Prostatitis comes in two forms: acute and chronic. If acute inflammation is promptly treated with antibiotics, chronic prostatitis becomes a serious problem in older men, negatively affecting quality of life. Chronic prostatitis can be caused by both infection and congestion of the pelvic organs. The disease requires complex and long-term treatment.
Classification of the disease
Chronic prostatitis in men is divided into two types: congestive (abacterial, congestive) and infectious.
Chronic congestive prostatitis is a consequence of altered trophism of the prostate. The disease develops with heart failure or a lack of regular sex life.
Chronic abacterial prostatitis is characterized by mild symptoms and the absence of acute pain syndrome. When analyzed, no infectious agent is detected in the secretion of the prostate, therefore the disease is called abacterial.
Chronic infectious prostatitis is a consequence of untreated bacterial inflammation. The disease begins with an acute form due to infection of the prostate. The disease becomes chronic due to the lack of adequate and timely treatment. Chronic infectious prostatitis is characterized by periodic exacerbations.
Causes of chronic non-infectious prostatitis
Speaking of chronic prostatitis, most often we mean a non-infectious disease triggered by congestion of the pelvic organs. This is due to a violation of the trophism of the prostate - blood circulation, lymphatic flow, outflow of prostatic secretions.
This form of illness is directly related to lifestyle and is considered a disease of office workers. The main reason for the development of congestive prostatitis is physical inactivity.
Among the predisposing factors for the development of congestive prostatitis, there are:
- sedentary work;
- lack of regular sports;
- unbalanced diet;
- obesity;
- bad habits;
- varicose veins; hemorrhoids
- ;
- irregular sex life.
The disease develops against the background of all conditions, accompanied by circulatory disorders of the lower extremities. Quite often, prostatitis appears with obesity, when, due to increased stress on the lumbar region and lower extremities, metabolic processes in this area are disturbed.
If, due to the peculiarities of the profession, you must remain seated all day, you must move at least in the evening.
Bad habits can trigger the development of prostatitis. Smoking destroys blood vessels and disrupts normal blood flow. Due to the physiological characteristics of a person, it mainly affects the blood circulation of the lower limbs and pelvic area.
Gender plays an important role in how the prostate works. The optimal number of intercourse per week for a man over 40 is 3-4. A smaller amount leads to a violation of the outflow of secretion from the prostate, a larger amount leads to depletion of organs.
Another cause of congestive prostatitis is heart failure. This disease is characterized by impaired blood circulation, including in the pelvic organs.
The reasons for the development of chronic infectious prostatitis
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a consequence of acute, untreated inflammation of the prostate. This form of the disease is characterized by severe symptoms and the presence of pathogens found in the secretion of the prostate.
The most common causative agents of infectious prostatitis:
- E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
- staphylococcus and streptococcus;
- chlamydia;
- ureaplasma;
- Trichomonas;
- fungal flora.
Infection enters the prostate in three ways: through the bloodstream, lymph or through the urethra. The last route of penetration of pathogens is valid in cases of infection with chlamydia, ureplasma or Trichomonas.
Reasons for the development of the disease:
- decrease in immunity;
- severe hypothermia;
- stress;
- long-term antibiotic therapy.
Conditionally pathogenic bacteria are always present in the body and only strong immunity does not allow them to activate.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis develops from an acute form in the following cases:
- the presence of a chronic focus of infection;
- incorrectly selected antibiotic treatment;
- late discontinuation of treatment;
- weakened immunity.
In most cases, the chronic form of the disease develops precisely due to improper treatment. This happens when the antibiotic treatment regimen is not properly established or is self-medication. Stopping antibiotics when you feel better results in the complete destruction of the pathogen. Any decrease in immunity or hypothermia in this case leads to the re-development of the disease.
The most difficult fungal prostatitis to treat, caused by yeast-like fungi. This pathogen quickly develops resistance to antifungal drugs, which makes treatment difficult and increases the risk of developing a chronic form of the disease.
Symptoms of the disease
In chronic prostatitis the symptoms are mild, however, with a decrease in immunity or after undergoing stress the disease worsens.
The most common symptoms of chronic prostatitis in men are:
- urination disorder;
- heaviness in the prostate;
- weakening power;
- nighttime urge to go to the bathroom.
With exacerbation of chronic prostatitis, pain in the bladder and perineum are noted. The frequency of urging to the toilet can reach 10 per hour. At the same time, the urine stream is weak, it is necessary to force the muscles to urinate, but the process itself does not bring relief, and repeated urges appear after a few minutes.
