Prostatitis

3 January 2021

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, which is mainly diagnosed in people over 35 to 45 years of age. Such a disease can develop only in men, since the prostate is absent from the female body. Why does the disease occur and what factors contribute to its development? How to treat prostatitis and what are the risks of complications?

Prostatitis in men

Given the disappointing statistics, the incidence of prostatitis is on the rise. Today, prostate inflammation affects nearly half of the entire male population between the ages of 30 and 70. It should be noted that prostatitis will progress whether it is treated incorrectly or not. Untimely access to a doctor is fraught with negative consequences in the form of complications: an abscess of the gland or infertility.

The prostate is a rounded organ located under the bladder and involved in the formation of sperm (seminal fluid). During ejaculation, the muscle parts of the prostate contract, preventing semen from entering the bladder and urine from entering the semen. A dysfunction of the gland can cause male infertility.

There are several classifications of prostatitis, to distinguish:

acute inflammation of the prostate;
chronic bacterial and non-bacterial prostatitis;
asymptomatic disease.

Inflammation of the prostate is often accompanied by vesiculitis or urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).

Acute prostatitis

The acute form of the disease usually occurs spontaneously and is accompanied by many unpleasant symptoms. This condition requires urgent medical attention. Staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli and Enterobacter can cause an acute inflammatory process. Some microorganisms are part of the normal microflora, but getting into the prostate, they can cause the development of tissue inflammation.

There are several types of acute inflammation:

catarrhal;
parenchyma;
;
organ abscess.

Acute prostatitis is easily diagnosed by a qualified doctor with experience using modern laboratory tests. Severe symptoms and a typical clinical picture will allow a quick and correct diagnosis. Treat the acute type of illness comprehensively. Initially, an antibiotic is used, which will eliminate the pathogenic infection. In addition, effective therapy will include: drugs to strengthen the immune system, drugs to improve blood circulation in the gland, physiotherapy procedures if necessary. But the benefits of massage for prostatitis have not been proven.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis with bacterial etiology is a disease of the prostate that presents with characteristic symptoms. Among the signs of the disease are pain syndrome, urinary disorders and psychological discomfort. Inflammatory-like changes can also occur in body fluids, including gland secretion, semen, and urine. Chronic bacterial prostatitis always has a pathogen, which is determined with the help of laboratory tests at several levels.

Prostatitis of an infectious nature is most often associated with microorganisms of the genus Enterobacteriaceae. The main agents responsible for prostatitis are Trichomonas, ureplasma, gonococcus, mycoplasma, chlamydia, gardnerella. The inflammation can be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or fungi of the genus Candida, if a man is infected with HIV. Other pathogenic microorganisms, including Klebsiella, Proteus and Enterococcus, cause the disease.

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis may show signs of inflammation or be almost asymptomatic. Only a competent urologist can identify the disease and make a diagnosis, based on the results of a complete diagnosis of the patient's condition.

Inflammatory prostatitis

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis with signs of inflammation can be diagnosed by patient complaints and laboratory test results. In the secret of the gland after massage of the prostate gland is found an increased content of leukocytes. Pathogenic microorganisms are not detected.

Non-inflammatory prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome

If, upon diagnosis, the urologist does not detect an infection, the diagnosis may resemble non-inflammatory prostatitis. The main symptom of the disease in this case is constant / recurring and prolonged pain in the pelvic area. Such an unpleasant syndrome can bother up to 2 to 4 months.

Chronic asymptomatic prostatitis

Chronic asymptomatic prostatitis has virtually no symptoms. Such inflammation of the gland proceeds without visible symptoms. The doctor can detect the problem due to the periodic or constant secretion of leukocytes and bacteria in the urine. This form of the disease is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.

As practice shows, the symptoms of inflammation of the prostate tissues can be easily confused with other pathologies that affect the pelvic organs. Self-medication can lead to complications, the development of additional diseases or critical conditions.

Causes of prostatitis in men

It is impossible to talk about the sole cause of inflammation of the prostate, since this disease is multifactorial and can appear in various circumstances. Attribute hormonal disturbances, hypothermia, significant decreases in immune defense, circulatory disturbances, STDs and sexual abstinence.

Infectious

Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the prostate when inflammation occurs in the bladder and urethra. Infection can also enter the prostate due to hematogenous pathways, for example, from purulent foci (during tonsillitis, pneumonia or furunculosis). The causative agents can be: Escherichia coli, staphylococci and enterococci.

