Prostatitis is the most common urological pathology characterized by the inflammatory process of the prostate.According to statistics, it occurs in nearly 40% of men;the main risk group is patients aged 30-45.Almost every third visit to a urologist is related to this disease.
Important!
The information in this article cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.You should always consult a doctor to establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
The occurrence of pathology is often facilitated by reduced immunity, hypothermia, the presence of bad habits and a sedentary lifestyle, lack of regular sex life, and sexually transmitted infections.Treatment of prostatitis can be quite long, especially in the later stages of development.The sooner a man consults a doctor, the greater the chance of a successful recovery.In the absence of timely treatment, the risk of serious consequences increases, including infertility, problems with sexual function and urination.
In the article, we will talk about the mechanisms of the development of the disease, its symptoms and causes, as well as modern treatment methods.
What is the prostate?
The prostate (or prostate gland) is a unique male organ that is responsible for producing secretions to maintain sperm activity.The organ is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra.Small in size - about the size of a walnut, but extremely important for men's health.
The prostate supports the production of sperm cells, ensures their movement and ejaculation, participates in the development of sexual desire and orgasm, influences the functioning of the testicles and the synthesis of androgens (male sex hormones).
Pathological processes of the prostate affect the composition of the prostate secretion.As a result, the quality of the sperm deteriorates and its ability to fertilize decreases.In addition, the risk of urinary tract infections increases because the prostate gland normally prevents bacteria from entering the urethra.
Unfortunately, diseases requiring prostate treatment are quite common.We are usually talking about various cancerous and hormonal processes.Prostatitis is considered one of the most common pathologies of the organ, as it has a different pathogenesis.
Symptoms of the disease
The symptoms of prostatitis can vary depending on the form of the disease diagnosed in a man.Regardless of the form, a comprehensive treatment is selected, the goal of which is to eliminate the existing symptoms.
There are three groups of symptoms of prostatitis:
- Pain syndrome.Pain associated with prostatitis can vary in intensity and location.Sometimes the pain syndrome spreads to the lower abdomen, scrotum, perineum, anus and lower back.The more inflammation develops, the more painful the patient will be.The pain may become more intense during or after sexual activity or urination.
- Dysuric syndrome.Due to the increase in the size of the prostate, increased pressure is exerted on the ureters, which leads to a gradual reduction of the lumen.The patient has problems urinating, and the bladder remains full after visiting the toilet.
- Sexual differences.In some cases, a man may experience frequent painful spontaneous erections or a complete lack of sexual excitement.Often, with prostatitis, the sensations of orgasm fade, and the sexual relationship itself becomes shorter, or the erection may disappear completely during intercourse.
One of the first signs of prostatitis in men is frequent urination and discomfort in the groin area.There is a burning sensation in the urethra, which intensifies when going to the toilet.General fatigue, reduced potency, accelerated or painful ejaculation.However, the disease is not always characterized by the appearance of appropriate symptoms.There are forms of prostatitis that are asymptomatic in their early stages.This means that diagnosing the pathology in such cases will be difficult.
Reasons
Often, the disease occurs against the background of reduced immunity, in the presence of sexually transmitted infections or concomitant pathologies.A common cause of prostatitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the prostate tissue.
There are many risk factors for the development of pathology, let's highlight the main ones:
- Hypothermia.Hypothermia leads to severe stress in the body, which can lead to a weakening of immunity.As a result, the pathogenic microflora begins to multiply actively, which leads to an inflammatory process.
- Inactive lifestyle.Sedentary work and lack of physical activity negatively affect the blood circulation of the pelvic organs.This leads to stagnation and inflammation.
- Excess body weight.Overweight patients usually lead an inactive lifestyle, which leads to poor circulation of internal organs.Congestion and inflammation develop in the tissues of the prostate gland.For this reason, normalizing body weight is one of the main ways to prevent prostate diseases.
- Presence of chronic pathologies.A source of chronic infection in the body increases the risk of prostatitis.
- Chronic constipation.Retention of stool in the intestines puts pressure on the prostate, causing circulation problems.In addition, constipation often contributes to the growth of pathogens.
- Organ injuries.In case of traumatic damage to the prostate or pelvic organs, blood flow deteriorates and local immunity decreases.This increases the risk of developing prostatitis.
