Prostatitis is an insidious disease that often develops into a chronic and incurable form. The slightest provocation returns the symptoms: pain in the perineum, difficulty urinating, worsening of the erection.Primary prevention of prostatitis is a normal, healthy lifestyle that does not require any special restrictions. The secondary (prevention of recurrence of an already existing disease) involves a more detailed set of measures, including diet, alcohol refusal, drug support.
Risk factors for prostatitis
Prostatitis develops with a combination of two main factors: infection and stagnant processes in the gland. The main sources of pathogens that cause inflammation of the gland:
- Intestines (Proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, Klebsiella);
- Infected sexual partner (mycoplasma, chlamydia);
- Foci of inflammation inside the body: infections of the tonsils, decayed teeth.
A pathogen introduced into a healthy prostate through the urethra or through the bloodstream is susceptible to destruction by defense cells. If the local tissue immunity of the gland is impaired against the background of stagnant processes (blood flow is slow, cells lack nutrition and oxygen) and intoxication, prostatitis is likely to develop.
The role of physical activity in the prevention of prostatitis
A sedentary lifestyle is the leading cause of prostatitis in adults and young men. Inflammation of the prostate against the background of venous congestion in the small pelvis is called congestive.
When a man engages in regular physical activity, his pelvic floor muscles are toned. They keep the bladder and other organs in an anatomically correct position. This is important for the proper functioning of the sphincters of the urethra, bladder, high-quality contraction of the prostate and its complete emptying.
For men who do not have the opportunity to jog or go to the gym, as a preventive measure against prostatitis, ordinary gymnastics performed at home are suitable:squats, body circles, pumping the press. It is necessary to engage in 15-20 minutes before a light sweating. Kegel exercises are a good option for warming up the prostate, but they should not be done if the gland has stones (chronic calculous prostatitis).
For the prevention of prostatitis,brisk walking uphill is useful(on a track with a slope or on rough terrain),swimming, jogging- loadslow intensity cardio. Some men avoid bicycles and exercise bikes, believing that the pressure of the saddle on the gland will cause prostatitis. The problem can be solved by selecting an anatomically shaped seat with a hole. But even from the usual model there will be no harm if the riding style is not aggressive (the crotch touches the saddle or the frame is excluded).Cycling 5-10 km, 2-4 times a week, is a good prevention of prostatitis.
Thermal procedures (bath, ice hole)
There is a theory that high exposure to low temperatures on the body will "wake up" the immune system and stimulate recovery from most diseases, including prostatitis. To do this, many dive into an ice hole or doused with ice water. It should be noted thatcompetent quenching has nothing to do with Epiphany bathing or post-bath font immersion. Men who decide to get rid of prostatitis or carry out its prevention in this way are at risk of an exacerbation the next day. During cold stress, blood vessel spasms, hormones are released that disrupt the functioning of the reproductive system.
Thermal procedures (bath, sauna) are beneficial for the prostate (especially with congestive prostatitis) because they improve blood microcirculation. This does not apply to extreme relaxation in a steam room or sauna with high temperatures and alcohol. The latter is likely to cause an exacerbation of prostatitis.
Prostate massage
Prostate massage is a procedure that not all men agree to. If it is perceived normally, 1-2 times a week, it can be done as a prophylaxis for prostatitis. To do this, attract a partner or use a special vibrating massager. However, it should be noted thatregular sex and exercise is much healthier and safer. If the massage is performed by a non-professional, the risk of injury to the prostate is high.
Do not massage for preventive purposes without prior examination. In the prostate, there may be more dangerous calcifications, cysts and neoplasms that do not manifest themselves in any way. It is also unacceptable to use home physiotherapy devices that use electromagnetic or ultrasonic waves without a doctor's approval.
Sex
Regular intercourse plays an important role in the primary and secondary prevention of prostatitis. But doctors have a caveat:intercourse should not be "tortured", but desired, against the background of a normal libido. Mechanical movements and gentle orgasms are an ineffective way to keep the gland in good shape. There should be full-fledged sexual arousal, stimulating the release of certain hormones and triggering a cascade of biochemical processes.
Too frequent orgasms due to masturbation or sexual intercourse can lead to exhaustion of the genitals and reduced tone of the prostate muscles (atony). This will cause a disruption in its functioning and increase the risk of developing prostatitis. As a preventive measure, 3-4 sexual intercourse per week is sufficient. For men over 50, ejaculation every 7 days is enough to prevent stagnant prostatitis.
Prevention of infectious prostatitis: sexual hygiene
Many couples, in an effort to diversify their sex life, forget about basic hygiene rules. According to statistics, in most cases,unprotected sex becomes the cause of prostate infection.
