Prostatitis is an insidious disease that often turns into a chronic, incurable form. The slightest provocation returns the symptoms: pain in the perineum, difficulty urinating, worsening erection.Primary prevention of prostatitis is a normal healthy lifestyle that does not require special restrictions. Secondary (prevention of recurrence of an already existing disease) involves a more detailed set of measures, including diet, refusal from alcohol, 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 provoke inflammation of the gland:
- Intestines (Proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, Klebsiella);
- Infected sexual partner (mycoplasma, chlamydia);
- Foci of inflammation inside the body: infections in the tonsils, carious teeth.
A pathogen introduced into a healthy prostate through the urethra or through the bloodstream is likely to be destroyed by the defense cells. If the local tissue immunity of the gland is impaired against the background of stagnant processes (blood flow is slow, the cells lack nutrition and oxygen) and intoxication, then 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 both adults and young men. Inflammation of the prostate gland against the background of venous congestion in the small pelvis is called congestive.
When a man gets 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 adequate 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 is suitable:squats, body circles, pumping the press. It is necessary to engage in 15-20 minutes before light sweating. Kegel exercises are a good option for warming up the prostate, but they should not be performed if there are stones in the gland (calculous chronic prostatitis).
For the prevention of prostatitisbrisk walking uphill is useful(on a track with a slope or on rough terrain),swimming, jogging- low-intensity cardio loads. 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 non-aggressive (strikes of the crotch against the saddle or frame are excluded).Cycling 5-10 km, done 2-4 times a week, is a good prevention of prostatitis.
Thermal procedures (bath, ice hole)
There is a theory that a sharp 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 tempering has nothing to do with Epiphany bathing or immersion in the font after the bath. Men who decide to get rid of prostatitis or carry out its prevention in this way risk getting an aggravation the next day. During cold stress, blood vessels spasm, hormones are released that disrupt the functioning of the reproductive system.
Thermal procedures (bath, sauna) are beneficial for the prostate (especially with 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 provoke an exacerbation of prostatitis.
Prostate massage
Prostate massage is a procedure that not all men accept. If this is perceived normally, then 1-2 times a week it can be performed 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, then there is a high risk of injury to the prostate.
Do not massage for preventive purposes without preliminary examination. In the prostate there may be calcifications, cysts and more dangerous 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 sex plays an important role in the primary and secondary prevention of prostatitis. But doctors make a reservation:sexual intercourse should not be "tortured", but desired, against the background of normal libido. Mechanical movements and soft orgasms are an ineffective way to keep the gland in good shape. There should be a full-fledged sexual arousal, stimulating the release of certain hormones and triggering a cascade of biochemical processes.
Too frequent orgasms from masturbation or intercourse can lead to depletion of the genital centers and a decrease in the tone of the muscles of the prostate (atony). This will provoke a disruption in its functioning and increase the risk of developing prostatitis. As a preventive measure, 3-4 intercourse per week is enough. For men over 50, one 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 practice unprotected anal sex often become victims of chronic prostatitis caused by intestinal microflora. Most gut-dwelling microorganisms are hostile to other organs. Once in the urethra, they enter the bladder and prostate, causing sluggish 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, balanced diet is the key to good overall health. An important element in the prevention of prostatitis is timely and regular 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.
For the prevention of constipation, it is necessary to create a diet in such a way 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 need to eat 30-50 seeds per day on an empty stomach in the morning for a week. It is useful to add nuts and honey to them.
- Seafood, oily fish.
- Greens (celery, parsley, watercress).
- Nuts.
Diet plays a major role in the secondary prevention of prostatitis program. Alcohol, fatty, fried, spicy and too salty foods will provoke a new round of inflammation. Symptoms can appear literally the next day. In this case, treatment will have to start over.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals are mainly used for secondary prevention during remission of chronic prostatitis. Even a single inflammation can provoke 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 animal prostate extracts (peptides);
- Tablets that stimulate the production of interferons (proteins that protect the body from pathogens);
- Suppositories containing an enzyme that prevents the formation of fibrous tissue, has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects;
- Suppositories based on human protein 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 tissues and nerve 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 inexpensive and effective prophylactic agent for chronic prostatitis ispropolis candles. Course application allows you to prevent inflammation, enhances cellular immunity.
For the prevention of stagnant prostatitis and hyperplasia, doctors recommend blood-thinning and metabolism-accelerating drugs based on creeping palm.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies are well suited for both primary and secondary prevention of prostatitis. First of all, these are natural adaptogens, immunity stimulants, which also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.The most effective folk remedies:
- Beekeeping products: decoction and infusion of bee submore (on dead bees), propolis, honey, bee bread, royal jelly. The main advantage is the high content of highly absorbable vitamins and minerals.
- Plants-adaptogens: ginseng, rhodiola rosea (red brush), fireweed (willow-herb), echinacea (cannot be abused - inhibits hyaluronidase, which prevents the formation of fibrous tissues), chestnut tincture, eleutherococcus.
- Mud tampons and applications (Saki mud, blue clay).
Tinctures and decoctions are drunk in courses of two weeks once a quarter.
Routine examinations
Annual urological examinations for the prevention of prostatitis are recommended for all sexually mature men, especially after 40 years. By this age, the number of risk factors is growing: hormonal levels change, chronic diseases accumulate, and physical activity decreases.
The standard examination plan includes an ultrasound of the prostate, analysis of prostatic secretions, sampling of biomaterial 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 for the candles prescribed by the doctor and the composition for me is dubious, so I use folk remedies: beaver stream (tincture) and bee pollen (bee pollen). At one time there was fresh propolis. I chewed it every morning in a small piece. There were no more attacks so far. The maximum is a slight discomfort about two days after fishing. "
“I control my chronic prostatitis with immunomodulators: injections and suppositories every six months. Plus, 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 the immune system. Whether additional measures in the form of medication support are needed for a healthy lifestyle, only a doctor can decide on the basis of an anamnesis and an 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 own defense system.