Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate that is mainly diagnosed in people over the age of 35-45. Such a disease can develop only in men, due to the absence of the prostate in the female body. Why does the disease appear and what factors contribute to its developmentHow to treat prostatitis and what are the risks of complications?

Prostatitis in men

Given the disappointing statistics, the incidence of prostatitis is increasing. Today nearly half of the total male population between the ages of 30 and 70 is affected by prostate inflammation. It should be noted that if treated incorrectly or not, prostatitis will progress. Early access to a doctor is fraught with negative consequences in the form of complications: an abscess of the gland or infertility.

The prostate is a rounded organ that is located below the bladder and is involved in the formation of sperm (seminal fluid). During ejaculation, the muscle parts of the prostate contract, preventing sperm from getting into the bladder and urine from getting into the semen. Dysfunction of the gland can lead to male infertility.

There are several different classifications of prostatitis:

• acute inflammation of the prostate;
• chronic bacterial and non-bacterial prostatitis;
• asymptomatic disease.

Inflammation of the prostate is often associated with vesiculitis or urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).

Acute prostatitis

The acute form of the disease usually occurs spontaneously and is accompanied by numerous unpleasant symptoms. This condition requires urgent medical attention. Staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli and Enterobacter can cause an acute inflammatory process. Some microorganisms are part of the normal microflora, but when they get into the prostate they can provoke the development of tissue inflammation.

There are different types of acute inflammation:

• catarrhal;
• parenchyma;
• follicular;
• Organ abscess.

Acute prostatitis can be easily diagnosed by an experienced qualified doctor using modern laboratory tests. Severe symptoms and a typical clinical picture enable a quick and correct diagnosis. Treat the acute type of the disease comprehensively. First of all, an antibiotic is used that eliminates the pathogen infection. Effective therapy also includes: drugs to strengthen the immune system, drugs to improve blood flow to the gland and, if necessary, physiotherapeutic procedures. However, the benefits of massage for prostatitis have not been established.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis with bacterial etiology is a disease of the prostate with characteristic symptoms. Among the signs of the disease, pain syndrome, urinary tract diseases and psychological complaints can be distinguished. Changes in inflammatory type can also occur in biological fluids, including secretions from the gland, semen, and urine. Chronic bacterial prostatitis always has a pathogen, which is determined using multi-stage laboratory tests.

Infectious prostatitis is most often associated with microorganisms of the Enterobacteriaceae genus. The main causes of prostatitis are Trichomonas, Ureplasma, Gonococci, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Gardnerella. The inflammation can be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Candida fungi if a man is infected with HIV. Other pathogenic microorganisms, including Klebsiella, Proteus, and Enterococcus, provoke the disease.

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis can show signs of inflammation or be almost asymptomatic. Only a competent urologist can identify the disease and make a diagnosis based on the results of a full diagnosis of the patient's condition.

Inflammatory prostatitis

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis with signs of inflammation can be diagnosed by patient complaints and laboratory test results. In the secret of the gland after massaging the prostate there is an increased level of leukocytes. Pathogenic microorganisms are not detected.

Non-inflammatory prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome

If the urologist doesn't find an infection during the diagnosis, the diagnosis may sound like non-inflammatory prostatitis. The main symptom of the disease in this case is constant / recurrent and persistent pain in the pelvic area. Such an unpleasant syndrome can bother up to 2-4 months.

Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis

Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis has practically no symptoms. Such inflammation of the gland proceeds without any visible symptoms. The doctor can identify the problem from the periodic or constant secretion of leukocytes and bacteria in the urine. This form of the disease is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.

Practice shows that the symptoms of inflammation of the tissues of the prostate can easily be confused with other pathologies affecting the pelvic organs. Self-medication can cause complications, the development of additional illnesses or critical conditions.

Causes of prostatitis in men

It is impossible to talk about the only cause of inflammation of the prostate, since this disease is multifactorial and can occur against the background of various circumstances. Assign hormonal disorders, hypothermia, significant decrease in immune defense, circulatory disorders, sexually transmitted diseases and sexual abstinence.

Infectious

Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the prostate during inflammation in the bladder and urethra. The infection can also enter the prostate through haematogenic pathways, for example from purulent foci (during tonsillitis, pneumonia, or furunculosis). The pathogens can be: Escherichia coli, staphylococci and enterococci.

