Chronic prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate. Depending on the severity, the functional changes of the gland, there are 3 stages: initial, medium, severe.
The initial stage of prostatitis is characterized by primary changes in the prostate. Against the background of the development of the inflammatory process, tissue regeneration continues at this stage. The changes in the ducts are not very pronounced, which often allows the patient to lead a fulfilling life. However, the development of the disease leads to the formation of adhesions, impaired blood circulation and a general deterioration in well-being.
Reasons
The causes of the initial stage of prostatitis, depending on the source of the inflammation, can be:
- Infections (bacterial prostatitis): bacteria, streptococci, chlamydia.
- Congestion, physiological structural features of the pelvic organs of a man (non-bacterial prostatitis).
Depending on the degree of damage, the duration of the course and the complexity of treatment, prostatitis occurs
- Sharp.
- Chronicle.
The associated causes of the onset of prostate congestion are:
- Age-related changes (decreased testosterone, narrowing of the ducts, enlarged prostate).
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Alcohol abuse, resulting in swelling, narrowing of the ducts.
- Chronic infectious diseases reported (tonsillitis, caries, bronchitis, infections of the genitourinary system).
- Irregular sex life.
- Perineal trauma, the consequences of surgical interventions on the pelvic organs.
- General hypothermia.
- Bowel disorders (constipation).
- Weakened immune system associated with stress, improper lifestyle, smoking.
Symptoms
The initial stage of prostatitis is a signal of the onset of an inflammatory process. Initial symptoms:
- Drawing pains in the perineum with localization in the scrotum, rectum, radiating to the leg, abdomen, lower back.
- Sharp pain, burning when urinating.
- Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Frequent urination.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Sexual dysfunctions: pain during intercourse, during ejaculation; decreased libido, weakened erection.
- Discharge from the urethra.
- The consequences of the above symptoms are depression, sleep disturbances and a general decrease in quality of life.
In some cases, the disease is asymptomatic: pain occurs periodically, the clinical picture is not clearly expressed. As a result, the disease moves on to the next stage, with more serious consequences.
Diagnostics
The difficulty in detecting the initial stage of chronic inflammation of the prostate is due to the similarity of its symptoms to the symptoms of other diseases. Fever, malaise, the patient may be associated with a cold; pulling pains in the perineal region - with cystitis; radiating lumbar pain - with osteochondrosis.
Do not rely on self-relieving symptoms, the disease will not “resolve” on its own. Only a qualified urologist can make a diagnosis on the basis of a thorough examination.
Must be passed:
- General urinalysis.
- Complete blood count.
- Culture of bacterial urine.
- Analysis of the secretion of the prostate.
- Analysis of urethral secretions.
- Computed tomography of pelvic organs.
- PCR (Polymer Chain Reaction) - diagnostics.
In addition to general tests and studies, if cancer is suspected, the doctor will order additional studies:
- PSA (Prostatic Specific Antigen) blood test. An increased content of a specific protein indicates possible prostate cancer.
- TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) of the prostate, performed by inserting an electronic probe into the patient's rectum.
- Spermogram.
- Biopsy of prostate tissue (if cancer is suspected).
After making an accurate diagnosis based on the history and research data, the doctor will prescribe a full course of treatment.
Processing methods
The initial stage of prostatitis includes drug therapy. The earlier treatment begins, the better the prognosis.
In case of bacterial infection, the main treatment consists of antibiotics, antibacterials, anti-inflammatories, alpha-blockers.
- Groups of antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial prostatitis are penicillins, cephalosporins. Antibiotic treatment should be continued for 5-7 days. Stopping the pill suddenly may cause microorganisms to lose their sensitivity to this type of antibiotic.
- Alpha blockersrelax the smooth muscles of the bladder, normalize the sensitivity of the mucous membrane and reduce the frequency of impulses (tamsulosin hydrochloride, doxazosin). When using these medicines, side effects may occur: visual impairment, drop in blood pressure.
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsreduce pain, reduce swelling (diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen).
In addition to medication, we recommend:
- Physiotherapy procedures can relieve symptoms, relieve inflammation - magnetic therapy, ultrasound, laser.
- Prostate massage stimulates blood supply and secretion of glandular secretions.
Non-traditional methods of treating prostatitis include:
- Reflexotherapy(acupuncture, acupuncture) allows you to influence the biologically active points. As a result, blood circulation, metabolism is normalized, the general condition of the patient improves.
- Apitherapy(treatment with bee venom and bee waste) stimulates the endocrine glands - adrenal glands, thyroid glands, gonads.
- Hirudotherapy(leech therapy).
- Balneotherapy(bathing in mineral springs) is a general tonic, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Traditional methods of treatment
At the initial stage of prostatitis, it is useful to combine the use of drugs with alternative methods of treatment. Herbal medicine involves the use of decoctions, tinctures, the use of microclysters. They are a complementary treatment for chronic prostate disease. Their ability to maintain immunity is known to have a bactericidal and sedative effect.
- Ginsengstrengthens immunity, relieves inflammation.
- St. John's Worthas an antispasmodic effect, stimulates the production of male hormones.
- Pumpkin Seedsstimulate the production of zinc, a vitamin necessary to strengthen the genitourinary system.
- Wormwoodis an effective antimicrobial agent. It is used in decoction, in microclysters.
Prevention
Prostatitis prophylaxis involves taking care of men's health before the first symptoms of the disease appear.
- Healthy lifestyle.Good rest after work, fresh air, smoking and stopping alcohol strengthen the body's defenses, preventing the appearance of infections.
- Physical activity.Sports activities, active rest help to improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs, circulation of prostatic secretions. Exercises to eliminate congestion are useful: squats, "scissors", abdominal exercises, walking.
- Good nutrition.Eating foods rich in fiber, lean meat, fish helps eliminate constipation as a risk factor for prostatitis.
- Regular sex life.The good functioning of the prostate is inextricably linked to the regularity of sexual activity. Frequent change of sexual partners, immoderation, irregularity leads to premature exhaustion of the nervous system, infection of the male genitourinary system and, as a result, inflammation of the prostate.
The initial stage of prostatitis is a disease that must be taken seriously. Self-medication, a late visit to the doctor, can lead to serious problems: a deterioration in well-being, a growth from the initial form to the stage of moderate severity, then high.
If at the initial stage conservative drug therapy can be removed, then a severe degree of the disease requires surgical intervention with an unfavorable prognosis.
The prostate is an important part of the male genital area. Its function is to produce a secretion (fluid) which ensures the mobility of sperm in semen.
The narrowing of the ducts leads to congestion of the prostate. The consequence of impaired blood circulation, the reproduction of microorganisms is an inflammatory disease - prostatitis.