Prostatitis and hemorrhoids are the most common illnesses in men over 40 years old. Furthermore, in some cases, the two pathologies can develop in parallel, greatly impairing the quality of human life. Here you need to find out what these two diseases are and what symptoms they manifest in order to be able to independently recognize the problem and consult a specialist in a timely manner.
What are hemorrhoids: characteristics and symptoms
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the rectum. These veins are called hemorrhoids and form nodules when they expand.
The main cause of the development of the disease is the violation of blood flow from the lower rectum. This is due to several reasons:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- overweight;
- frequent constipation;
- excessive load;
- inflammation of the rectum.
In other words, the blood flows to the hemorrhoidal area, but its exit is impaired, so it overflows through the veins, which expand. Due to the expansion of the veins, there is an alteration in the tissue of the corpora cavernosa located under the mucous membrane of the rectum. These sections swell and enlarge, forming what are called hemorrhoids.
Nodes can be internal or external. External nodules are the result of a weakening of the sphincter muscles, due to which the internal nodules are displaced and fall out of the anus. The number of internal or external formations in the rectum can be different, from one to several nodes. Also, the more nodules, the more severe the symptoms of the disease.
Hemorrhoids are most often chronic, with periodic exacerbations.
The disease develops slowly, symptoms remain invisible for a long time, which explains the main problem with hemorrhoids - late diagnosis. In the early stage, symptoms are mild:
- mild swelling of the tissues of the lower rectum;
- periodic itching in the anus;
- burning, sore pain after stool.
Symptoms are aggravated by constipation - there is severe pain and burning when evacuating stools. At the same time, mucus can be released from the rectum, which further irritates the mucous membrane, increasing the burning sensation.
Pronounced hemorrhoids are manifested by inflammation of the nodules. This is accompanied by terrible pain. The nodules are damaged during a bowel movement, so blood is found in the stool.
Over time, the corpora cavernosa of the rectum can be severely deformed, as a result, the nodules fall out and have to be literally pinned to the anus with the fingers.
Basic concepts of prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate. This disease is infectious and non-infectious by nature, and can occur acutely and chronically.
If we consider both prostatitis and hemorrhoids, attention should be paid specifically to the non-infectious chronic inflammatory process of the prostate. This disease is often called congestive prostatitis.
The essence of the problem lies in the violation of prostate trophism. Trophism is understood as blood microcirculation and lymph output. The deterioration of these processes leads to the following changes:
- the secret of the stagnant prostate;
- the organ swells;
- the secret in the prostate thickens;
- the inflammatory process develops.
The result of a trophism violation is an enlarged, swollen prostate that compresses the surrounding tissues and organs (the bladder neck, the lower part of the urethra), resulting in the development of vivid symptoms of prostatitis.
The main causes of congestive prostatitis are:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- lack of regular sex;
- overweight;
- bad habits;
- unbalanced diet.
As a rule, mostly men over 40 face this disease.
Doctors often call congestive prostatitis "the office worker's disease, " thus emphasizing the connection between a violation of prostate trophism and a sedentary lifestyle.
The symptoms of the disease are as follows:
- frequent need to use the bathroom;
- pain in the perineum, rectum, bladder;
- weakening of the stream of urine when urinating;
- feeling of constantly full bladder;
- ejaculation disorders;
- deterioration of potency.
Ejaculation disorders are manifested by rapid ejaculation with short-term stimulation of the penis or by the inability to reach orgasm during intercourse. The first is associated with an increase in prostate tone, the second - with a violation of the contractility of the organ.
What connects prostatitis and hemorrhoids?
The connection between prostatitis and hemorrhoids is obvious - common causes of development. And in one case, and in another case, the disease develops as a result of impaired blood circulation and lymph flow. In this case, prostatitis causes a thickening of the juice in the prostate due to a violation of trophism, and hemorrhoids are caused by a violation of venous blood flow from the rectum.
The following reasons lead to such violations:
- sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work);
- lack of regular sex;
- obesity;
- bad habits.
Most modern people work in offices, meaning they spend most of their time sitting. In the conditions of modern life, few people can find enough time for active recreation and sports, and most of the day is spent in a sitting position. The result is poor circulation in the pelvis and lower extremities. If at the same time a man has problems with the veins in his legs, the problems with the pelvic organs are just a matter of time. As a rule, varicose veins are also found in the age group of people at risk for developing prostatitis.