Symptoms of prostatitis are often due to sexually transmitted diseases. Inflammation of the prostate occurs due to an infection that affects the tissues of the organ. Acute prostatitis can be caused by the herpes virus or a Mycoplasma infection, which affects more than just the reproductive system. Chlamydia is also worth mentioning. Gram-negative intracellular microorganisms cause approximately 40-60% of all urogenital infections.

The secret of the gland contains bactericidal substances that prevent the development of infections in the organ. In order for the infection to spread and an inflammatory process to occur, additional factors are necessary, including stagnation in the circulatory system of the pelvis or stasis of glandular secretion.

Hypothermia, which significantly reduces the activity of immune cells and the protective functions of the mucous membranes, can be attributed to the factors that contribute to the spread or activation of the infection. This also includes physical and neuropsychological overload that negatively affects immunity.

Not infectious

There are several non-infectious causes of tissue inflammation in the prostate. Signs of prostatitis can appear due to a violation of the mechanics of the entire process of urinary excretion, since urination occurs due to the periodic relaxation of the circular muscles of the prostate and bladder. Various violations of this process, including disorders related to the variability of muscle function (tension and contraction of tissues), contribute to the penetration of urine into the ducts of the prostate. This situation can damage the organ, cause irritation and, as a result, symptoms of prostatitis.

Unnatural elongation, interruption of sexual intercourse, or prolonged abstinence can also lead to symptoms or the development of prostatitis. Stagnation and swelling of the prostate can lead to a secret in the gland that is fully formed, but not or partially excreted from the organ.

Circulatory disorders and lack of exercise

Tight-fitting underwear, a belt that is too tight, tight pants and shorts, and a sedentary lifestyle are often the causes of circulatory disorders in the pelvic area. The gland is full of blood, blood vessels are squeezed, there are delays in the transport of nutrients. Such changes lead to malfunction of the gland.

Hormonal disorders

The amount of sex hormones plays a special role in the functioning of the prostate. They can affect the activity of prostate cells. And hormonal overload can increase the risk of signs of prostatitis.

The prostate is involved in stabilizing the hormonal balance in the genital area, and functional disorders of the organ lead to malfunctions. Especially with chronic prostatitis, the dihydrotestosterone decreases and the estrogen saturation increases. The extent of the hormonal imbalance in prostatitis depends on the features and stage of the disease, which can only be determined by a specialist.

Prostatitis symptoms

All the obvious signs of prostatitis are a whole complex of different diseases. In addition, each type of such a disease can have its own individual symptoms. For example, acute prostatitis can be accompanied by fever, a sharp rise in body temperature, and other symptoms of severe body poisoning. And chronically impaired ejaculation and decreased sexual desire.

All prostatitis symptoms can be divided into three separate categories:

• urinary tract diseases;
• problems with sexual function;
• mental disorders.

Problems urinating as a sign of prostatitis

All patient complaints related to urination can occur due to:

• irritation of the nerve endings, which occurs against the background of the inflammatory process;
• Narrowing of the urethral lumen.

In this case, the following symptoms of prostatitis can occur:

• lazy jet;
• Difficulty starting to urinate and emptying it drop by drop;
• the feeling that the bladder is not completely empty;
• strong urge to urinate;
• urinary incontinence during urgency;
• increased urination.

Pain Syndrome

Painful symptoms of prostatitis can be found in the lower abdomen. The pain can spread to the lower back, groin, scrotum, and even the anus. In addition, the patient may complain of groin pain after a long sitting in a sitting position. The pain can be sharp or dull.

Disturbances in intimate life

Symptoms of prostatitis include problems in the genital area:

• decreased libido;
• disorders of ejaculation (increase or decrease in the volume of semen);
• weakened erection, total or partial sexual dysfunction;
• pain during ejaculation.

Among the signs of prostatitis one can distinguish weak and sluggish orgasms as well as a mucous consistency from the urethra.

Mental imbalance

Men often have psychological difficulties when they are confronted with diseases of the genitourinary system. Due to problems with erection, pain, or rapid ejaculation, the patient may become isolated, become aggressive towards others, or simply experience anxiety or fear. Stresses arise that negatively affect the immune system and can weaken it considerably.

Along with the depressive state, psychological experiences arise, the expectation of mistakes in intimate life. Doctors often talk about the importance of paying attention to the mental state of patients with chronic inflammation of the prostate.

Prostatitis diagnostics

A doctor prescribes a comprehensive diagnosis for a patient with urological problems. If prostatitis is suspected, laboratory tests, ultrasound scans, and digital rectal exams are done. If after a prescribed therapy the symptoms of the disease do not go away, the urologist can refer the patient for additional diagnosis:

• blood culture;
• computed or magnetic resonance imaging;
• bacteriological examination of semen.

