Prostate: what it is and its main functions and pathologies

The prostate gland, or prostate, is an important organ that only males have. It performs several functions simultaneously and the slightest disruption in its work negatively affects the entire body. Let us consider in detail what the prostate is, where it is located and what functions it performs.

Prostate gland - what is it: main functions of the prostate gland

Structure and anatomical location of the prostate

The gland has a round shape and small dimensions - about 3 cm in height, 4 cm in width. It consists of two lobes, between which there is an isthmus connecting them, and the urethra pierces it right in the center.

Shape and location of the prostate gland

In addition, the prostate is conventionally divided into the following zones:

• base - its smoothed, slightly concave surface is in close contact with the bladder;
• the top of the gland is a narrower zone of a slightly elongated shape. It is deployed in the direction of the genitourinary diaphragm;
• the anterior region is convex, smooth, facing the pubic lobe;
• the posterior region is also smooth, slightly convex, facing the rectum;
• lateral sections - characterized by a rounded shape and small size, protruding slightly into the lumen of the rectum.

Structure of the prostate gland

The prostate is located in the very middle of the pelvis - between the rectum and the pubic symphysis. Seminal vesicles form behind the gland, and from below the seminal ducts with lymphatic vessels located along them pass through the organ. Around the prostate there is a whole network of blood arteries and nerve fibers, closely connected with the veins and nerve endings of the penis.

The prostate is covered with a network of blood vessels and nerve fibers

Prostate tissue is soft and elastic, which is due to the predominance of glandular and muscle cells in its structure. Moreover, the consistency, shape and size of this organ change throughout life, depending on the age of the man.

Changes can also be caused by physiological characteristics; this is considered absolutely normal. Concerns should be raised by those changes that occur too abruptly: sudden enlargement of the prostate, compaction of its lobes, disruption of the structure.

Such signs indicate the development of pathological processes in the body, and therefore require careful analysis.

Changes in the size or structure of the gland indicate the development of pathology

Prostate functions

Despite its small parameters, the prostate gland simultaneously performs three important functions - it ensures the production of secretions, gives control over urination and erection, and acts as a barrier to pathogenic microorganisms.

Making a secret

The direct task of the prostate gland is to ensure sexual function by producing a specific fluid - secretion. Under normal conditions, the prostate produces approximately 2 ml of this fluid per day (one third of the daily volume of sperm). The secretion contains a number of organic substances and compounds necessary for the activation of sperm.

Composition of prostate secretion

Thanks to the secretory fluid, sperm acquires the optimal consistency for germ cells; in addition, sperm receive the necessary resources to move outside the male body, which protects them on the way to the egg. If the composition of the secretory fluid is impaired, a man’s ability to fertilize is significantly reduced.

Prostate secretion increases sperm motility

Additionally, the secret promotes the exchange of sex hormones necessary for the full functioning of the male body.

In addition, the study of secretions helps in diagnosing diseases: fluid analysis makes it possible to promptly identify infectious agents and select the most effective method of treatment.

 The process of secretory fluid production is regulated by testosterone, and if the amount of this hormone in the blood decreases, then the activity of the prostate also decreases. This is one of the common causes of erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency

Motor function

With the help of the motor functions of the prostate, the processes of ejaculation and urination are controlled.

These functions are carried out due to the contraction of smooth muscles in the gland: when a signal is received along the nerve fibers, the muscles begin to contract rhythmically and close the sphincter through which urine flows.

The same effect is achieved by the release of secretory fluid into the urinary canal, which is also provided by muscle contractions. Due to the overlap of the sphincter, mixing of urine with ejaculate and its release during sexual intercourse is prevented.

The prostate plays an important role in the mechanism of ejaculation

Protective function

In addition to its main functions, the prostate plays the role of a protective barrier that prevents pathogens from spreading through the urethra through the genitourinary system.

Pathogenic bacteria and viruses are destroyed by substances contained in the secretory fluid.