Symptoms and treatment for chronic prostatitis largely depend on the form of the inflammation. With congestive prostatitis, erection problems are common. This is due to impaired blood circulation. Ejaculation can occur quickly or completely absent due to the thickening of the prostatic secretion.
In infectious inflammation of the prostate or chronic bacterial prostatitis, pain during urination and burning in the urethra after ejaculation may occur. These symptoms are accompanied by irritation of the urethral mucosa by pathogens contained in the secretion of the prostate.
Prostatitis and erectile dysfunction
Inflammation of the prostate is not visible to the eye, symptoms of chronic prostatitis have no visible manifestation, but refer to internal disorders. One of the characteristic symptoms of the disease is a weakening of the erection.
Erectile dysfunction in congestive prostatitis develops in several stages. The disease itself can last for a long time without pronounced symptoms, and signs of prostatitis will appear only with a strong weakening of the immune system.
Bacterial inflammation of the prostate can be suspected by changes in the erection. At the beginning of the development of the disease, an increase in potency is noted. The man is quickly aroused, but the ejaculation also comes quickly. This is due to a change in the viscosity of the secretion of the prostate. Discomfort may be felt during ejaculation, but the pain is characteristic of infectious prostatitis but not congestive.
This causes a number of psychological problems which worsen the course of the disease. Erectile dysfunction due to problems with blood circulation is aggravated by fear of a sexual partner, which can lead to the development of impotence against the background of prostatitis.
Urinary disorder
Urodynamic problems are observed in all forms of prostatitis.
Chronic abacterial inflammation is characterized by a nighttime urge to urinate. It is caused by swelling of the prostate, which is worsened at night. There is a weakening of the urinary pressure and the need to tighten the muscles of the pelvic floor to urinate. At the same time, he feels heaviness and fullness in the bladder, and occasional spasms may appear. Due to the frequent urge to go to the toilet at night, sleep problems and insomnia appear. All this affects the psychological state of man and further aggravates the course of the disease, since against the background of stress there is a decrease in immunity and a slowing down of metabolic processes.
Men often complain of cramps in the lower abdomen, which is due to the increased tone of the muscles of the bladder. Usually, severe symptoms of prostatitis are noted with a decrease in immunity. Without an exacerbation of the disease, the pain syndrome may be completely absent.
Congestive prostatitis is characterized by severe edema of the prostate. The contours of the organ become indistinct, the prostate itself swells and increases in size. In this case, there may be a feeling of fullness in the rectum and increased discomfort when having a bowel movement. Problems with urination are caused by the urethra being squeezed by a swollen prostate.
Why is prostatitis dangerous?
The consequences of chronic prostatitis depend on several factors:
- age of the patient;
- severity of symptoms;
- current duration;
- the effectiveness of drug treatment.
The longer a man lives with chronic prostatitis, the more severe the consequences of the disease. In most cases, the urinary system is affected. With bacterial prostatitis, kidney infection can occur when urine returns. This is due to the entry of pathogens into the urethra during ejaculation.
Constant irritation of the bladder and urethra can lead to inflammation. Against the background of prostatitis, cystitis and urethritis of various kinds are often diagnosed.
In chronic prostatitis, the consequences affect the psycho-emotional state of the man. Violation of potency, frequent urge to go to the toilet, discomfort in the bladder - all this leads to the development of stress. Prostatitis can be an indirect cause of neurosis and depression.
Disruption of the nervous system against the background of constant discomfort in the genitourinary organs leads to a decrease in immunity and a deterioration of all metabolic processes in the body. So, prostatitis causes nervous disorders, which in turn worsen the course of the disease, and the circle is closed.
Constant discomfort, decreased potency, inability to sleep - all this greatly affects the quality of life.
Diagnosis of diseases
If inflammation of the prostate is suspected, a urologist or andrologist should be consulted. The following diagnostic methods are used to make a diagnosis:
- rectal palpation of the prostate;
- Ultrasound and TRUS of an organ; renal ultrasound
- ;
- analysis of the secretion of the prostate;
- PSA blood test.
The need for further examinations is determined after palpation of the rectal organs. This procedure is also known as prostate massage. The doctor inserts two fingers into the rectal opening and palpates the prostate. The inflammation is evidenced by a change in the structure of the organ, the heterogeneity of the tissues and the contours of the prostate. During massage, the organ is stimulated and the prostate secretion is secreted through the urethra. It is collected for further analysis. Analysis of the secretion of the prostate shows:
- amount of lecithin grains;
- leukocyte and erythrocyte count;
- presence of pathogenic microorganisms;
- presence of fungal microflora.