Symptoms of prostatitis often appear due to sexually transmitted diseases. Inflammation of the prostate occurs due to infection that affects the tissues of the organ. Acute prostatitis can be caused by the herpes virus or mycoplasma infection, which not only affects the reproductive system. Chlamydia is also worth mentioning. Gram-negative intracellular microorganisms cause about 40-60% of all urogenital infections.

The secret of the gland contains bactericidal substances that prevent the development of infections inside the organ. In order for the infection to spread and an inflammatory process to occur, additional factors are needed, including the stagnation of the circulatory system of the small pelvis or the stasis of the secretion of the gland.

Hypothermia, which significantly reduces the activity of immune cells and the protective functions of the mucous membranes, can be attributed to factors contributing to the spread or activation of infection. It also includes physical and neuropsychic overwork, which negatively affects immunity.

Non-infectious

There are several non-infectious causes of inflammation of the prostate tissue. Signs of prostatitis may appear due to a violation of the mechanics of the entire process of urinary excretion, since urination is carried out due to the periodic relaxation of the circular muscles of the prostate and bladder. Various violations of this process, including failures associated with the variability of muscle function (tension and contraction of tissues), contribute to the entry of urine into the ducts of the prostate. This situation can damage the organ, cause irritation and, as a result, symptoms of prostatitis.

Abnormal lengthening, interruption of intercourse or prolonged abstinence can also lead to symptoms or the development of prostatitis. Stagnation and swelling of the prostate can lead to a secret in the gland, which is completely formed, but is not excreted from the organ or is partially excreted.

Circulatory disorders and sedentary lifestyle

Tight underwear, a belt that is too tight, tight pants and shorts, and a sedentary lifestyle are often the causes of circulatory problems in the pelvic area. The gland is overflowing with blood, there is compression of the blood vessels, delays in the transport of nutrients appear. Such changes lead to dysfunction of the gland.

Hormonal disorders

The amount of sex hormones plays a special role in how the prostate works. They are able to influence the activity of prostate cells. And a hormonal overload can increase the risk of signs of prostatitis.

The prostate is involved in stabilizing the balance of hormones in the genital area, and disturbances in the functioning of the organ lead to dysfunction. In particular, in chronic prostatitis, the indicator of dihydrotestosterone decreases and estrogen saturation increases. The extent of the hormonal imbalance in prostatitis will depend on the characteristics and stage of the disease, which can only be determined by a specialist.

Symptoms of prostatitis

All obvious signs of prostatitis are a variety of disorders. In addition, each type of such a disease can have its own individual symptoms. So, for example, acute prostatitis may be accompanied by fever, a sharp increase in body temperature and other symptoms of severe intoxication of the body. And chronic altered ejaculation and decreased sexual desire.

All symptoms of prostatitis can be divided into 3 distinct categories:

urinary disorders;
sexual function problems;
mental disorders.

Urinary problems as signs of prostatitis

Any patient complaints associated with urination may appear due to:

irritation of nerve endings, which occurs against the background of the inflammatory process;
narrowing of the lumen of the urethra.

In this case, the symptoms of prostatitis may be:

slow throw;
Difficulty urinating and emptying by drops;
feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied;
strong urge to urinate;
urinary incontinence during the pulse;
increased urination.

Pain syndrome

Painful discomfort associated with prostatitis can be traced to the lower abdomen. Pain can be transmitted to the lower back, groin, scrotum, and even anus. Also, the patient may complain of groin pain after a long stay in a sitting position. The pain can be sharp or dull.

Disorders of intimate life

Symptoms of prostatitis include problems in the intimate area:

decreased libido;
ejaculation disorders (increase or decrease in semen volume);
weakened erection, complete or partial sexual dysfunction;
pain during ejaculation.

Signs of prostatitis can be distinguished dull and slow orgasms, as well as discharge from the urethra of a mucous consistency.

Mental imbalance

Men often experience psychological difficulties with diseases of the genitourinary system. Due to erection problems, pain or rapid ejaculation, the patient may isolate himself, become aggressive towards others, or simply feel anxiety, fear. Stresses appear which can negatively affect the immune system, weakening it considerably.

Along with the depressive state, psychological experiences appear, the expectation of failures in intimate life. Doctors often talk about the importance of paying attention to the psychological state of patients with chronic inflammation of the prostate.

Diagnosis of prostatitis

A doctor orders full diagnoses for a patient with urological problems. If prostatitis is suspected, laboratory tests, ultrasound, digital rectal examination are performed. If, after prescribed treatment, the symptoms of the disease do not go away, the urologist may refer the patient for further diagnosis:

blood culture;
magnetic or computed resonance imaging;
bacteriological examination of the semen.