Antibacterial properties are also due to the presence of zinc in the prostate, and the lower its concentration, the weaker the protective reaction of the gland.

The prostate gland acts as a barrier to pathogenic microorganisms

Advice. The accumulation of zinc is facilitated by regular consumption of foods containing sufficient amounts of this element, for example, seafood, nuts, and pumpkin seeds.

Common prostate diseases

The prostate is a very vulnerable organ: disturbances in its functioning can cause not only infections, but various injuries, overheating and hypothermia of the body, poor nutrition in combination with bad habits, as well as stress and nervous strain. Most often, men are diagnosed with the following prostate diseases:

• prostatitis (chronic, calculous);
• BPH;
• prostate sclerosis;
• cancerous tumors.

Prostate inflammation is one of the most common male diseases

In most cases, the development of diseases is provoked by stagnant processes in the gland, due to which the supply of nutrients decreases, the outflow of lymph decreases, and foci of inflammation arise.

In turn, stagnation in the prostate is caused by a lack of physical activity, alcohol abuse and smoking, hormonal imbalances due to endocrine diseases or taking certain medications.

Those who are obese or constantly subject their bodies to excessive physical activity are also at risk.

How to determine problems with the prostate? Typically, at an early stage, prostate pathologies manifest themselves more or less the same:

• the urge to urinate becomes more frequent;
• erection and sexual desire decrease;
• pain appears in the perineum, which may intensify when emptying the bladder, defecation or ejaculation.

Symptoms of prostatitis and prostate adenoma

In the future, if no measures are taken, the severity of the symptoms increases, bloody discharge may be observed in the urine and semen, and the pain syndrome increases significantly.

The success of treatment directly depends on how timely the contact with a specialist was. It’s even worse if the patient self-diagnoses and tries to fix the problem using folk remedies.

In this case, in addition to the underlying disease, doctors have to deal with complications caused by such treatment.

Important! It is always worth remembering that the symptoms of many diseases are similar, and it is impossible to independently determine the cause of the disease from them. Only a specialist can make a correct diagnosis, and only after a detailed examination and testing by the patient.

How are prostate diseases treated?

If you suspect problems with the prostate, you should contact a urologist or andrologist. To make a diagnosis, the doctor performs a rectal examination and additionally prescribes an ultrasound, MRI, and blood, urine, and secretory fluid tests. To detect a sexually transmitted infection, a smear is usually taken from the patient.

Carrying out ultrasound diagnostics

The results of the examination allow us to determine the cause of the disease and choose the right type of treatment.

Table. Treatment methods for prostate diseases

Type of therapyDescription

Drug treatment	Prescribed for acute inflammatory processes and infectious lesions. If the disease is caused by an infection, the patient is advised to take antibiotics, for example, levofloxacin or sumamed. For swelling of the prostate, medications from the group of alpha-blockers are prescribed: Terazosin, Alfuzosin, etc. Additionally, drugs that enhance immunity and vitamin complexes can be used.
Prostate massage	This method of treatment is used for erectile dysfunction, chronic prostatitis and as a preventive measure for congestion in the gland. There are several massage techniques that differ in the degree of impact on the prostate; under certain conditions, massage can be performed independently.
Physiotherapy	Special exercises are indicated for prostate adenoma and prostatitis. Proper muscle training improves blood circulation and eliminates fluid stagnation, which helps relieve inflammation, swelling, pain and other unpleasant symptoms. The most effective are Kegel exercises designed specifically for men.
Physiotherapy	Physiotherapeutic procedures can be prescribed as an auxiliary treatment for inflammatory processes in the gland, bacterial infections, and BPH. Magnetic therapy, laser therapy, and transrectal microwave hyperthermia are usually prescribed.

In addition to therapy, giving up bad habits and normalizing your diet is of great importance. An integrated approach speeds up recovery, the main thing is to strictly adhere to medical recommendations.