This allows not only to determine the nature of the inflammatory process, but also to identify the causative agent of infectious prostatitis.
Ultrasound and TRUS are done rather to exclude stones in the prostate than to diagnose prostatitis, as the method is not very informative, unlike the analysis of secretions.
A PSA blood test is ordered to rule out oncopathology of the prostate. It also detects inflammation or adenoma of the prostate. How to treat chronic prostatitis depends on the test results and the type of inflammation.
Treatment characteristics
The treatment regimen for chronic prostatitis is a combination of medication, physiotherapy and traditional methods. The treatment is supplemented by a change in lifestyle - adjusting the menu, giving up bad habits, regular sports and sex life.
It is important to understand that for chronic prostatitis, treatment will take at least six months. In addition to drugs to relieve inflammation, men are prescribed long-term rehabilitation therapy, which is necessary to normalize prostate function.
Drugs
How to cure chronic prostatitis depends on the form of the disease. Medications for chronic prostatitis include:
- antibiotics or anti-inflammatories;
- rectal suppositories to normalize trophism;
- immunostimulants and agents for improving general health.
For the treatment of chronic prostatitis in men, antibiotics are used, but only if it is an infectious inflammation of the prostate. How to treat infectious prostatitis in men depends on the pathogen and the success of the previous therapeutic treatment. In acute bacterial inflammation, macrolide antibiotics are prescribed in most cases. They effectively suppress the activity of pathogens and have a wide spectrum of action. In case of non-compliance with the treatment regimen or the wrong selection of drugs, the microorganisms that cause inflammation quickly develop resistance to macrolides, which largely determines the transition of the disease to a chronic form.
Fluoroquinolones are effective antibacterial agents for microbial prostatitis. They have pronounced anti-inflammatory activity against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms.
Despite the fact that fluoroquinolones do not contain natural analogues, which explains the lack of resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to the action of the drug, it is necessary to carefully follow the treatment regimen selected by the doctor. Otherwise, the drug will be ineffective and the antibiotic therapy will have to be repeated.
Antibacterial drugs and tablets are not used to treat chronic non-infectious prostatitis. With congestive prostatitis, inflammation is caused not by microbes, but by a violation of trophism, therefore it is inappropriate to use antibiotics for treatment. Instead, they use anti-inflammatory drugs. They are applied in short courses to reduce inflammation and swelling. Medicines are prescribed in the form of suppositories or injections. Treatment lasts an average of a week, the drug is administered rectally at night or intramuscularly once a day. With severe inflammation, it is possible to use the drug twice a day.
Anti-inflammatories are not antibiotics. Tablets are successfully used to relieve the inflammatory process of non-infectious or congestive prostatitis. On average, doctors prescribe two tablets a day for 5 days, then transfer the patient to therapy with phytopreparations that improve the trophism of the prostate.
In case of severe urination disorders, the treatment is supplemented with drugs from the group of alpha-blockers. These drugs relax the bladder, reducing muscle tone, allowing urine to flow normally. Drugs in this group are taken one tablet per day as a short course, treatment with alpha-blockers rarely exceeds a week.
After the inflammation stops, congestive (cognitive) and infectious prostatitis is treated with drugs that normalize the trophism of the prostate. Medicines help:
- reduce inflammation;
- pain syndrome relief;
- normalization of urination;
- increased power.
For chronic prostatitis, these drugs are used for at least two weeks. They come in the form of rectal suppositories. The recommended dosage is one candle per day at night.
Propolis candles are recommended to restore local immunity. They relieve inflammation, improve blood circulation and the outflow of secretions from the prostate, and also significantly increase immunity, preventing exacerbation of prostatitis. The drugs come in the form of small suppositories that are injected into the rectum at night.
In addition, your doctor may recommend ichthyol suppositories. They relieve inflammation and reduce swelling of the prostate.
As a general tonic for prostatitis, preparations based on echinacea extract are recommended. They strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of exacerbations of prostatitis. With the appearance of neuroses and insomnia against the background of prostatitis, the doctor may recommend sedatives.
Physiotherapy for chronic prostatitis
The causes of chronic prostatitis lie in poor circulation in the pelvic organs. To accelerate the recovery and restoration of prostate trophism, physiotherapy methods are widely used:
- magnetic therapy
- ; electrophoresis
- ; shock wave therapy
- ;
- acupuncture.
Acupuncture (acupuncture) and leech therapy (hirudotherapy) differ from non-traditional methods.
There are many methods of physiotherapy at home. Special devices are the most popular. They create alternating magnetic fields that have a positive effect on metabolic processes, eliminating congestion of the pelvic organs.
