Bacterial prostatitis is understood as an inflammatory process in the tissues of the prostate, which can take place in an acute or chronic form. The disease manifests itself as severe pain in the groin area, fever, signs of intoxication and therefore requires special attention from medical personnel.
We will tell you what causes prostatitis, how it manifests itself and how it is treated.
Why does bacterial prostatitis occur?
Bacterial prostatitis affects sexually active men between the ages of 25 and 50, according to research institutes. The reason for this is the introduction of pathogenic microflora into the genitourinary system through the mouth of the urethra.
Most often, the following types of pathogens are found in the prostate:
- staphylococcus;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli;
- enterococcus.
These organisms are considered opportunistic. They constantly inhabit the skin and mucous membranes of a person and only cause inflammation under certain factors. According to the observations of urologists, the causes of the disease with a high degree of probability can be:
- Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.
- A man's passion for anal sex (in 80% of cases, acute bacterial prostatitis is caused by E. coli, which lives in the rectum of a potential sexual partner).
- Incorrect or too frequent survey.
- Infiltration of an infection of the bladder, urethra or testicles.
- Certain diseases (including AIDS and diabetes mellitus).
- Violations of the outflow of urine.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
Under the influence of the vital activity of microorganisms, the consistency of the secretion of the prostate is disturbed. In the organ, stagnant processes begin, which become the cause of unpleasant symptoms. In addition, this situation causes an extensive inflammatory process, an increase in the size of the prostate and other disorders.
The main symptoms of the disease
Bacterial prostatitis often has an acute course, as symptoms begin unexpectedly in men, develop rapidly and have various manifestations. Depending on the type of pathogen, the age of the pathological process and the state of the immune system, a man may complain of the following problems:
- An increase in body temperature up to 39 degrees, fever and chills.
- Sharp pain in the groin or lower abdomen. Can give to scrotum, hip joints, anus.
- Frequent urination, especially at night. Almost always a man pays attention to a burning sensation in the glans penis. As the disease progresses or the adenoma grows, acute urinary retention may begin.
- Painful sensations in the anal area, often constipation.
- Flu-like symptoms - muscle and joint pain, general weakness.
If bacterial prostatitis is caused by an STI, there may be a different colored discharge from the penis, most often with an unpleasant odor. In this case, maybe we are talking about urethroprostatitis.
The intensity of symptoms largely depends on the stage of the inflammatory process. So, with a parenchymal form, the temperature can reach 40 degrees, and the pain becomes paroxysmal, while pain relievers may not help.
Methods of diagnosing the disease
The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis on the basis of a man's complaints and anamnesis data - information about the lifestyle, existing chronic diseases, the date and circumstances of the first symptoms. To clarify the type of pathogen, the patient is sent to urine delivery for bacteriological analysis. If the disease is chronic, it is possible to collect the secretion from the prostate for research.
The following types of laboratory diagnostics can also be used:
- PCR research;
- general and biochemical blood test;
- blood test for PSA.
In the acute form, rectal palpation of the prostate is not performed. If there is no fever and the man is not bothered by severe pain, the doctor can touch the prostate with his finger through the wall of the rectum, determine its size, shape and consistency. approximate.
The diagnosis is confirmed or ruled out by the results of the TRUS. This is an ultrasound in which a transducer is inserted into the patient's rectum. As a result, they get a clear picture of changes in the tissues of the organ, the localization of the inflammatory process. To rule out cancer, they may do an MRI or CT scan, in particularly doubtful cases, for a prostate biopsy.
How to treat bacterial prostatitis
Bacterial prostatitis cannot be cured without antibiotics. Folk remedies will give only a short-term effect, the pathogen will remain in the body and can lead to various complications. Plus, there is no better antibiotic a man should remember. The choice of the drug depends on the type of pathogen, as well as the work of the organs and systems of the patient.
Antibiotics can be taken for up to two months according to standard treatment regimens. However, the exact dosage, duration of treatment and frequency of administration are selected individually, taking into account various indicators of the state of health.
In addition to antibiotic therapy, doctors provide strengthening treatments. For these purposes, vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are selected, in some cases, immunomodulators are prescribed. Antipyretic and analgesic drugs are also prescribed. If you have trouble urinating with bacterial prostatitis, doctors may place a catheter.
Throughout the course you need to observe bed rest, take care of yourself from stress and anxiety.
The use of suppositories for bacterial prostatitis
To combat prostatitis locally, various rectal suppositories can be prescribed. They cannot cure bacterial prostatitis, but they will significantly alleviate the condition of the patient.
Most often, urologists prescribe:
- papaverine suppositories - relieve pain and improve blood microcirculation;
- propolis candles - improve the functioning of the immune system, eliminate edema, help reduce pain;
There is no information on the effectiveness of magnetic candles with barium ferrite. In folk medicine, this method of treatment is practically not used.
Prostate massage and any activity based on warming up are prohibited in cases of acute bacterial prostatitis.
If the treatment tactics were chosen correctly, and the man did not engage in self-healing, the prognosis is favorable. Otherwise, the transition of the disease to a chronic form or the development of certain diseases is possible.
What complications can be
Complications of bacterial prostatitis can occur if a man has not seen a doctor for a long time or has been provided with unskilled assistance. The consequences are different, going as far as sepsis and death.
Most often, against the background of an untreated disease, the following diseases occur:
- pyelonephritis;
- cystitis;
- prostate abscess.
In some cases, erectile dysfunction or infertility can develop. To avoid unwanted consequences, a man with bacterial prostatitis should be treated in an inpatient unit.
Sex with bacterial prostatitis
The possibility of having sex with this form of inflammation of the prostate depends on the pathogen caused by the pathology and its stage. If the causative agent is an STI, intimate communication is prohibited.
At the acute stage, a man does not have time for amorous pleasures. Unbearable pain, urinary disorders, fever are often accompanied by a bad erection, because the libido disappears. In the case of the chronic form, intimate life is possible, but with the use of barrier contraception and after consultation with a doctor.
For a woman, bacterial prostatitis can be dangerous - there is a risk of infecting her with sexually transmitted diseases. A patient must remember this.
Conclusion
Bacterial prostatitis can be cured if it has a chronic form, and the man consulted a doctor in time and did not rely on questionable methods, pills and prescriptions. The chronic form is more difficult to respond to the therapeutic effects, therefore, a clinical examination will be necessary to monitor the state of health.