Video - Prostate gland - what is it: main functions of the prostate gland

Prostate health is the main condition for the full functioning of the genitourinary system in men. Advanced diseases are very difficult to cure, so timely diagnosis is of great importance. How to identify disorders at an early stage, what preventive measures are necessary, as well as the causes of prostate diseases can be read on our website.

Source: https://prostatit-doc.ru/predstatelnaya-zheleza-chto-eto-takoe-osnovnye-funktsii-predstatelnoj-zhelezy/

What the prostate gland is responsible for in men - the main functions of the organ

Sooner or later, a man wonders what the prostate is, why it is needed, what its effect on health is. Unfortunately, interest in this topic manifests itself when the functioning of the gland is disrupted.

This immediately affects the quality of life, potency drops, reproductive capabilities weaken, debilitating pain and other problems begin.

After all, the functions of the prostate gland are diverse, it has a huge impact on men’s health and is responsible for vital processes.

Purpose of the prostate in the male body: what is it responsible for?

The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male body.

The gland belongs to the reproductive system and is responsible for the production of a number of specific substances:

• the main one is the secretion (prostatic juice), which ensures the necessary viscosity of the ejaculate and, accordingly, normal sperm motility. When the sperm is too thick, fertilization is difficult, and a woman simply cannot become pregnant from a seemingly healthy man;
• other components maintain the normal composition of sperm. This includes biologically active substances, immunoglobulins, enzymes, vitamins, microelements, etc. The norms of these substances are individual, and it is the prostate that regulates their content.

Thus, she is responsible for a man’s reproductive abilities, for the ability to have a regular and fulfilling sex life and have children. This is the main function of the gland, but there are others that are no less important.

It is easy to disrupt the functioning of the prostate, and it can take years to restore it, which is why it is so important for a man to take care of his health.

What are the functions of the prostate gland in men?

The gland is involved in many biological and physiological processes and performs different functions:

• secretory;
• motor;
• barrier

If these functions are disrupted, many systems will malfunction.

Production of prostatic secretion (secretory)

The prostate is a male reproductive gland that performs a secretory exocrine function. This is a hormonal glandular organ of internal secretion that responds to androgens. In adults, its tissues are capable of an endocrine response. That is, the epithelium of the gland produces a special secretion.

This process is regulated by the endocrine system, which responds to stimulation (excitation) by releasing specific complex substances that directly and actively influence the fertilization of the egg.

The most studied components of the secretion are:

The secretory functional ability of the gland is regulated by testosterone. If the level of the hormone in the blood drops, the prostate itself begins to produce it intensively.

The secretion not only dilutes sperm and reduces its viscosity, but is also responsible for the activity and viability of sperm, protecting them from harmful influences and providing them with nutrition and energy resources.

This creates the necessary conditions for fertilization of the egg and subsequent normal embryogenesis in the woman’s body. On average, a healthy man secretes at least 1/3 of his ejaculate.

It is the prostate that is responsible for a man’s reproductive ability, so in case of any problems (prostatitis, adenoma), treatment must be started immediately.

Control of urine outflow (motor)

The prostate includes muscle tissue, which provides the motor function of the gland. Smooth muscle fibers form the urethral sphincter, which prevents the spontaneous outflow of urine into the urethral canal. In addition, motility ensures the release of prostate secretions during ejaculation.

Protective properties (barrier)

The prostate gland prevents infection from entering the urethra into the upper urinary tract.

• This is ensured by the secretion of a zinc-peptide complex, as well as other biologically active substances (lysozyme, spermine, spermidine, putrescine).
• Thanks to this function, the prostate is part of the male immune system, which produces secretory immunoglobulins.
• The antibacterial activity of the prostate gland is due to the presence of free zinc ions in it.

Prostaglandin E production

Produced in the seminal vesicles and released from them into the seminal fluid, prostaglandin E ensures the activity and motility of sperm. It also affects the contractility of smooth muscles located in the prostate gland and throughout the body.