Urological examination

The urological examination by a doctor is the first important step without which a correct diagnosis is impossible. Thanks to a visual examination and clinical picture, a specialist will determine a possible disease and prescribe a number of additional diagnostic procedures.

The digital glandular examination is an obligatory method. This process is carried out through the anus. The exam usually does not cause the patient pain, although mild discomfort is usually observed. During a urological examination, the doctor takes into account ailments, the age of the patient and the presence of chronic pathologies.

Laboratory research

There is a list of urological methods used for laboratory testing of men that includes general urinalysis and blood tests for HIV, markers for hepatitis C and B, and RW. Often prescribed to patients with suspected inflammatory process in the prostate:

• Urinalysis, which determines the presence of a pathogenic flora;
• Examination of the glandular secretion;
• Blood tests for sexually transmitted infections and the presence of a prostate-specific antigen to rule out oncology.

Ultrasound examination of the prostate, bladder and kidneys

For prostatitis, a single ultrasound scan of the gland, bladder, and kidneys is done to make a diagnosis. With the help of such a diagnosis, a specialist can identify almost all pathological changes, including tumors and tissue inflammation. Ultrasound helps to assess not only the condition of organs, but also blood flow. If necessary, a transrectal examination is carried out to better visualize the organ.

With an ultrasound of the prostate, the doctor evaluates the shape, size, structure, density and homogeneity of the organ. Signs of prostatitis with ultrasound diagnostics are easy to spot. Depending on the results of the study, adenomas and tumors, including cancer, may also be detected.

In the case of inflammation of the prostate, the urologist will prescribe ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder to complete the clinical picture. An effective diagnosis can identify:

• cystic inclusions;
• Presence of calcifications;
• tissue compaction;
• contour irregularities;
• changes in tissue echogenicity;
• Organ sizes, extensions and echo densities.

Only a doctor can make a diagnosis based on the ultrasound results. Drawing conclusions or prescribing treatment yourself are dangerous and threaten with serious consequences.

Uroflowmetry

Uroflowmetry is a medical diagnosis. This method registers the speed of urine during urination, which allows you to identify violations associated with the patency of the duct, the activity of muscle tissue and its tone. It is carried out with special devices - the uroflowmeter records the results using graphics and digital images.

Prostatitis treatment

It is impossible to talk about the treatment of prostatitis as a specific list of manipulations and measures, since there are different types of the disease, and each of them requires its own therapy.

Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies

Treatment of prostatitis at home can only be carried out after consulting a doctor. A competent specialist doctor will prescribe medication and possibly physical therapy and therapeutic exercises. Traditional medicine recipes can also be recommended, but should not be the primary therapeutic method.

Treatment of prostatitis at home should be carried out carefully, taking into account all the recommendations of the doctor. A urologist can recommend herbal teas and decoctions, candles with honey and syrup. It is important to know that all alternative medicine prescriptions have their own contraindications. Do not self-medicate or buy questionable goods such as massagers, bracelets, prostatitis patches, special underwear, or pillows. Unjustified purchase and use of medicines without medical advice can become a fatal mistake, as a result of which additional diseases appear or the patient's condition worsens.

Herbal treatment for prostatitis at home

Herbal medicine for prostatitis can help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms of inflammation of the glands. It is used as a supplement to medical (drug) therapy. If necessary, the urologist will prescribe useful prescriptions based on the features of the patient's condition, age and the presence of chronic pathologies.

Treating prostatitis at home requires a serious attitude to your health. You can prepare a bath or enema at home based on herbal preparations. However, the doctor should specify the ingredients, preparation method and dose. In such cases, it is most often recommended to use cumin herb, pharmacy chamomile flower, marsh creeper, sage, corn silk, ivan tea, marshmallow root, licorice rhizomes, and linden inflorescences.

Also popular:

• parsley. It has a tonic effect on blood vessels and is anti-inflammatory. Seeds are especially useful, they are added in crushed form to various alternative medicine recipes.
• ginseng. The root of this plant increases the tone of blood vessels. Has a stimulating effect.
• St. John's wort. The plant has antibacterial and soothing properties. The herb is indispensable for depressive disorders, for the prevention and treatment of stress that can occur, for example, against the background of erectile dysfunction.

If all medical regulations are followed, certain traditional medicine recipes can enhance the effect of the therapy.

