Prostatitis is an insidious disease that often turns into a chronic and incurable form. The slightest provocation returns the symptoms: pain in the perineum, difficulty in urinating, worsening of the erection.Primary prevention of prostatitis is a normal, healthy lifestyle that does not require any special restrictions. Secondary (preventing the recurrence of an existing disease) involves a more detailed set of measures, including diet, refusal of alcohol, support for drugs.
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);
- Focal points of inflammation in the body: infections in the tonsils, tooth decay.
A pathogen introduced into a healthy prostate through the urethra or bloodstream can be destroyed by the defense cells. If the local immunity of the gland tissue is impaired in the context of stagnation 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 main cause of prostatitis in adults and young men. Inflammation of the prostate in the context of venous congestion in the small pelvis is called congestive.
When a man practices regular physical activity, the pelvic floor muscles are toned. They keep the bladder and other organs in an anatomically correct position. It is important for the proper functioning of the sphincters of the urethra, bladder, quality contraction of the prostate and its complete emptying.
For men who do not have the opportunity to run or go to the gym, as a preventive measure against prostatitis, common home gymnastics is suitable:squats, circular body movements, press pumping. It is necessary to be involved in 15-20 minutes before a slight sweating. Kegel exercises are a good option for warming the prostate, but they should not be performed if there are stones in the gland (calculous chronic prostatitis).
For the prevention of prostatitis,brisk walking uphill(on a slope or rough terrain) is useful,swimming, running- low-intensity cardiovascular loads. Some men avoid bicycles and stationary bikes, believing that the pressure of the saddle on the gland triggers prostatitis. The problem can be solved by selecting an anatomically shaped seat with a hole. But even in the normal model, there will be no damage if the riding style is not aggressive (impacts of the groin on the saddle or frame are excluded).Walking 5 to 10 km, done 2 to 4 times a week, is a good prevention of prostatitis.
Thermal procedures (bath, ice hole)
There is a theory that strong exposure to low temperatures in the body will "wake up" the immune system and stimulate recovery from most illnesses, including prostatitis. To do this, many dive into a hole in the ice or spill over ice water. It should be noted thatcompetent temperament has nothing to do with Epiphany bathing or immersion in the source after bathing. Men who decide to get rid of prostatitis or prevent it in this way are at risk of having an exacerbation the next day. During the stress caused by cold, blood vessels spasm and hormones are released that disrupt the functioning of the reproductive system.
Thermal procedures (bath, sauna) are beneficial for the prostate (especially in congestive prostatitis), as they improve blood microcirculation. This does not apply to extreme relaxation in a bath 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 accept. If this is noticed normally, 1 to 2 times a week, it can be performed as prophylaxis for prostatitis. To do this, attract a partner or use a special vibrating massager. However, it should be noted thatregular sex and exercise are much healthier and safer. If the massage is performed by a non-professional, there is a high risk of injury to the prostate.
Do not massage for preventive purposes without a preliminary examination. In the prostate, calcifications, cysts and more dangerous neoplasms may occur that do not manifest at all. It is also unacceptable to use physiotherapy devices at home that use electromagnetic or ultrasonic waves without the approval of a doctor.
Sex
Regular sex plays an important role in the primary and secondary prevention of prostatitis. But doctors make a reservation:intercourse should not be "tortured", but desired, in the context of normal libido. Mechanical movements and weak orgasms are an ineffective way to keep the gland in good shape. There must be full sexual arousal, stimulating the release of certain hormones and triggering a cascade of biochemical processes.
Very frequent orgasms due to masturbation or sexual intercourse can lead to depletion of the genital centers and decreased prostate muscle tone (atony). This will cause an interruption 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, one ejaculation every 7 days is sufficient to prevent stagnant prostatitis.
Prevention of infectious prostatitis: sexual hygiene
Many couples, in an effort to diversify their sex life, forget the basic rules of hygiene. According to statistics, in most cases,unprotected sex becomes the cause of prostate infection.
Men who have unprotected anal sex often become victims of chronic prostatitis caused by intestinal microflora. Most microorganisms that live in the intestine 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, decayed 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 general health. An important element in the prevention of prostatitis is regular and timely bowel movements. With constipation, the rectum swells, presses on the prostate. Toxins begin to be absorbed into the blood through the intestinal walls, which also enter the gland.
To prevent constipation, it is necessary to create a diet so that 2/3 of the food consumed is taken up by vegetables, fruits and cereals (fibers). Physical activity is also important for normal bowel contraction (peristalsis).
Useful products for the prevention of prostatitis:
- Pumpkin seeds (zinc source). You need to eat 30-50 seeds a day on an empty stomach in the morning for a week. It is useful to add nuts and honey.
- Seafood, fatty fish.
- Vegetables (celery, parsley, watercress).
- Nuts.
The diet plays an important role in the secondary prevention program for prostatitis. Alcohol, fatty, fried, spicy and very salty foods will cause a new cycle of inflammation. The symptoms can appear literally the next day. In that case, treatment must be restarted.
Pharmacist
Pharmaceutical products are used primarily for secondary prevention during remission of chronic prostatitis. Even a single inflammation can cause a decrease in the prostate's cellular immunity, a violation of its protective barrier. Most prophylactic agents aim to restore an adequate immune response to the gland.List of the most popular immunomodulatory drugs for the prevention of prostatitis:
- Pills and suppositories based on animal prostate extracts (peptides);
- Pills that stimulate the production of interferons (proteins that protect the body from pathogens);
- Suppositories containing an enzyme that prevents the formation of fibrous tissue, which has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects;
- Suppositories based on human protein synthesized using genetic 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 nerve tissues and fibers.
- Restores blood flow.
- Prevents scarring after exacerbations of prostatitis.
During treatment with an immunomodulator, side effects are possible: decreased ability to concentrate, fever, fatigue, weakness.
A relatively cheap and effective prophylactic agent for chronic prostatitis ispropolis candles. The application of the course allows to prevent inflammation, increases cellular immunity.
For the prevention of congestive prostatitis and hyperplasia, doctors recommend drugs to thin the blood and speed up the metabolism based on creeping palm.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies are suitable for primary and secondary prevention of prostatitis. First, they are natural adaptogens, stimulators of immunity, which also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.The most effective folk remedies:
- Bee products: decoction and infusion of bee submore (in 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), fire grass (willow grass), echinacea (cannot be abused - inhibits hyaluronidase, which prevents the formation of fibrous tissues), tinctureof chestnut, eleutherococcus.
- Buffers and mud applications (Saki mud, blue clay).
Tinctures and decoctions are consumed in doses of two weeks, once a quarter.
Routine exams
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 is growing: hormone levels change, chronic diseases build up and physical activity decreases.
The standard examination plan includes an ultrasound of the prostate, analysis of prostate secretions, sampling of biomaterials for genital infections.
Reviews
“When I was young, I never heard of prostatitis, but at 34 I had a sudden attack, now I have to maintain remission. It is a pity 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). There was a time when there was fresh propolis. I chewed a small piece every morning. So far there have been no more attacks. The maximum is mild discomfort about two days after fishing. "
“I control my chronic prostatitis with immunomodulators: injections and suppositories every six months. In addition, 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 maintain and strengthen the immune system constantly. If additional measures in the form of drug support are necessary for a healthy lifestyle, only a doctor can decide based on an anamnesis and an internal examination. The independent use of immunostimulatory suppositories for the prevention of prostatitis is not recommended - with the use of illiterates, there is a chance of weakening the body's own defense system.