It seems like a lack of regular sex should only affect the prostate, but what do hemorrhoids have to do with it? This is exactly the case when the two diseases are associated and the development of congestive prostatitis leads to expansion of the hemorrhoidal veins. A poor sex life negatively affects the functioning of the prostate. As a result, congestion develops and symptoms of prostatitis appear. An enlarged prostate puts pressure on surrounding tissues, including blood vessels, interfering with normal blood flow in that area. As a result, the blood flow rate to the veins in the rectum changes, venous stasis gradually develops, the veins expand, and hemorrhoids form. Of course, this process takes many years, but if nothing is done, prostatitis will eventually result in hemorrhoids.
The same thing happens with obesity. The pelvic organ trophism is violated and then prostatitis or hemorrhoids appear. If man has not reacted at all to the presence of one of these diseases, the development of the second must be expected over time.
The negative impact of bad habits must be considered separately. The most common addictions are smoking and alcohol abuse. Nicotine has a negative effect on blood vessels, increasing their tone. As a result, they narrow, which negatively affects the blood flow rate. Another factor is the interruption of oxygen transport to tissues during prolonged smoking. The result again becomes poor circulation in Organs pelvic organs and lower extremities, which leads to congestion, prostatitis or hemorrhoids.
Alcohol abuse negatively affects the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. An increase in blood pressure is often observed, which is the cause of impaired blood flow. Thus, smoking and systematic alcohol consumption are a direct path to the development of prostatitis and hemorrhoids.
As a rule, one of these diseases develops under the influence of several factors at the same time. Over time, the congestion spreads to all the organs in the pelvis, causing a second disease to develop.
Once you find out if hemorrhoids are associated with prostatitis, you should know that the two diseases can develop in parallel. The presence of two of these diagnoses complicates treatment, so you should see a doctor right away.
Treatment of hemorrhoids and prostatitis
If the two illnesses have worsened, they will have to be treated at the same time. In general, the treatment of these two diseases overlaps somewhat, so the use of medications can stop the exacerbation.
In the treatment of prostatitis, tablets and rectal suppositories are used. For the treatment of hemorrhoids, rectal suppositories are also used, the therapy is complemented with microclysters.
suppositories
Preference is given to mild anti-inflammatory drugs. They simultaneously stop inflammation in the prostate and reduce hemorrhoid manifestations.
In addition, methyluracil suppositories can be recommended to improve local metabolic processes and strengthen immunity. Suppositories with ichthyol in the composition are often prescribed as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Microcleaters to relieve inflammation
Microcliders are used to stop the inflammatory reaction and as a bowel preparation before administering rectal suppositories. At home, enemas are made with decoctions of anti-inflammatory herbs - chamomile, St. John's wort, marigold.
Physiotherapy and exercise therapy
Physical therapy is prescribed only after the relief of acute symptoms. It aims to improve blood circulation in Organs pelvic organs and may reduce the frequency of exacerbations. In the treatment of prostatitis, electrostimulation, magnetotherapy and laser therapy are used.
As the access to the prostate is via the rectum, these procedures have a positive effect on the health of the anus.
Exercise therapy is prescribed to all men who face stagnation processes in Organs pelvic organs. Exercise stimulates local circulation and lymphatic drainage. They can be performed at the clinic or at home. In addition, it is helpful for men to play sports, swim, practice yoga, and run at a moderate pace.
Prostate Massage for Hemorrhoids
Prostate massage is the best remedy for the treatment of congestive prostatitis, which is strictly contraindicated for hemorrhoid inflammation in a context of hemorrhoid exacerbation. The course of the procedures will have to be postponed until the inflammation in the nodules is stopped. Otherwise, during massage, the hemorrhoid can be damaged, which leads to profuse bleeding and can cause the inflammatory process to spread or even to become infected.
Preventive measures
Prevention of hemorrhoids and prostatitis aims to increase the remission period and reduce the frequency of exacerbations. Preventive measures:
- Balanced diet;
- constipation prevention;
- strengthening the immune system;
- play sports;
- regular sex life;
- rejection of bad habits.
It is important to structure the diet in such a way as to avoid the development of constipation. Constipation is one of the main factors in the worsening of hemorrhoids and prostatitis, as it impairs blood circulation. During a bowel movement, hard stool damages the rectum and hemorrhoids, causing an exacerbation, and irritates the prostate, which is hidden by a thin septum. To prevent constipation, your doctor may also recommend special medications such as glycerin suppositories.