Regulating the psycho-emotional state of a man

With prostate dysfunction, not only sexual function suffers. General somatic and, as a consequence, psycho-emotional changes occur.

This is associated with mental disorders due to problems in the intimate sphere, as well as with a general disruption in a person’s hormonal background.

It should be noted that this effect on the body has not yet been fully studied. In some cases, men with prostate problems really need consultation and help from a psychologist.

Problems in the intimate sphere can cause severe depression, which is why it is so important not to delay treatment.

The role of the prostate in reproductive function

The prostate itself secretes testosterone and other biologically active substances that affect spermogenesis and the entire reproductive system.

Thanks to this complex effect and relationship with other organs and systems, this gland is one of the most important components of the body and plays a dominant role in a man’s reproductive ability.

Irregularities at work

The importance of the functions for which the prostate is responsible is so great that a man needs to carefully monitor its condition. The gland is very vulnerable to various types of pathological processes, and restoring its function is quite difficult. But you should at least know what to fear.

1. Emerging prostate dysfunctions are:
2. The reasons leading to such pathological changes are very diverse and individual in each specific case.
3. Factors that disrupt the functioning of the prostate can be both external (poor environment, ionizing radiation, stress, passive lifestyle, exposure to infectious agents) and internal (genetic predisposition, concomitant chronic and acute diseases, bad habits).

Often, timely examination helps to avoid serious problems and complications and thereby return a man to a full life.

How to determine that the hardware is not working correctly?

If you have problems with the prostate gland, you should pay attention to the following symptoms:

If such symptoms appear, it is necessary, without delay, to consult a urologist or andrologist. The doctor will tell you what tests you need to take, advise you to do a massage, prescribe medications and physiotherapeutic procedures. If there is no improvement, the problem may need to be addressed more radically.

Why do you need preventive examinations with a urologist?

Unfortunately, men tend not to attach much importance to the initial symptoms that occur in the first stages of prostatitis.

This leads to an advanced form of the disease and serious complications. Many avoid examination by a urologist, based on false moral principles and forgetting about their own health.

Such patients turn to the doctor when the disease is advanced and serious efforts are needed for healing.

Only systematic and planned examinations by a urologist will help to identify the problem in a timely manner and maintain good health.

Video on the topic

About the functions of the prostate gland in men in the video:

The prostate gland is one of the most important male organs, responsible for many functions, including influencing sexual and reproductive activity. You need to treat the prostate carefully and carefully, remembering that only regular examinations by a urologist will help you avoid serious problems and maintain your health.

Source: https://prostata.guru/prostata/funkcii.html

What is the prostate, where is it located and what functions does it perform?

The prostate gland (or prostate, which is the same thing) is an exclusively male unpaired reproductive organ that is part of the male reproductive system. The location of the prostate is in the central region of the small pelvis between the rectum and pubic bone, directly below the bladder.

The shape of the prostate gland is similar to an inverted trapezoid with rounded edges, and the size of a chestnut. The structure of the prostate includes:

• base and top. The base is the wide, concave edge of the prostate. The anterior part of the base fuses with the bladder, and the posterior part touches the seminal vesicles. The apex is the narrow part of the prostate facing the perineal muscles;

• anterior, posterior and inferolateral surfaces. The anterior surface faces the pubic bone. The posterior part of the prostate and the rectum are closely adjacent, and this makes it possible to examine the prostate rectally;

• the right and left lobes, as well as the groove and isthmus that separate them. The isthmus grows with age and becomes wider, which is why it is called the middle lobe.

75% of prostate tissue is prostatic glands, the rest is elastic muscle tissue. Fibromuscular septa divide all glands into lobules, the cells of which produce prostate juice.

The number of slices is about fifty. Each lobule is equipped with a separate duct. The secretion is released during ejaculation due to contraction of the muscle tissue surrounding the lobules.

The ducts of all glands merge and open in the urethra.

