functions. It is involved in the production and release of sperm, affects sexual activity at different times of the day and retains urine. Therefore, when prostatitis occurs, the genitourinary system problems appear as well.

Is it a problem in elderly men?

Not at all, prostatitis can be a problem for younger men as well. But an enlarged prostate or cancer is more likely to affect older men. By the way, prostate cancer is one of the most common type of cancer in men (it occurs in 15% of the male population).

What are the main symptoms of prostatitis?

The disease is asymptomatic in its early stages. One of the main signs is frequent urge to urinate. It is important to get a routine urological check-up, where you will have the necessary tests, swabs or ultrasounds. This will help identify prostatitis in the first stages.

At later stages, the following signs appear:

• Pain (in and around the penis, in the scrotum and around the anus, in the lower abdomen or back)
• Painful urination
• Changing color of urine
• Increased body temperature
• Potency problems

What causes this disease?

Is prostatitis a chronic disease?

There are a lot of them. For example, frequent hypothermia, sedentary lifestyle, staphylococcus, intestinal infection, bad habits, constipation. But in reality, all of them come down to the fact that microbes enter the urethra and get to the prostate or enter it from other infected centers.

Acute prostatitis is possible due to a sudden inflammation of the prostate gland. Later on it might either improve quickly or develop into a chronic disease and keep reoccurring lasting for years. According to statistics, in 10% of all cases, an acute illness develops into a chronic one, and in another 10%, patients develop a syndrome of chronic pelvic pain.

When should I see a doctor?

Immediately when it seems that something is wrong. Remember that it is easier to treat the problem in its early stages. Therefore, it is better to take care of your health in advance and get a regular urological check-up.

Is it possible to avoid the development of this disease?

It is if you follow the recommendations below:

• Have regular sex, preferably having a single sexual partner during a period of time or choosing to have safer sex
• Maintain personal hygiene (especially one of the genitals)
• Exercise and maintain a balanced diet (studies confirm that being overweight increases the risk of prostatitis by 50%)
• Avoid hypothermia
• Give up bad habits

So, prostatitis is a common problem in men of any age. But if you take care of your health, you can avoid this disease. Physical activity, proper nutrition, regular safe sex will assist you in this. However, do not neglect to see a doctor, a regular urological checkup will guarantee your health safety.