Prostatitis and hemorrhoids are the most common diseases in men over 40 years old. Moreover, in some cases, both pathologies can develop in parallel, greatly impairing the quality of human life. Here you need to understand what these two diseases are and what symptoms manifest in order to be able to independently recognize the problem and consult a specialist in a timely manner.
What are hemorrhoids: features and symptoms
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the rectum. These veins are called hemorrhoids and form nodules when they dilate.
The main cause of the development of the disease is a violation of blood flow from the lower rectum. This is for various reasons:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- excess weight;
- frequent constipation;
- excessive load;
- inflammation of the rectum.
In other words, blood floods into the area of the hemorrhoids, but its outlet is damaged, so it comes out of the veins, which dilate. Due to the dilation of the veins, there is a change in the corpus cavernosal tissue located below the rectal mucosa. These sections swell and increase in size, forming so-called hemorrhoids.
Nodes can be internal or external. The external joints are the result of a weakening of the sphincter muscles, due to which the internal joints are displaced and fall out of the anus. The number of internal or external formations in the rectum can vary, from one to several nodes. Moreover, the more joints, the more severe the symptoms of the disease.
Hemorrhoids are most often chronic, with periodic irritations.
The disease develops slowly, the symptoms remain invisible for a long time, which explains the main problem of hemorrhoids - late diagnosis. In the initial stage, the symptoms are mild:
- mild edema of the tissues of the lower rectum;
- periodic itching in the anus;
- burning and pain after defecation.
Symptoms worsen with constipation - there is severe pain and stinging during defecation. At the same time, mucus can be released from the rectum, which further irritates the mucosa, increasing the burning sensation.
Prominent hemorrhoids are manifested by inflammation of the joints. This is accompanied by excruciating pain. The joints are damaged during bowel movements, so blood is found in the stool.
Over time, the cavernous bodies of the rectum can become severely deformed, as a result, the joints fall off, and they literally have to be fixed to the anus with the fingers.
Basic concepts about prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. This disease is infectious and non-infectious in nature, can occur in acute and chronic form.
If we consider both prostatitis and hemorrhoids at the same time, special attention should be paid to the chronic non-infectious chronic inflammatory process in the prostate gland. This disease is often called congestive prostatitis.
The essence of the problem lies in the violation of the trophism of the prostate gland. Trophism is understood as microcirculation of blood and lymphatic outflow. Deterioration of these processes leads to the following changes:
- the secretion of the prostate gland stalls;
- the organ swells;
- secretion in the prostate thickens;
- the inflammatory process takes place.
The result of a trophic violation is a swollen and enlarged prostate, which compresses the surrounding tissues and organs (bladder neck, lower urethra), as a result of which vivid prostate symptoms develop.
The main causes of congestive prostatitis are:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- lack of regular sex;
- excess weight;
- bad habits;
- unbalanced diet.
As a rule, mostly men over 40 years old face this disease.
Doctors often call congestive prostatitis "office worker's disease, " thus emphasizing the link between prostate trophism violation and a sedentary lifestyle.
The symptoms of the disease are as follows:
- frequent desire to use the toilet;
- pain in the perineum, rectum, bladder;
- weakening of urine flow during urination;
- the feeling of a constantly filled bladder;
- spillage disorders;
- deterioration of power.
Ejaculation disorders are manifested either by rapid ejaculation with short-term stimulation of the penis, or by the inability to reach orgasm during sexual intercourse. The first is associated with an increase in prostate tone, the second - with a violation of the contractility of the organ.
What connects prostatitis and hemorrhoids?
The link between prostatitis and hemorrhoids is obvious - common causes of development. And in one, and in another case, the disease develops as a result of impaired blood circulation and lymph flow. In this case, prostatitis causes a thickening of fluid in the prostate due to trophism violation, and hemorrhoids are caused by a violation of venous blood flow from the rectum.
The following reasons lead to such violations:
- sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work);
- lack of regular sex;
- obesity;
- bad habits.
Most modern people work in offices, that is, they spend most of their time sitting. In modern life conditions, few people can find enough time for recreation and active sports, and most of the day is spent in a sitting position. The result is poor circulation in the pelvis and lower extremities. If at the same time a man has problems with the leg veins, problems with the pelvic organs are only a matter of time. As a rule, varicose veins are also found in the age group of persons at risk of developing prostate.