Glandular tissue is usually zoned depending on where it is located relative to the urethra:

• central zone (about 25%). It is located around the ducts that eject the seed. About 10% of cancer cases occur in this area;
• peripheral zone (about 75%). Covers the central one from behind, from the sides and from below;
• transition zone, or transit zone (up to 5% of glandular tissue).

Being the size of a pea in a newly born boy, the prostate continues to grow until about the age of forty, then age-related involution may occur - a decrease in size. Accordingly, the size of the prostate in men is individual. So, in men of 30 years of age, it weighs on average 20 grams, its transverse size is 3 cm, its longitudinal size is 4 cm, and its thickness is about 2 cm.

Prostate functions

1. Production of secretion - part of the seminal fluid. This most important function of the prostate affects a man’s ability to procreate. The substances that make up the prostate juice nourish the sperm, liquefy it and accelerate the movement of sperm. In secret, sperm can maintain their motility for 24 hours (for comparison, in saline – no more than three hours).

   Inflammatory processes and any prostate pathologies radically change the composition of prostate juice, worsening its quality and reducing its quantity. Accordingly, the fertilizing capabilities of sperm are reduced until they are completely lost.

2. The prostate gland produces prostaglandin E, which is involved in blood circulation and is responsible for the general condition of the body and metabolic processes. Without it and other substances produced by the prostate, a full erection and full protein and carbohydrate metabolism are impossible.

   Prostatitis and other gland pathologies lead to weakness and fatigue, sleep disturbances, erectile dysfunction, mental disorders, and irritability.

3. The prostate is needed to prevent seminal fluid from entering the bladder. Thus, the prostate is responsible for separating two of the most important processes in a man: ejaculation and urination.

4. The important role of the prostate in the process of urination: it is the prostate that, with the help of muscle tissue, controls this process, holding urine. However, it is not an organ of the urinary system. The prostate is located around the upper part of the urethra, therefore, when it becomes sick, swollen and enlarged, it compresses it, as a result of which urination is impaired.

5. The prostate gland serves as a barrier to various types of infections. A healthy prostate has excellent immunity thanks to the antiseptic substances contained in the secretion. With their help, it makes it difficult for infections to move from the urethra to the upper urinary tract.

How to find the prostate gland

You can find out exactly where the prostate is located on your own. To find it in the male body, it is enough to insert a finger into the anus about 5 centimeters.

Then gently feel with your finger: the prostate is where a dense lump is recognized, located behind the anterior wall of the rectum. The prostate is easier to find when the bladder is full.

You need to be as comfortable as possible.

The prostate gland is lucky in that due to the structure of the male pelvic organs and its proximity to the rectum, access to it is easy.

This opportunity is successfully used in medicine, diagnosing rectally diseases of the genitourinary system using ultrasound, MRI, and treating various diseases with medications (suppositories, ointments) and physical procedures, such as heating or massage treatment of the prostatitis gland in men.

The prostate gland can also be examined and treated through the urethra.

Various types of prostate diseases are treated, including surgery. It is used to remove damaged parts of tissue or the entire organ to avoid death.

The operation is indicated for abscesses, advanced prostatitis, adenoma, and prostate cancer.

The need for surgery is indicated by involuntary urination, retention of urine outflow, hematuria, purulent processes, bladder stones, renal failure and other factors.

Surgical interventions on the prostate come down to four types:

• open adenomectomy is an operation during which part of the prostate gland is removed. Access to the gland is made through an incision in the patient's lower abdomen. An adenomectomy can treat urinary symptoms, such as frequent or intermittent urination caused by a large adenoma, bladder stones, or a narrowing of the urethra. This is an effective therapy, but there is a risk of side effects such as erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, excessive bleeding;

• an operation during which part of the prostate is removed using endoscopic equipment. These are laser vaporization and transurethral resection. Transurethral resection is done by inserting a loop through the urethra, vaporization is performed with a laser. The surgeon controls the process on the monitor screen. The laser selectively removes parts of the tissue and simultaneously cauterizes the layers. The operation allows you to remove significant volumes of adenoma almost bloodlessly;