- Characteristics of sexual activity.An excessively active sex life or prolonged abstinence can also cause the disease.
In addition, any condition that suppresses the immune system can contribute to the development of the disease.We are talking about constant stress, lack of sleep, overwork.
Types of diseases
Often, the symptoms of the pathology depend on its type and the nature of its course.There are several types of prostatitis, each of which has its own characteristics:
- Bacterial.The most common type of the disease, which occurs as a result of bacterial infection and reduced immunity.The pathology has acute and chronic forms.As a rule, a man is worried about pain and discomfort in the perineum, problems with urination, deterioration of general health and increased body temperature.In severe cases of the disease, the presence of blood or pus can be observed in the urine.However, such symptoms are more characteristic of the acute stage and relapse of the disease.In the case of chronic prostatitis, the symptoms may be "blurred" or not appear.
- Abacterial.In this case, the disease has an inflammatory and non-inflammatory nature, it is often called chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).With this form of prostatitis, destructive changes can be observed in the muscle tissue of the gland.The causative agents are autoimmune diseases, organ development disorders and chronic cystitis.
- Stagnant.This condition develops against the background of chronic prostatitis and is associated with damage to microcirculation and blood circulation in the pelvic organs.In addition, the pathology can manifest itself in the absence of sexual intercourse, as this causes stagnation of secretions in the prostate gland.Most often, patients with this form of the disease experience erectile dysfunction, urination problems and discomfort in the groin area.
- Computational.The development of this form of prostatitis is facilitated by the appearance of calculus (stones) in the tissues of the prostate gland.Usually, the disease occurs in patients over 55-60 years of age.The causes of the pathology are improper treatment of chronic prostatitis or urolithiasis.In men, the typical symptoms of such prostatitis include difficulty urinating, weakening of the erection, and the appearance of blood in the urine.
- Purulent.A dangerous consequence of improper treatment of acute prostatitis can be the purulent form of the disease.In this case, an acute pain syndrome develops, affecting the entire area of the perineum and groin.The man experiences a sharp increase in temperature, severe problems with urination and the presence of purulent inclusions in the urine.Purulent prostatitis is considered the most dangerous because if left untreated, it can cause an abscess and lead to death.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
The disease is diagnosed by a urologist - it is worth making an appointment with him if characteristic symptoms appear.During the initial consultation, the specialist collects the patient's medical history, asks about existing complaints and performs a rectal examination of the prostate.After that, a number of additional tests are prescribed, which are necessary to diagnose the existing type of prostatitis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
The exam includes:
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs (TRUS).
- Clinical blood test.
- General urinalysis.
- Microscopic analysis of prostatic secretion.
- A smear from the urethra and a bacterial culture of the discharge for the presence of sexually transmitted infections.
If necessary, the patient may be referred for further examinations: spermogram, CT (or MRI) of the pelvic organs.
Important!
The information in this article cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.You should always consult a doctor to establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Treatment methods
Failure to properly treat prostatitis can lead to serious health problems.Patients are often diagnosed with complications such as cystitis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, infertility and erectile dysfunction.Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the right therapy.
Treatment for prostatitis usually involves a comprehensive approach, including medication and supportive care.In severe cases, the patient undergoes surgery.
As part of drug therapy, antibiotics are prescribed to stop the inflammatory process.If the disease is of an infectious-bacterial nature, then additional antibacterial treatment is carried out.
In addition, drugs are used as part of drug therapy to eliminate existing symptoms.These can be:
- Pain relievers.
- Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Medicines that normalize the functioning of the prostate.
- Medicines to restore erection.
A number of recommendations must be followed:
- Drink enough water during the day (1.5-2 liters).
- Adhering to a diet, excluding spicy, fatty and salty foods from the diet.
- Eliminating alcohol.
Sometimes bactericidal herbal preparations are used to relieve inflammation.However, taking infusions and decoctions is allowed only after consultation with a urologist.Remember that folk remedies are not a panacea for the disease, and they only help the symptoms, but do not eliminate the cause.
Prostate massage is an important element of the treatment.It is carried out in the absence of contraindications.The essence of this procedure is to remove accumulated inflammatory secretions from the organ.Thanks to this, the blood circulation of the tissues can be improved, congestion can be eliminated, local immunity can be stimulated and the patency of the secretion channels can be restored.
