Prostate Enlargement and Prostatitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

The idea that certain diseases (prostate enlargement and prostatitis) can be a punishment for a certain guilt may have contributed to the fact that especially of such disorders of a person’s health that affected the genitourinary system (the urinary and sexual organs), nothing was allowed to leak to the public in the past.

Diseases of the prostate gland

Schematic diagram showing the anatomy of a healthy prostate and an enlarged prostate. Click to enlarge. Today, without violating a so-called public opinion, we can treat all problems, if by doing so we can bring more knowledge to the population of Germany and from this we can achieve to a greater extent a correct behavior in such diseases or their symptoms. This prompts us to provide wide-ranging information today with an article on enlargement of the prostate (prostate gland) in men. The so-called enlargement of the prostate or prostate gland (also prostatahypertophy) is a disease that often affects men between the 60th and 80th year of life. It rarely occurs before the 5th decade of life. The prostate is located at the outlet of the urinary bladder and encloses here the initial part of the male urethra. Around this part of the urethra, so to speak between it and the prostate, there are small glands that begin to proliferate in the aging body due to special processes. The space-consuming process of this proliferation or tumor formation causes a shrinkage of the prostate gland, which is pressed against the wall, so to speak, but finally encloses the resulting tumor – called adenoma – like a capsule. That is why we restrictively speak of the so-called enlargement of the prostate. The development of the adenoma leads to obstruction of the posterior urethra, and an obstruction of bladder outflow with corresponding discomfort is formed. But why do these glands now begin to proliferate especially at an advanced age?

Causes

It must be said that there are still many uncertainties about the causes of so-called prostatic hypertrophy, despite numerous clinical and experimental studies. The most widely accepted rationale for the origin of prostatic hypertrophy is the hormonal theory. This is based on the fact that in aging men there are profound hormonal changes that are crucial for the formation of tumors and the associated changes. The onset of prostate disease is manifested by the fact that urination is no longer unimpeded. Urination is more difficult, the urine stream decreases, and the affected person has to wait a longer time until the bladder empties. Initially, the need to urinate increases only at night, but over time it also becomes more frequent during the day. Gradually, a loss of strength begins. But all these complaints, which increase only slowly, are usually not particularly noticed by the patient, because he very often accepts them as age-related. However, it is precisely this insidious form of prostate disease that harbors dangers. Over the months and sometimes years, urinary retention, known as residual urine, occurs because the patient can no longer empty the bladder completely.

Symptoms and complaints of prostate disease

Schematic diagram showing the anatomy of a healthy prostate and an enlarged prostate. Click to enlarge. As a result, the kidneys are affected and damaged, so that over time they can no longer perform their function and urinary toxicity may occur. During the progressive disease process, urination becomes more and more sparse, later it is only possible to pass urine drop by drop, until finally the overflow bladder occurs. Then the urine runs off without the patient noticing it. Nocturnal wetting (peeing) occurs, although at first the patient perceives this event only as a momentary mishap, which he hides from his relatives. But the repetition of wetting is inevitable, and now it is usually the family members who insist that the patient, because he is supposedly unable to hold his urine, present himself to the doctor. At this advanced stage of the disease, it is often quite difficult to help the patient regain full health. Another form of prostatic hypertrophy is acute urinary retention. Despite an agonizing urge to urinate, the patient can no longer pass urine.Here, the patient’s previously hidden suffering is so impressively illustrated that he immediately visits the doctor. Emptying the bladder by inserting a rubber catheter relieves the patient of his torment. With proper treatment, acute urinary calculus can usually be quickly remedied. But this event can recur at any time. A dietary error, hypothermia or prolonged sitting can trigger urinary retention again if the cause is not removed. The so-called prostatic hypertrophy always shows a progressive tendency. If the drainage obstruction is not removed, consequences such as urinary tract infections or kidney failure occur over time, to which the patient may fall victim. For this reason, the patient should follow the advice of the specialist if he is advised to undergo surgery, because this condition, according to the current state of science, can usually be eliminated only by surgery. It is an old experience that the clinical picture of prostatic hypertrophy is subject to pronounced fluctuations, and after taking medications there is a rapid improvement.