• An operation during which the prostate is completely removed - radical prostatectomy. Indications for intervention are oncological neoplasms. When performing a prostatectomy, two types of open access are mainly practiced: abdominal (an incision is made from the navel to the forehead bone) and perineal (a horizontal incision between the anus and the genitals). The technique of performing prostatectomy using endoscopic equipment has also begun to be introduced, but it is not yet widespread;

• minimally invasive intervention: prostate puncture. Performed with needles through the perineum. Used as part of antibacterial therapy, to study microflora, open abscesses, and remove ulcers.

The effect of the prostate on reproductive function

Inflammation of the prostate gland is directly related to a man’s ability to conceive.

The quality of prostate secretion, and therefore the quality of seminal fluid: its volume, acid-base balance, viscosity, sperm speed, depends on how healthy it is.

This one organ, despite its small size, having ceased to function normally, is capable of completely disrupting the reproductive mechanism.

The importance of a healthy lifestyle today is not entirely clear. Why be strong if you don’t have to earn your living through hard physical labor? There is no need to walk, because you can use a car.

What's the point of preparing healthy food if fast food is faster and more affordable? Bad habits and constant stress aggravate the situation. Thus, stagnation begins in the body, blood circulation is disrupted, and inflammation appears. All this leads to prostatitis, and, as a consequence, to infertility.

Prostatitis has become a modern disease, the price to pay for a comfortable life. The number of couples unable to have children is growing.

By listening to your body and paying attention to failures, you can prevent the development of the disease. Main complaints for prostate diseases:

• chronic pelvic pain, back pain;
• acute pain accompanied by nausea, chills;
• problems with urination: frequent, painful, intermittent;
• decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, pain during ejaculation;
• blood in urine or semen;
• general weakness, constant fatigue;
• mood swings, irritability, nervousness.

Many men do not consider these symptoms a serious reason to go to the doctor. Most lack knowledge about where the prostate is located in men, what this organ does, how to find the prostate, how important it is to keep it healthy

By underestimating the impact of prostatitis, chronic or acute, on reproductive function, without reacting in any way to inflammation, you can disrupt all fertilization processes. Decreased sexual activity, weak potency, impotence are a direct consequence of prostate diseases.

That is why it is extremely important to diagnose as early as possible, understand the causes of the failure, undergo a full course of therapy, carry out preventive measures, and do everything to prevent the disease from returning.

Source: http://WebUrologiya.ru/prostatit/predstatelnaja-zheleza-stroenie-funkcii.html

Prostate

The prostate (from the Latin term prostāta) or prostate gland is an important part of the reproductive system of the male body. The physiological and functional peak is reached between 20 and 25 years of age. Next, involutionary processes begin to occur at different speeds. The speed of the reverse processes, their intensity and the total duration of “fading” are strictly individual for each man and depend both on the genetic characteristics and state of the body, and on external causes.

Structural and functional features of the prostate gland

At different periods of a man’s life, the prostate gland, as an organ, is different - before the onset of puberty - predominantly muscular elements and a small volume predominate. At the peak of sexual activity, this is developed glandular tissue. In old age, normal involution leads to a decrease in volume, and hypertrophic involution leads to an increase.

Anatomically, the prostate is an unpaired androgen-dependent (male) organ with approximate dimensions of 3 * 2.5 * 2.5 cm and a total weight of up to 20-25 g. The shape of the gland has the appearance of a chestnut or a rounded pyramid, pointing downwards. The initial part of the urethra or urethra passes through the thickness of the gland.

The gland itself is located with its wide part or base upward, adjacent to the bladder. In the posterior part, the seminal vesicles are adjacent to the gland, and the prostate itself is separated from the wall of the rectum by a very thin sheet - Denonvilliers' fascia.

The gland is covered on top with a fairly dense connective tissue capsule with strands or fibers extending into the thickness of the prostate. Feeding capillaries and nerve endings penetrate deeper through them.