Another popular method is the use of physical therapy.In the 21st century, it is difficult to imagine high-quality modern treatment of chronic prostatitis without complex physiotherapy.With its help, the blood circulation of the pelvic organs can be restored, the effect of medicines can be enhanced and congestion can be eliminated.The therapy uses ultrasound, laser, thermal or electromagnetic effects.
With a prolonged course of the inflammatory process and a decrease in immunity, the patient is prescribed immunotherapy.This includes taking immunomodulators and multivitamin complexes, which are aimed at improving the body's protective functions and general well-being.
Sometimes the conservative treatment regimen for prostatitis does not bring the necessary results, so the patient requires surgical intervention.
Of course, surgery requires a long recovery and often causes many complications, including infertility.That is why it is not performed on young men of childbearing age.
Symptoms and treatment of acute prostatitis
Acute prostatitis is characterized by rapid onset and development.It is worth noting that it occurs quite rarely - in about 5% of cases.
The inflammatory process of the prostate develops gradually, so several stages of the acute form can be distinguished:
- With catarrh.The inflammatory process affects individual lobes of the organ and affects the structure of the mucous membranes and the submucous layer.As a result, congestion occurs in the follicles of the gland.
- Follicular.Focal suppuration of the affected lobes occurs.
- Parenchymal.There is multiple damage to the organ;almost all tissues are involved in the inflammatory process.An abscess forms, which may rupture and release purulent contents into the bladder, urethra, or rectum.
Symptoms of acute prostatitis include: severe pain, elevated body temperature, chills, profuse sweating and weakness.This condition can be caused by various microorganisms.The most common causes are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter.
Treatment of the pathology should be started immediately after the first symptoms appear.Usually, complications and health consequences can be avoided in such cases.The patient is prescribed an antibiotic combination that is effective against the existing pathogenic microorganism.In this case, the effect of the therapy can be observed after 2-3 days.In men, almost all symptoms disappear, the urination process normalizes and the signs of infection disappear.
In the absence of necessary therapy, urinary tract obstruction and abscess may develop.Such conditions require urgent hospitalization and often surgical intervention.
Symptoms and treatment of chronic prostatitis
The chronic form of the disease is characterized by slow development.Symptoms are inconsistent or absent, so many men ignore their presence for years and do not seek medical help.
At the same time, at the beginning of the development of the pathology, patients notice an increase in sexual desire and spontaneous erection.At the same time, signs of chronic prostatitis also appear, such as a decrease in the duration of sexual intercourse and painful ejaculation.As the disease progresses, the symptoms become less pronounced, but the deterioration of well-being increases.Many people complain of a lack of morning erection, decreased libido and increased sweating in the groin area.
During the exacerbation of prostatitis, the man experiences pain in the genital area, difficulty urinating and fever.However, other symptoms of the pathology may be absent, which often complicates the diagnosis.
To make an accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive examination is required, which includes medical history, a rectal examination of the prostate, and a number of laboratory tests.In some cases, additional instrumental methods are used.
The treatment of chronic prostatitis in chronic form lasts from 3-4 weeks to 6-12 months.Eliminating the causes of the inflammatory process of the prostate is of primary importance.Otherwise, the recurring nature of the pathology cannot be ruled out.
Preventive measures
In order to prevent prostatitis in men, it is recommended to correct the lifestyle and give up bad habits.This is due to the fact that if the predisposing factors for the development of the disease continue to exist, its recurrence is possible.Proper nutrition, adequate sleep and physical activity, as well as a regular sex life play a key role in prevention.
In addition, urologists advise you to follow the following recommendations to avoid inflammation of the prostate:
- Avoid hypothermia.
- During sitting work, take regular short breaks and a gentle warm-up.
- Incorporate physical activity and walking into your routine.
- Normalize your diet and get rid of constipation (it is better to consult a specialist about the existing problem).
- Have a regular sex life with a regular partner.
- After the age of 40, a preventive examination with a urologist should be carried out annually.
And, of course, it is worth noting that if any signs of prostatitis appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.This is the only way to avoid dangerous health consequences.