Prostate enlargement and inflammation of the prostate

The idea that certain diseases (prostate enlargement and prostate inflammation) can be a punishment for a certain guilt may have contributed to the fact that in the past such disorders of the state of health of a person in particular, which affected the urogenital system (the urinary and genital organs), did not apply the public was allowed to penetrate.

Diseases of the prostate

Today we can deal with all problems without violating so-called public opinion, if we can bring more knowledge to the population of Germany and thus achieve a higher degree of correct behavior with such diseases or their symptoms. This prompts us to provide extensive information today with a contribution on the enlargement of the prostate (prostate gland) in men.

The so-called enlargement of the prostate or prostate gland (also prostate hypertophia) is a disease that often affects men between the ages of 60 and 80. It rarely occurs before the age of five.

The prostate is located at the urinary bladder outlet and here encloses 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 bursting process of this growth or tumor formation causes a shrinkage of the prostate gland, which is pressed to the wall, but ultimately encloses the tumor - called adenoma - like a capsule. That is why we speak of the so-called enlargement of the prostate.

As the adenoma develops, the posterior urethra is obstructed and an obstruction to the outflow of the bladder with corresponding symptoms is formed. Why do these glands start to proliferate at an advanced age?

causes

It must be said that, despite numerous clinical and experimental studies, there are still a lot of uncertainties about the causes of so-called prostatic hypertrophy.

The most recognized cause of prostate disease is the hormone theory. It is based on the fact that there are profound hormonal changes in aging men, which are decisive for the formation of tumors and the changes associated with them.

The onset of a prostate disease manifests itself in the fact that urination is no longer unhindered. Urinating is difficult, the urine stream diminishes, and the person concerned has to wait a long time for the bladder to empty. Initially, the urinary need only increases at night, but over time it also becomes more frequent during the day. Gradually a decline in strength begins. But all these complaints, which only increase slowly, are usually not paid much attention by the patient, as he very often accepts them as age-related.

But it is precisely this creeping form of prostate ailment that harbors dangers. Over the months and sometimes even years, there is a backlog of urine, the so-called residual urine, because the patient can no longer completely empty the bladder.

Symptoms & complaints in diseases of the prostate

Schematic representation of 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 function properly and urinary poisoning can occur. As the disease progresses, urination becomes more and more sparse, later it is only possible to pass urine drop by drop until it finally comes to an overflow bladder.

Then the urine drains without the patient noticing. There is nocturnal wetting (peeing in), whereby the patient only perceives this occurrence as a momentary mishap that he hides from the relatives. But the repetition of wetting is inevitable, and now it is mostly the family members who urge the patient to go to the doctor because he supposedly can no longer hold his urine. At this advanced stage of the disease it is often quite difficult to restore the patient to full health.

Another form of the so-called prostate hypertrophy is the acute urinary obstruction. Despite the agonizing need to urinate, the patient can no longer pass urine. Here the patient's previously hidden ailment is shown so impressively that he immediately visits the doctor. The emptying of the bladder by inserting a rubber catheter relieves the patient of his agony. With the right treatment, the acute urinary calcification can usually be remedied quickly. But this event can repeat itself at any time. A diet mistake, hypothermia, or sitting for long periods of time can trigger a urinary obstruction again if the cause is not eliminated.

The so-called prostate hypertrophy always shows a progressive tendency. If the obstruction to drainage is not removed, consequences such as urinary tract infections or kidney failure occur over time, to which the patient can fall victim. For this reason, the patient should follow the advice of the specialist if he is advised to have an operation, because according to the current state of science, this condition can usually only be eliminated by an operation. It is an old experience that the clinical picture of prostate hypertrophy is subject to marked fluctuations and that it improves quickly after taking medication.

Complications

Often it is possible, especially in the early stages of the disease, to improve the rhythm of urination so that urination is more or less sufficient 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 ailment remains unaffected and relapses are inevitable. It is therefore wrong to postpone the operation because the patient will get older as the disease progresses, the wear and tear of the body will progress and the surgical procedure will be more difficult.

As can be seen from what has been stated so far, the disease of the prostate is a disease that is most likely caused by hormonal shifts, fatty and unhealthy lifestyle and decreased sexual intercourse (intercourse) of the aging body. According to our current knowledge, we are unfortunately not yet in a position to influence this process in such a way that the overgrowth of the glands in the area of ​​the posterior urethra can be completely avoided and the so-called prostate enlargement prevented.

However, if the prostate begins to enlarge, we can help the patient in good time so that there is no need to damage the entire organism. The prerequisite for this is that every patient who has problems urinating immediately consults a doctor.

It is also important for those affected to protect themselves from colds and hypothermia as far as possible, to drink only a little alcohol, to ensure regular bowel movements, not to suppress the urge to urinate, to avoid long periods of sitting and to discuss sexual activities with the doctor An appropriate lifestyle can also help to largely rule out the triggering factors in what is known as prostate enlargement.

When should you go to the doctor?

Enlargement of the prostate should be examined by a doctor in severe cases, and prostate inflammation should definitely be examined. 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 excreting urine can also be used as an opportunity to seek medical advice.

Blood in the urine is an absolute red flag that a doctor should follow immediately. Such an observation indicates severe inflammation that needs immediate drug treatment. Overall, those affected should consult a doctor if they notice significant changes in themselves that can be traced back to the prostate. In the event of severe pain or possible blood in the urine, it is advisable to see a doctor immediately.

Aftercare

If surgery is necessary because of an enlarged prostate or an inflammation of the prostate, the length of the hospital stay depends on the type of surgery and the recovery. A urinary catheter must be inserted for a few days so that the surgical wound does not come into contact with urine. The urine is passed from the bladder through the urethra with a thin tube to the outside. 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. The urine may contain blood or blood clots during the first two days after the operation. Therefore, it is necessary to drink a lot of water to flush the bladder. Bleeding may also occur at a later time.

This happens when the wound scars come loose. It takes some time for the surgical wound to heal. This is why it is important to take it easy in the first few weeks after treatment. Jerky movements, physical exertion and heavy lifting should be avoided.

These activities increase the risk of bleeding in the wound. It may take a few months for full recovery. During this time, you may experience problems urinating, such as having to urinate more often or losing control of the bladder. These complaints subside over time.

You can do that yourself

Usually a bacterial infection is the trigger for the disorder. The pathogens very often migrate from the urinary tract to the prostate. Those affected 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. In pharmacies and drugstores special herbal teas are offered for this purpose, which are highly valued in naturopathy. In alternative medicine, men who regularly suffer from prostate inflammation 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 in the pelvic and lumbar areas. In particular, sitting on cold chairs, benches or other surfaces is considered counterproductive. Patients who regularly attend a sports stadium should therefore purchase an air seat cushion and actually use it. The pillows are small, light, self-inflating and provide good insulation. 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 stress in particular can be responsible for the symptoms. In this case, relaxation techniques such as yoga or autogenic training can provide relief.