Blood circulation has common origins with the plexus of vessels of the terminal sections of the rectum and the vascular network of the penis.

It is for this reason that sexual arousal leads to increased blood flow and metabolic processes in the prostate.

Normally, in the absence of physiological or anatomical-structural changes, the prostate does not manifest itself in any way, and its function is not associated with the appearance of discomfort, pain or any changes in a man’s well-being...

Mechanical function of the prostate gland

Structurally, the prostate is predominantly glandular tissue with an uneven distribution of striated muscle fibers. Mostly muscle tissue is distributed in a kind of ring in the immediate vicinity of the urethra. This provides the gland with mechanical function.

The constant obturator function is that the muscle fibers, being in a certain tone, act as an additional barrier in the initial part of the urethra, strengthening the main sphincter of the bladder.

The valve function is based on the fact that some of the fibers are specially located, woven into the muscle layer near the excretory duct of the gland in the seminal mound of the urethra. During sexual arousal and sexual intercourse, this mound mechanically blocks the space of the urethra, reliably isolating sperm from urine entering it.

Secretory function of the prostate gland

The prostate is an exocrine gland, that is, it secretes not into the blood, but into the external environment.

Prostate secretion or prostatic juice is an obligatory and necessary component of sperm; it contains vitamins, microelements, zinc ions, biologically active molecules, nutrients that are necessary to activate sperm and maintain their motor activity. In other words, the secretion of the gland in terms of ensuring the possibility of conception is no less important than the cells themselves - sperm.

Regulatory function of the prostate

To understand the possible pathologies of the prostate gland, it is necessary to understand that the gland is involved in the regulation of sexual activity.

Not being an endocrine organ and not secreting hormones, nevertheless, by feedback type, the prostate influences the neuroendocrine regulatory centers in the central nervous system.

In other words, it adapts to the quality and intensity of a man’s sexual life and helps the central nervous system and higher centers adapt to these conditions. On the one hand, this is the importance of regular sex life, and on the other hand, the positive effect of stimulation techniques.

Main risk factors for prostate pathology

In each specific case, each specific patient has not one, but most often several reasons that, acting together, cause the onset of a pathological process in the organ.

They also significantly influence the dynamics of the development of the disease, the formation of the clinical picture, susceptibility to successful treatment and the overall prognosis.

Of this variety, the greatest negative degree has been proven for the following reasons:

• Age characteristics;
• Hereditary predisposition factor;
• Formed rhythm of sexual activity – long breaks;
• Local hypothermia;
• Low level of physical activity and predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
• Infection of the genitourinary system;
• Frequent change of sexual partners;
• Unfavorable living or working conditions;
• Side effects of certain groups of long-term medications.

Variants of changes and diseases of the prostate gland

Like any other organ, and the body as a whole, the prostate changes over time, which is a physiological natural process. In addition, there are a number of disease processes that also lead to certain changes in tissues.

Inflammatory changes in the prostate gland

Most often caused by bacterial pathogens, less often it occurs for other reasons, including autoimmune ones. Depending on the type of course, it can be in the form of an acute reaction or chronic changes.

Acute inflammation is characterized by the brightness and severity of clinical manifestations, as well as their reversibility with proper therapy.

The general name for such changes is prostatitis with further clarification of the type and nature, as well as the stage of the disease.

Non-inflammatory changes with increased volume

In this case, we are talking about BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy, in other words, prostate adenoma.

The essence of the changes is that the volume of the organ increases due to hypertrophy of the glandular tissue, and since the covering capsule is inelastic, hypertrophy very quickly leads to a gradual blockage of the urethra with characteristic clinical manifestations.

Despite the fact that some of the manifestations are similar to inflammatory ones, this is not inflammation of the prostate gland and the prognostic and therapeutic approaches here are completely different.

Neoplastic changes

Oncological changes are associated with cancerous degeneration of cells and fairly rapid growth.