Complications

It is often possible, especially in the early stages of the disease, to improve the rhythm of urination, so that urination is more or less adequate again. But this improvement is only temporary, because the positive effect on the bladder cycle does not change the prostate disease. The cause of the condition remains unaffected, and relapses are inevitable. It is therefore wrong to postpone surgery because as the disease progresses the sufferer grows older, the wear and tear on the body progresses, and surgical intervention becomes more difficult. As can be seen from what has been stated so far, prostate disease is a disease that is most likely triggered by hormonal shifts, high-fat and unhealthy lifestyle and decreasing sexual intercourse (intercourse) of the aging body. According to our current knowledge, we are unfortunately not yet able to influence this process in such a way that the proliferation of the glands in the area of the posterior urethra can be completely avoided and the so-called prostate enlargement can be prevented. However, we can help the patient in time in case of an incipient enlargement of the prostate gland, so that there is no need for damage to the whole organism. The prerequisite for this is that every patient who has problems with urination should consult a doctor immediately. It is also important for the affected person to protect himself from colds and hypothermia as far as possible, to enjoy only a little alcohol, to ensure regular bowel movements, not to suppress the need to urinate, to avoid sitting for a long time and to discuss sexual activities with the doctor, because an appropriate lifestyle can also help to largely exclude the triggering factors in so-called prostate enlargement.

When should you go to the doctor?

Prostate enlargement should be examined in severe cases and prostatitis should be examined by a doctor in any case. In principle, affected men should contact their doctor if they experience pain. These can occur during urination, with certain movements or at rest. However, it often makes sense to contact a doctor earlier. For example, swelling can be a good indication. Difficulties in passing urine can also be a good reason to seek medical advice. An absolute warning signal that should be followed by an immediate visit to the doctor is blood in the urine. Such an observation indicates severe inflammation, which must be treated immediately with medication. Overall, affected individuals should already see a doctor if they notice significant changes in themselves that can be attributed to the prostate. In case of severe pain or possible blood in the urine, an immediate visit to the doctor is advised.

Follow-up care

If surgery is required for prostate enlargement or prostatitis, the length of hospital stay depends on the type of surgery and recovery. A bladder catheter must be inserted for a few days to prevent the surgical wound from coming into contact with urine. This involves passing urine from the bladder through the urethra to the outside with a thin tube. A small water-filled balloon holds this tube in the bladder. This can cause painful bladder spasms in the first hours and days after the procedure.Antibiotics are often prescribed to prevent infections. Sometimes the urine contains blood or blood clots during the first two days after surgery. Therefore, a lot of water must be drunk to flush the bladder. Bleeding may also occur at a later time. This happens when the wound scars come off. It takes time for the surgical wound to heal. Therefore, physical rest is important for the first few weeks after the procedure. Jerky movements, physical exertion and heavy lifting should be avoided. These activities increase the risk of bleeding in the wound. Several months may pass before complete recovery. During this time, you may experience problems with urination, such as frequent urges to urinate or loss of bladder control. These symptoms subside with time.

Here’s what you can do yourself

In most cases, a bacterial infection is the trigger for the disorder. The pathogens very often migrate from the urinary tract to the prostate. Affected people should therefore prevent urinary tract infections. Regular flushing of the urinary tract through increased fluid intake is very effective. (Medicinal) water and unsweetened tea are suitable for this purpose. Pharmacies and drugstores offer special herbal teas for these purposes, which are highly valued in naturopathy. In alternative medicine, men who regularly suffer from prostatitis are also recommended to take pumpkin seeds. In addition, cranberries are also said to have a beneficial effect on the prostate. It is also important to avoid hypothermia of the pelvic and lumbar region. In particular, sitting on cold chairs, benches or other surfaces is considered counterproductive. Patients who regularly visit a sports stadium should therefore purchase and actually use an air seat cushion. The cushions are small, lightweight, self-inflating and provide good insulation. However, infections can also be avoided by flushing the prostate itself. Many urologists therefore advise their patients to ejaculate regularly. Often, however, problems with the prostate are also psychological. Stress and emotional strain in particular can be responsible for the complaints. In this case, relaxation techniques such as yoga or autogenic training can provide relief.