Men who have unprotected anal sex often suffer from chronic prostatitis due to the intestinal microflora. Most intestinal microorganisms are hostile to other organs. Once in the urethra, they enter the bladder and prostate, causing slow inflammation.
Oral sex can also cause prostatitis. The tongue, pharynx, tonsils, carious teeth, and the inner surface of the cheeks are potential sources of pathogenic bacteria that can cause inflammation of the gland.
Nutrition
A healthy and balanced diet is the key to good overall health. Fast and regular bowel movements are an important part of preventing prostatitis. With constipation, the rectum swells, presses on the prostate. The toxins begin to be absorbed into the blood through the intestinal walls, which also enter the gland.
For the prevention of constipation, it is necessary to compose a diet so that 2/3 of the food consumed is occupied by vegetables, fruits and cereals (fiber). Physical activity is also important for the normal contraction (peristalsis) of the intestine.
Useful products for the prevention of prostatitis:
- Pumpkin seeds (source of zinc). You should eat 30-50 seeds a day on an empty stomach in the morning for a week. It is useful to add nuts and honey to it.
- Seafood, fatty fish.
- Greens (celery, parsley, watercress).
- Nuts.
Diet plays a major role in the secondary prevention program for prostatitis. Alcohol, fatty, fried, spicy and overly salty foods will cause a new wave of inflammation. Symptoms can appear literally the next day. In this case, the treatment will have to start again.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals are mainly used for secondary prevention in remission of chronic prostatitis. Even a single inflammation can cause a decrease in the cellular immunity of the prostate, a violation of its protective barrier. Most prophylactic agents are aimed at restoring an adequate immune response of the gland.List of the most popular immunomodulatory drugs for the prevention of prostatitis:
- Tablets and suppositories based on extracts of animal prostate (peptides);
- Tablets that stimulate the production of interferons (proteins that protect the body against pathogens);
- Suppositories containing an enzyme that prevents the formation of fibrous tissue, has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects;
- Suppositories based on human proteins synthesized using gene technology.
For secondary prevention and treatment of complex forms of prostatitis, injections of an immunomodulator based on bacterial proteins are used. Basic properties:
- Reduces inflammation.
- Regenerates tissue and nerve fibers.
- Restores blood circulation.
- Prevents scarring after exacerbations of prostatitis.
During treatment with an immunomodulator, side effects are possible: decreased ability to concentrate, fever, fatigue, weakness.
A relatively inexpensive and effective prophylactic agent for chronic prostatitis ispropolis candles. Applying the course allows you to prevent inflammation, improves cellular immunity.
For the prevention of stagnant prostatitis and hyperplasia, doctors recommend anticoagulant and metabolism-accelerating drugs using creeping palm.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies are well suited for primary and secondary prevention of prostatitis. First of all, they are natural adaptogens, immunity boosters, which also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.The most effective folk remedies:
- Beekeeping products: decoction and infusion of submore bee (on dead bees), propolis, honey, bee bread, royal jelly. The main advantage is the high content of highly absorbable vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-adaptogens: ginseng, rhodiola rosea (red brush), fireweed (willow-grass), echinacea (not to be abused - suppresses hyaluronidase, which prevents the formation of fibrous tissue), chestnut tincture, eleutherococcus.
- Mud swabs and applications (Saki mud, blue clay).
Tinctures and decoctions are drunk as a two-week treatment once a quarter.
Routine examinations
Annual urological examinations for the prevention of prostatitis are recommended for all sexually mature men, especially after 40 years. At this age, the number of risk factors increases: hormonal levels change, chronic diseases accumulate, and physical activity decreases.
The standard examination plan includes ultrasound of the prostate, analysis of prostatic secretions, biomaterial sample for genital infections.
Notice
“When I was young I had never heard of prostatitis, but at 34 I had a sudden seizure, now I have to maintain remission. It is a pity for the candles prescribed by the doctor, and the composition for me is doubtful, so I use folk remedies: beaver stream (tincture) and bee pollen (bee pollen). At one point there was fresh propolis. I chewed it every morning in small pieces. There have been no more attacks so far. The maximum is slight discomfort about two days after fishing. "
“I control my chronic prostatitis with immunomodulators: injections and suppositories every six months. Also, I try to do Kegel exercises every day (at least 100 contractions once a day). "
Conclusion
Some men need regular sex to prevent prostatitis, others need to constantly maintain and strengthen their immune system. If additional measures in the form of drug management are necessary for a healthy lifestyle, only a doctor can decide on the basis of a history and internal examination. It is not recommended to independently use immunostimulating suppositories for the prevention of prostatitis - with illiterate use there is a chance to weaken the body's defense system.