It seems that lack of regular sex should only affect the prostate, but what do hemorrhoids have to do with it? This is exactly the case when both diseases are associated and the development of congestive prostatitis leads to dilation of hemorrhoidal veins. A poor sex life negatively affects the functioning of the prostate gland. As a result, congestion develops and symptoms of prostatitis appear. An enlarged prostate presses on the surrounding tissues, including blood vessels, interfering with the normal flow of blood in that area. As a result, the rate of blood flow in the veins of the rectum changes, venous stasis develops gradually, the veins dilate and hemorrhoids form. Sure, this process takes for many years, but if nothing is done, prostatitis will eventually result in hemorrhoids.
The same thing happens with obesity. Pelvic organ trophism is violated and then either prostatitis or hemorrhoids develop. If the male has not reacted in any way to the presence of one of these diseases, the development of the second should be expected over time.
The negative impact of bad habits should be considered separately. The most common addictions are smoking and alcohol abuse. Nicotine has a negative effect on blood vessels, increasing their tone. As a result, they narrow, which negatively affects the speed of blood flow. Another factor is the interruption of oxygen transport to the tissues during prolonged smoking. The result again becomes poor circulation in the pelvic organs and lower extremities, which leads to congestion, prostate or hemorrhoids.
Alcohol abuse negatively affects the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. An increase in blood pressure is often observed, which is the cause of impaired blood flow. Thus, smoking and systematic consumption of alcohol is a direct route to the development of prostatitis and hemorrhoids.
As a rule, one of these diseases develops under the influence of several factors at once. Over time, congestion spreads to all pelvic organs, causing the development of a second disease.
Once you understand if hemorrhoids are associated with prostatitis, you should know that both diseases can develop in parallel. The presence of two such diagnoses complicates treatment, so you should see a doctor immediately.
Treatment of hemorrhoids and prostatitis
If both diseases have worsened, they will need to be treated at the same time. In general, the treatment of these two diseases overlaps somewhat, so taking medication will be able to stop the irritation.
Rectal tablets and suppositories are used to treat prostatitis. Rectal suppositories are also used to treat hemorrhoids, the therapy is supplemented with microclisters.
Suppositories
Preference is given to light anti-inflammatory drugs. They simultaneously stop inflammation in the prostate and reduce the manifestations of hemorrhoids.
Furthermore, methyluracil suppositories may be recommended to improve local metabolic processes and strengthen immunity. Suppositories with ichthyol in the composition are often described as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Microencapsulation to relieve inflammation
Microclisters are used both to stop the inflammatory reaction and as preparations for the intestines before administration of rectal suppositories. At home, enemas are made with decoctions of anti-inflammatory herbs - chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula.
Physiotherapy and exercise therapy
Physiotherapy is prescribed only after relief of acute symptoms. It aims to improve blood circulation to the pelvic organs and can reduce the frequency of irritations. In the treatment of prostatitis, electrostimulation, magnetotherapy and laser therapy are used.
Since access to the prostate is performed through the rectum, such procedures have a positive effect on the health of the anus.
Exercise therapy is prescribed to all men who face stagnant processes in the pelvic organs. Exercise stimulates local circulation and lymphatic drainage. They can be performed in the clinic or at home. Moreover, it is beneficial for men to engage in sports, showing swimming, yoga, jogging at a moderate pace.
Prostate massage for hemorrhoids
Prostate massage is the best medicine for the treatment of congestive prostatitis, which is strictly contraindicated for inflammation of hemorrhoids against the background of worsening hemorrhoids. The course of the procedures will have to be postponed until the inflammation in the joints stops. Otherwise, during the massage, the hemorrhoid can be damaged, which leads to profuse bleeding and can cause the spread of the inflammatory process or even the infection of the site.
Preventive measures
Prevention of hemorrhoids and prostatitis aims to increase the remission period and reduce the frequency of irritations. Preventive measures:
- Balanced diet;
- constipation prevention;
- strengthening the immune system;
- playing sports;
- regular sex life;
- rejection of bad habits.
It is important to structure your diet in such a way as to avoid the development of constipation. Constipation is one of the main factors in the worsening of hemorrhoids and prostatitis, as it impairs blood circulation. During defecation, hard stools damage the rectum and hemorrhoids, causing a deterioration and irritating the prostate, which is hidden by a thin septum. To prevent constipation, your doctor may also recommend special medications, such as glycerin suppositories.