Urological examination

Urological examination by a doctor is the first important step without which it is impossible to make a correct diagnosis. Through a visual examination and a clinical picture, a specialist will determine a possible disease and prescribe a number of additional diagnostic procedures.

Digital examination of the glands is a mandatory method. This procedure is performed through the anus. Normally, the examination does not cause pain in the patient, although slight discomfort is usually observed. During a urological examination, the doctor will take into account the complaints, the age of the patient and the presence of chronic pathologies.

Laboratory research

There is a list of urological methods for laboratory examination of men, which includes a general urine test and blood tests for HIV, hepatitis C and B markers, as well as RW. Patients with a suspected inflammatory process in the prostate are often prescribed:

urine analysis, which determines the presence of pathogenic flora;
examination of the secretion of the gland;
blood tests for sexually transmitted infections and the presence of prostate specific antigen to rule out oncology.

Ultrasound examination of the prostate, bladder and kidneys

In case of prostatitis, a single ultrasound of the gland, bladder and kidneys is done to make a diagnosis. With the help of such a diagnosis, a specialist doctor will be able to identify almost any pathological changes, including tumors and tissue inflammation. Ultrasound makes it possible to assess not only the condition of the organs, but also the blood flow. If necessary, for better visualization of the organ, a transrectal examination is performed.

With an ultrasound of the prostate, the doctor assesses the shape, size, structure, and density and consistency of the organ. Signs of prostatitis with ultrasound diagnosis are easy to identify. In addition, depending on the results of the study, adenoma and tumors, including cancer, can be detected.

In case of inflammation of the prostate, for the clinical picture to be complete, the urologist prescribes an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder. Effective diagnosis can identify:

cystic inclusions;
presence of calcifications;
tissue densification;
contour irregularities;
changes in tissue echogenicity;
organ sizes, extensions and echo densities.

Only a doctor can make a diagnosis based on the results of the ultrasound. Drawing conclusions or prescribing treatment on your own is dangerous and threatens serious consequences.

Uroflowmetry

Uroflowmetry is a medical diagnosis. This method records the speed of urine during urination, which allows you to identify violations associated with the patency of the channel, the activity of muscle tissues and their tone. It is carried out on special equipment - with the help of graphics and digital images, the uroflowmeter will sketch the results.

Treatment of prostatitis

It is impossible to talk about the treatment of prostatitis as a specific list of manipulations and measures, since there are several types of diseases, and each of them requires its own individual therapy.

Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies

Treatment of prostatitis at home can only be done after consulting a doctor. A competent medical specialist will prescribe medication and possibly physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises. Traditional medicine recipes may also be recommended, but should not be the main method of therapy.

Treatment of prostatitis at home should be carried out carefully and taking into account all recommendations of the doctor. A urologist may recommend herbal infusions and decoctions, honey candles and syrups. It is important to know that all alternative medicine recipes have their own contraindications. Do not self-medicate or buy questionable products, including massagers, bracelets, prostatitis bandage, special underwear, or pillows. Unjustified purchase and use of drugs without the advice of a doctor can become a fatal mistake, due to which additional diseases appear or the patient's condition will worsen.

Herbal treatment for prostatitis at home

Herbal medicine for prostatitis can help alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of glandular inflammation. It is used in addition to medical treatment (drug). The urologist, if necessary, will prescribe useful recipes, depending on the characteristics of the patient's condition, age and the presence of chronic pathologies.

Home treatment for prostatitis requires a serious attitude towards your health. You can prepare a bath or an enema from herbal preparations at home, but the doctor should indicate the components, method of preparation and dosage. In such cases, it is most often recommended to use: creeping cumin herb, pharmacy chamomile flowers, swamp creeper, sage, corn stigmas, ivan tea, marshmallow root, licorice rhizomes andlinden inflorescences.

Also popular:

Parsley. It has a fortifying effect on the blood vessels and has an anti-inflammatory effect. The seeds are especially useful, they are added in crushed form to various alternative medicine recipes.
Ginseng. The root of this plant increases the tone of blood vessels. Has a stimulating effect.
St. John's Wort. The plant has antibacterial and soothing properties. The herb is essential for depressive disorders, for the prevention and treatment of stress, which, for example, can occur against the background of erectile dysfunction.

Provided that all medical prescriptions are followed, some traditional medicine recipes can enhance the effect of therapy.

