Prostatitis is the most common urological pathology characterized by the inflammatory process of the prostate. According to statistics, it occurs in almost 40% of men, in the main risk group - patients aged 30-45. Almost every third visit to a urologist is related to this disease.
Important!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. You should always consult a doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment.
The occurrence of pathology is often facilitated by a decrease in immunity, hypothermia, the presence of bad habits and a sedentary lifestyle, lack of regular sexual activity, and sexual infections. Treatment of prostatitis can be quite long, especially in the later stages of development. The earlier 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 methods of treatment.
What is the prostate?
The prostate (or prostate gland) is a unique male organ 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 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, they choose a comprehensive treatment to eliminate the existing symptoms.
There are three groups of symptoms of prostatitis:
- Pain syndrome. The intensity and localization of pain in prostatitis can be different. Sometimes the pain syndrome spreads to the lower abdomen, scrotum, perineum, anus and lower back. The more inflammation develops, the more the patient worries. 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, the pressure on the ureters increases, which leads to a gradual reduction of the lumen. The patient has problems urinating, while the bladder is full after going to 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, orgasmic sensations 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 during a trip 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 the diagnosis of pathology in such cases will be difficult.
Cause
Often, the disease occurs against the background of a decrease in immunity, in the presence of sexual infections or concomitant pathologies. A common cause of prostatitis is bacterial infection, against which inflammation of the prostate tissue begins.
There are many risk factors for the development of pathology, we highlight the main ones:
- hypothermia. Hypothermia leads to severe stress on the body, which can lead to a weakening of the immune system. As a result, the pathogenic microflora actively reproduces, 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 congestion and inflammation.
- Overweight. Overweight patients usually lead an inactive lifestyle, which leads to impaired blood circulation in the internal organs. Stagnant processes and inflammation develop in the tissues of the prostate. For this reason, weight normalization is one of the main ways to prevent prostate diseases.
- Presence of chronic diseases. The focus of chronic infection in the body increases the risk of prostatitis.
- Chronic constipation. Retention of stool in the bowel puts pressure on the prostate, causing circulation problems. In addition, constipation often contributes to the growth of pathogens.
- Organ damage. In the event of a traumatic lesion of 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 development of 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 pathology depend on the type and nature of the 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 a bacterial infection and a decrease in immunity. The pathology has acute and chronic forms. In general, the man is concerned about the pain and discomfort of the perineum, urinary disorders, deterioration of general well-being and fever. In severe cases, the presence of blood or pus can be observed in the urine. However, these symptoms are more typical 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 is inflammatory and non-inflammatory and 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, malformations of the organ, 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 long-term 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.
- calculator. The development of this form of prostatitis contributes to the appearance of calculus (stones) in the tissues of the prostate gland. Usually, the disease occurs in patients older than 55-60 years. 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. A person has a sharp rise in temperature, severe problems urinating, and purulent inclusions appear 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 to prescribe a competent treatment.
The survey includes:
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs (TRUS).
- Clinical blood test.
- General urinalysis.
- Microscopic analysis of prostatic secretion.
- A swab made from the urethra and bacterial inoculation of the secret of the presence of sexually transmitted infections.
If necessary, the patient can be referred for further tests: spermogram, pelvic organ CT (or MRI).
Important!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. You should always consult a doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment methods
Failure to treat prostatitis properly can lead to serious health problems. Patients are often diagnosed with complications such as cystitis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, infertility and erectile dysfunction. That is why it is extremely important to choose the right therapy.
As a general rule, the treatment of prostatitis involves an integrated 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, antibacterial treatment is also carried out.
In addition, drugs are used as part of drug therapy to eliminate existing symptoms. May:
- Pain relievers.
- Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Medicines to normalize the functioning of the prostate.
- Preparations for the restoration of erection.
A number of recommendations must be followed:
- Drink enough water during the day (1. 5-2 liters).
- Dieting, excluding spicy, fatty and salty foods from the diet.
- Exclusion of alcohol.
Sometimes, to relieve inflammation, herbal preparations are used, which have a bactericidal effect. However, infusions and decoctions are allowed only in agreement with the urologist. Remember that folk remedies are not a panacea for the disease and 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 the accumulated inflammatory secretion from the body. Thanks to this, the blood circulation of the tissues can be improved, congestion can be eliminated, local immunity can be stimulated and the permeability of the excretory 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, you can restore the blood circulation of the pelvic organs, enhance the effect of medicines and eliminate congestion. Ultrasound, laser, thermal or electromagnetic effects are used as part of the therapy.
With a long course of the inflammatory process and a decrease in immunity, the patient is prescribed immunotherapy. This includes taking immunomodulators and multivitamin complexes aimed at improving the body's protective functions and general well-being.
Sometimes the conservative treatment regimen for prostatitis does not bring the desired result, so the patient needs surgery.
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 appearance 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:
- catarrhal. The inflammatory process affects individual lobes of the organ, affecting the structure of the mucous membranes and the submucous layer. As a result, congestion appears in the follicles of the gland.
- Follicular. Focal suppuration of the affected lobes occurs.
- Parenchymal. There are multiple changes in the organ, almost all tissues are involved in the inflammatory process. An abscess forms, which may break open with the release of purulent contents into the bladder, urethra, or rectum.
Among the symptoms of acute prostatitis: intense pain, fever, chills, profuse sweating, weakness. This condition can be caused by various microorganisms. The most common causes are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter.
Treatment of the pathology should be started immediately after the first symptoms appear. As a general rule, complications and health consequences can be avoided in such cases. The patient is given an antibiotic combination that is effective against the existing pathogen. 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 the 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 intermittent or absent, so many men ignore their presence for years and do not seek medical attention.
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, such signs of chronic prostatitis appear 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 about the lack of erection in the morning, decreased libido and increased sweating in the groin.
In men, during the exacerbation of prostatitis, pain occurs in the genital area, urination disorders and fever. However, other symptoms of the pathology may be absent, which often complicates the diagnosis.
An accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive examination, which includes taking a medical history, rectal examination of the prostate and a series of laboratory tests. In some cases, additional instrumental methods are used.
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 great importance. Otherwise, the recurring nature of the pathology cannot be ruled out.
Preventive measures
To prevent prostatitis in men, lifestyle correction and rejection of bad habits are recommended. This is due to the fact that, while the factors promoting the development of the disease are maintained, its recurrence is possible. Proper nutrition, adequate sleep and physical activity, and regular sex play a key role in prevention.
In addition, urologists advise you to follow the following recommendations in order not to encounter inflammation of the prostate:
- Avoid hypothermia.
- Take regular short breaks and light exercise during sedentary work.
- Include exercise and walking in your routine.
- Normalize nutrition and get rid of constipation (it is better to consult a specialist about the problem).
- Have a regular sex life with a regular partner.
- After the age of 40, annual preventive examinations by a urologist.
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.