Histologically, the prostate itself is very rarely a source of cancer, and cancer begins to develop from the paraurethral glands, but due to its high malignancy, it quickly involves the gland itself in the process.

The particular importance of these changes is the possibility of identifying the condition as early and accurately as possible and developing treatment at the earliest stages, when success is maximum.

At the first changes or doubts regarding the well-being of your own prostate gland, you should immediately contact a specialist. Waiting tactics, self-diagnosis and self-medication are dangerous, since you can miss a serious pathology or bring the disease to a stage where complete recovery is physically impossible.

Basic options for diagnosing prostate conditions

In order to establish an accurate diagnosis if various changes are suspected, the following areas are used in modern urology:

• General detailed and biochemical blood tests;
• General urine test (three-glass sample);
• Physical data during digital examination of the prostate;
• Full examination of prostatic secretions;
• Examination of ejaculate – spermogram;
• Bacteriological examination of the obtained biological fluids;
• Antibacterial sensitivity of sown pathogens;
• Immunological test (PSA) - prostate-specific antigen;
• Transrectal ultrasound;
• MRI, CT of the pelvic organs – if necessary.

The decision on the need to use certain examination options during a diagnostic search is made by a urologist, based on industry diagnostic recommendations.

Misconceptions and reality regarding prostate massage

If the term prostate massage is taken to mean any indirect mechanical effect on the prostate gland, then the following variants can be distinguished:

• Simple intimate stimulation. Used by sexual partners as an additional source of sexual arousal, obtaining more vivid erotic emotions and impressions. It is carried out using the fingers - manually or with the help of special devices. Can be considered a sign of a high level of intimate trust. Technically it consists of a mechanical effect on the posterior surface of the gland and stimulation of the anal ring and rectal ampulla. The main risk is that due to the lack of skills and knowledge, there is a possibility of injury to the organ or causing pain. At its core, it is not a massage.
• Diagnostic prostate massage. It is one of the main and mandatory methods of a full urological examination. Always carried out by a specialist in compliance with standard, generally accepted techniques. The goal is to obtain prostatic secretion - a special liquid, which is subsequently subjected to a series of instrumental and laboratory analyzes and tests. It is important to note that it is not performed in acute forms of pathology, or when there are direct contraindications.
• Therapeutic prostate massage. It is a therapeutic procedure performed by a specialist. It has a certain generally accepted implementation algorithm. As a method of treatment, it is prescribed according to indications, outside the acute phase of the disease. The duration and frequency are also determined by a specialist in each specific case. In chronic pathology, this procedure is preventive in nature, as it provides conditions for an initially higher level of organ functioning, and also reduces the frequency and ease of exacerbation of the disease.

Any mechanical effect on prostate tissue is potentially extremely dangerous, risky and impossible in the following conditions, regardless of who carries out the effect - a doctor, a partner or the man himself:

• Febrile temperature. In general, any temperature reaction if its exact cause is unknown;
• Acute bacterial prostatitis, or clinical exacerbation of the chronic form;
• Urolithiasis with a condition after “passing of stones or sand”;
• Hemorrhoids, especially with significant volumes of nodes. Indication of previous hemorrhoidal bleeding;
• Rectal fissures, inflammatory local reactions, bleeding from existing fissures;
• Cysts and stones in prostate tissue of any location and origin;
• Urogenital infections in the acute phase, with unstable remission, with remission during antibiotic therapy;
• Malignant neoplasms or suspicions of them, established benign tumors due to the risk of malignancy.

The problem of the state of the prostate, as one of the factors of male health, the basis for a comfortable intimate life and the ability to fertilize, as well as ensuring the proper level of overall quality of life, is very significant and for this reason, at the first suspicion or manifestation of trouble, you should always contact a specialist. This is what can guarantee the fastest and most complete solution to all existing problems.

Kazak Alexander Alexandrovich,
urologist

Source: https://prostatilen.ru/predstatelnaya-zeleza/