The darsonvalizationcan also be used at home. It is a microcurrent effect that improves metabolic processes. You can buy devices for home treatment at any medical supply store, but it is recommended that you consult your doctor first.
Prostate massage is used to treat congestive prostatitis. It is performed by a specialist in a medical establishment. Stimulation of the organ allows you to get rid of swelling and discomfort, and also relieves stagnation of secretions from the prostate. The course of treatment includes 10-15 procedures.
Folk remedies
The treatment of chronic prostatitis depends on the range of therapeutic measures taken. Traditional medicine will help to supplement drug therapy.
Homemade suppositories are used to relieve inflammation of the prostate. To prepare candles you will need 200 g of any fatty base, 40 ml of propolis extract. The base is melted in a water bath, propolis is slowly poured into it, stirring constantly. When the product acquires a uniform color, it is poured onto a plastic film and packaged in the form of a sausage. The mass should be refrigerated for an hour to cool. When the product has cooled, it is divided with a knife into equal torpedo-shaped pieces, about 5 cm long and 2 cm in diameter. These candles should be stored individually wrapped in the refrigerator. The recommended dosage is one suppository in the rectal opening before bedtime. The duration of treatment is 2 to 3 weeks.
You can also make candles with pumpkin seed oil and honey. The proportions are 200 g of base, 50 ml of oil and 3 tablespoons of honey. As a basis, you can take beeswax, lanolin, cocoa butter. These suppositories relieve inflammation, improve prostate function and increase immunity.
To cure chronic prostatitis at home, you can use various infusions and decoctions. One of the most effective remedies is parsley juice. It should be taken 3 large spoons per day.
Traditional medicine recommends consuming 30 g of pumpkin seeds per day. They contain many nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the prostate.
Another effective treatment is a mixture of pumpkin seeds, nuts and honey. To prepare the drug, you need to take 100 peeled seeds and the same number of walnut kernels, place them in a convenient container and pour 500 ml of honey. The product is stored in the refrigerator for 4 days to infuse, then 4 large spoons are taken daily.
Surgical treatment
The definitive cure of chronic prostatitis depends on the severity of the disease and the age of the patient. With frequent exacerbations, you need to constantly take medication.
Surgical treatment of prostatitis in most cases is not performed. Perhaps the use of radical measures - complete removal of the prostate. Such an operation is carried out only if the prostate does not perform its functions due to chronic inflammation and drug treatment is ineffective. Also, the prostate is removed at the risk of developing oncology.
Interestingly, the effects of prostatitis are usually seen in older people, in men over 65. This raises a number of treatment difficulties:
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- contraindications to taking medication;
- lots of side effects.
Many men, who have suffered from prostatitis for over 10 years, insist on surgery. This is usually associated with poor drug tolerance and a large number of side effects. Doctors say surgery is a last resort, and with the right approach, prostatitis can be cured with conservative methods.
Prevention and prognosis
Having understood what chronic prostatitis in men is and how dangerous it is, the question immediately arises whether the disease can be completely cured.
Patient testimonials indicate that chronic prostatitis can be cured, but it will take a long time. Treatment lasts an average of six months or more. Urologists agree that proper therapy, lifestyle changes, and a balanced diet will help get rid of inflammation.
Most often, repeated exacerbations and episodes of inflammation after prolonged remission are encountered by men who do not follow the doctor's recommendations, but are treated according to the advice of friends. It is important to understand that the success of the treatment of the treatment depends on the correctly selected drug therapy. Lead to an exacerbation or re-manifestation of signs of chronic prostatitis can:
- taking medication not systematically;
- failure to follow doctor's recommendations;
- stopping treatment after the first improvement;
- bad habits;
- lack of physical activity.
Self-selection of drugs often leads to a deterioration in well-being. This is especially true in cases of infectious inflammation, when the patient independently selects antibiotics without testing.
A common mistake people make is to stop treatment when the first improvements appear. In this case, the inflammation does not go away, but only subsides for a while. With a decrease in immunity or hypothermia, the disease will again make itself felt.
In addition to medication, prostatitis requires lifestyle changes. It is important to give up bad habits, normalize nutrition and start playing sports. With prostatitis, it is recommended to do yoga, exercise therapy, swimming. Any training involving the pelvis will benefit. Men with this condition, especially sedentary work, should do a 10-minute exercise every day and do a full workout several times a week. In addition, when treating chronic prostatitis, it is necessary to have sex, since regular ejaculation helps reduce edema of the prostate.
Successful treatment of prostatitis depends on prompt diagnosis. Therefore, if you notice any problems with urination, you should see a urologist as soon as possible.