Hirudotherapy

Hirudotherapy for the treatment of prostatitis at home raises many doubts among experts around the world. Therapy with medicinal leeches, specially grown in organic factories, is curative to some extent, and the saliva of the annelid worm also has healing properties. It contains several beneficial active ingredients, among which hirudin should be highlighted. In prostatitis, leeches are applied to the skin just above the pubic bone, in the groin, and in the anus. Therapy has its own nuances, which the doctor will tell you about. Self-medication is dangerous.

In what cases can prostatitis not be treated at home?

In the case of acute or chronic prostatitis, there are a number of alarming symptoms for which it is important to urgently consult a competent doctor:

• sharp pain in the lower abdomen;
• giving blood when urinating;
• blood in the stool;
• increased body temperature, dizziness, chills, vomiting.

Treatment of prostatitis at home is important and must be carried out under the strict supervision of a urologist. Any medication or alternative medicine prescription must be discussed with your doctor prior to use. Do not take your own medication at the pharmacy, for example on the advice of friends or pharmacists. You run the risk of harming your body and causing a number of negative reactions to occur.

Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies without consulting a specialist can lead to failure. Take care of your health.

Treatment of prostatitis in men: medication

What should be the medical treatment for prostatitis in men, what kind of medication does the doctor prescribe? Therapy to treat acute and chronic prostatitis usually includes antibiotics. It is advisable to choose such drugs, taking into account the culture, which determines sensitivity to a particular antibiotic.

Means for prostatitis: antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs

Prostatitis drugs can only be prescribed by a doctor, based on the results of the patient's diagnosis, including responses to laboratory texts. It is important to know that the drugs for prostatitis of the beta-lactam and nitrafuran groups are ineffective, as they cannot penetrate the prostate tissue. Good results are not expected from such treatment for prostatitis.

Currently, drugs from the fluoroquinolones and macrolides groups show the best results in the treatment of prostatitis in men. To get rid of the symptoms associated with urinary tract diseases, the urologist can prescribe an anti-prostatitis agent in the form of an alpha blocker, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. Herbal medicines, hormonal drugs, and immune correction drugs are popular.

Traditional drugs for prostatitis in men can be supplemented with physical therapy. Such a therapeutic technique is used as a remedy for prostatitis, when there are no symptoms of an acute form of the disease.

Plaster for prostatitis

Today, men with prostate inflammation often hear about prostatitis patches. The manufacturers of the product in question offer quality prevention or rapid recovery.

This therapy can not be called the treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies. It does not refer to alternative medicine, but it is not used in practice by qualified doctors. The patch for prostatitis has no evidence base. Neither doctors nor real customer reviews confirm the effectiveness of the Chinese universal plaster against prostatitis.

Suppositories from prostatitis

Suppositories for prostatitis are most often prescribed in combination with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Rectal suppositories can get rid of the causes of prostatitis, have healing properties, and soothe inflammation of the tissues. Suppositories for prostatitis are similar in principle to microclysters. Only suppositories are made of fats and oils, and enemas are mostly made of water.

Coconut oil is usually the basis for suppositories against prostatitis. It is this component that contributes to the almost immediate absorption of drugs into the intestinal walls. Suppositories for prostatitis also often contain vitamins.

Physiotherapy as complementary medicine for prostatitis

If we consider the complex treatment of prostatitis in men, drugs are the main part of therapy. Physiotherapy is an additional method of treating prostatitis in men. Prescribe procedures for inflammation of the prostate, in the absence of acute symptoms.

If you do not know how and how prostatitis in men is treated physiotherapy, you should consider the most common:

• drug electrophoresis;
• UHF therapy (treatment with an electric field using capacitor plates);
• magnetotherapy (therapeutic effect of a magnetic field on the patient's body);
• mud therapy;
• microclysters with herbal infusions and decoctions (one such physiotherapy is the treatment of chronic acute prostatitis with folk remedies);
• general and local baths using different liquids and temperature conditions;
• Electroplating (exposure to low voltage direct current on the human body).

Treatment of prostatitis, glandular massage

Massage, a popular method of treating prostatitis, has no evidence today (according to a number of studies) of its effectiveness. If a man has prostatitis, massage can be used to stimulate the drainage of secretions from the prostate. Such manipulation is carried out through the anus with the help of fingers only in a medical institution under the guidance of a specialist.

With prostatitis, it is strictly forbidden to massage with adenomas and cysts of the gland, cracks in the anus, urinary retention and increased body temperature. Acute infectious processes in the bladder or kidneys are also contraindications.