Hirudotherapy

Hirudotherapy for the treatment of prostatitis at home raises many doubts among experts around the world. Therapy using medicinal leeches specially cultivated in bio-factories is curative to some extent, and the saliva of the annelid worm also has healing properties. It contains several useful active substances, among which hirudin is worth highlighting. With prostatitis, leeches are applied to the skin just above the pubis, in the groin and anus. Therapy has its own nuances, which the doctor will tell you about. Self-medication is dangerous.

When can prostatitis not be treated at home?

There are a number of alarming symptoms in acute or chronic prostatitis, in which it is important to seek the help of a competent doctor urgently:

sharp pain in the lower abdomen;
flow of blood during urination;
blood in the stool;
increase in body temperature, dizziness, chills, vomiting.

The treatment of prostatitis at home is important to be done under the strict supervision of a urologist. Any medication or prescription for alternative medicine should be discussed with your doctor before use. Do not take your own medicines on the advice of, for example, friends or pharmacists at the pharmacy. You run the risk of harming your body and causing a number of negative reactions to appear.

Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies without the advice of a specialist can be unsuccessful. Pay attention to your health.

Treatment of prostatitis in men: drugs

What should be the medical treatment for prostatitis in men, what kind of drugs does the doctor prescribe? As a rule, the treatment of acute and chronic prostatitis includes antibiotics. It is advisable to select these drugs taking into account the culture, which determines the sensitivity to a particular antibiotic.

Remedies for prostatitis: antibiotics and anti-inflammatories

Remedies for prostatitis can only be prescribed by a doctor, based on the results of the patient's diagnosis, including the responses from laboratory texts. It is important to know that the remedies for prostatitis of the betalactam and nitrafuran groups are ineffective, because they cannot penetrate into the prostate tissue. It is not necessary to expect good results from such treatment of prostatitis.

At present, drugs from the fluoroquinolones and macrolides groups show the best results in the treatment of prostatitis in men. To eliminate the symptoms associated with urination disorders, the urologist may prescribe a remedy for prostatitis in the form of an alpha-blocker, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. Herbal medicine, hormonal drugs and immunocorrection drugs are popular.

Traditional medical treatment for prostatitis in men can be supplemented with physical therapy. Such a therapeutic technique is used as a remedy for prostatitis in the absence of symptoms of an acute form of the disease.

Prostatitis patch

Today, men suffering from an inflamed prostate often hear about prostatitis plaques. The manufacturers of the questionable product offer quality prevention or rapid recovery.

This therapy can not be called the treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies. It is not related to alternative medicine, but it is not applied in practice by qualified doctors. The patch for prostatitis has no evidence base. Neither doctors nor real customer reviews confirm the effectiveness of the Chinese universal patch for prostatitis.

Prostatitis suppositories

Suppositories for prostatitis are most often prescribed in combination with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Rectal suppositories can eliminate the causes of prostatitis, have a healing effect and relieve inflammation of the tissues. Suppositories from prostatitis are similar in principle to microclysters. Only suppositories are made up of fats and oils, and enemas are mostly water.

Coconut oil is the most common suppository for prostatitis. It is this component that contributes to the almost instantaneous absorption of medicinal substances in the intestinal walls. In addition, suppositories for prostatitis often contain vitamins.

Physiotherapy as a complementary medicine for prostatitis

If we consider all the complex treatment of prostatitis in men, drugs are the main part of therapy. Physiotherapy is an additional method to help treat prostatitis in men. Prescribe procedures for inflammation of the prostate, provided there are no acute symptoms.

If you do not know how and how prostatitis in men is treated with physiotherapy, then the most common should be noted:

drug electrophoresis

;
UHF therapy (treatment with an electric field using capacitor plates);
(therapeutic effect of a magnetic field on the patient's body);
mud therapy;
microclysters with herbal infusions and decoctions (such physiotherapy is the treatment of chronic acute prostatitis with folk remedies);
general and local baths using different fluids and temperature conditions;
(exposure to low voltage direct current on the human body).

How to treat prostatitis, massage the glands

The popular method of treating prostatitis - massage today (according to a number of studies) has no evidence of its effectiveness. If a man has prostatitis, massage can be used to stimulate the flow of secretions from the prostate. Such manipulation is carried out through the anus with the help of fingers only in a medical institution under the guidance of a specialist.

It is strictly forbidden, in case of prostatitis, to massage with adenoma and cysts of the gland, cracks in the anus, with urinary retention and high body temperature. Acute infectious processes in the bladder or kidneys are also contraindications.