Prostatitis is characterized as inflammation of the tissues of the prostate, which results from the development of a congestion in it.
In the modern world, it is the most common urological disorder in men of all ages. According to statistics, prostatitis affects 30% of the male population after the age of 30, after 40-40%, after 50-50% and further in ascending order.
However, taking into account the specifics of the diagnosis and the possibility of the course of the disease in latent form, the actual numbers are much higher.
Reasons for development
Currently, the causes of the development of prostatitis are divided into two large groups:
- Infectious - (sexually transmitted infections (penetration into the tissues of the prostate of the pathogen - microbes, viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc. ): also the presence of foci of chronic infection (chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, kidney pathology), operations on the pelvic organs, etc. ).
- Non-infectious (stagnant) (decreased immunity, hypothermia, decreased physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sexual abstinence and, conversely, excessive sexual activity, alcohol abuse, etc. ).
The development of prostatitis is favored by injuries, circulatory disorders and lymph circulation in the pelvic organs, hormonal disorders (absolute or relative androgen deficiency).
Therefore, it is emphasized that the isolated entry of the pathogen into the tissues of the organ is not always and not necessarily the cause of the development of the disease. The most frequently identified pathogen is Escherichia coli (86%), followed by Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the case of streptococci, staphylococci, chlamydia, mycoplasma and ureaplasma, the opinions of researchers about their importance for the development of the disease differ. It is extremely rare for certain pathogens (Treponema Pale, Koch's Bacillus, etc. ) to be the cause of prostatitis.
classification
Currently, the international classification of prostatitis has been adopted, which is the most complete and covers all types of inflammation:
- Category I. Acute prostatitis;
- Category II. Chronic bacterial prostatitis;
- Category III. Non-bacterial chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome - a disease in which infection is not detected, lasting more than 3 months;
- Subcategory III A. Syndrome of chronic inflammatory pelvic pain (leukocytes are determined in the secret of the prostate);
- Subcategory III B. Syndrome of chronic non-inflammatory pelvic pain (there are no leukocytes in the secret of the prostate);
- Category IV. Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis (leukocytes are present in the secret of the prostate, the patient has no complaints, the disease is detected by chance).
First signs
The main signs of acute prostatitis are an increase in body temperature and frequent urination, which is accompanied by cramps and weak pressure. In addition, signs of prostatitis may include a burning sensation in the perineum and pain in the rectum when defecating. At the stage of purulent inflammation, spontaneous opening of the abscess and drainage of pus from the urethra or rectum can be expected.
A symptom of a chronic form is a burning sensation in the urethra and perineum, discharge of pus at the end of bowel movements or urination, increased fatigue and irritability of the body.
Difficulty urinating with prostatitis is very dangerous, which, without timely treatment, can lead to acute urinary retention. Men should not ignore such indirect signs of the development of prostatitis as a total or partial decrease in libido, accelerated ejaculation, sometimes painful, prolonged erection at night. All of these symptoms are characteristic of inflammation of the prostate and are also amenable to adequate treatment at an uncomplicated stage.
Symptoms
When acute prostatitis is simply impossible to miss, many of those in chronic prostatitis fail to notice or attach particular importance to certain signs.
Let's list the main symptoms of prostatitis in men:
- Problems urinating. Due to the narrowing of the urethra, the jet can become sluggish, thin, or intermittent. The patient has to make an effort to empty, which should not be normal. Sometimes urine literally needs to be squeezed drop by drop, especially in the early stages of urination. Often there are painful sensations. Many patients have frequent urges to urinate (especially at night) due to irritation of the nerve endings. Even after going to the toilet, many have the feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied, this is due to an enlarged prostate and a squeezing of the bladder. In severe cases, involuntary urine leakage or incontinence can occur.
- Painful sensations. They are usually located in the perineum, pubic bone or testicle, in the groin, or in the lumbar region. Pain can appear suddenly and just as quickly, it is often quite severe, but more often there is a dull or aching character.
- Sexual problems will inevitably arise. First, the libido decreases significantly. Second, erection problems can occur. Third, due to problems with ejaculation (ejaculation), the average length of intercourse changes: it can become short due to early ejaculation or, conversely, it can become too long due to delayed ejaculation. Fourth, since the orgasm is not bright, the sensations will also change. Fifth, the volume of sperm is significantly reduced (only a few drops can be released, which is not normal).
- Another characteristic symptom is problems conceiving. If a man is planning a child, then with prostatitis, fertilization becomes impossible due to the non-viability or insufficient mobility of the sperm.
- Discharge from the urethra. They're usually white in color and slimy texture and are most common in the morning.
- In the acute course, there is an increase in body temperature (up to 38-39 °), fever, deterioration in general condition, weakness, malaise and other similar manifestations. Such symptoms of prostatitis usually appear suddenly and without preconditions.
Additionally, many have mental health problems associated with the symptoms listed above. A man can become insecure, his self-esteem is greatly reduced, he becomes depressed or irritable and nervous. Many representatives of the stronger sex are ashamed of such delicate problems and do not consider it necessary to talk about them and keep everything to themselves. And that puts a lot of strain on the psyche, changes behavior and in some cases can lead to depression or a nervous breakdown.
Chronic prostatitis
Many men do not pay much attention to the manifestations of prostatitis in the early stages. These are normal pain sensations in the bladder area, frequent use of the toilet. Violation of normal ejaculation and erection is associated with the stronger sex with age and is in no hurry to see a doctor. Such a frivolous attitude leads to the development of chronic prostatitis.
Therefore, we list the most common symptoms of various forms of chronic prostatitis:
- Discomfort and cuts in the urethra when urinating or having sexual intercourse, low level of serous-purulent discharge from the urethra (mainly after prolonged urinary retention).
- Complaints and / or moderate pain in the form of "pain" and a feeling of heaviness in the perineal area that occur or worsen after drinking alcoholic beverages, physical activity, sexual intercourse. Sometimes they are transient paroxysmal in nature.
- A decrease in fertility caused by an increase in the acidity of the secretion, a decrease or lack of mobility of the sperm and their clumping (sticking) on the heads.
- Sudden frequent urination (sometimes up to 3 times within 1 hour) and a feeling of insufficient emptying of the bladder, which is explained by a violation of the nerve regulation of the prostate, its muscle fibers, and the bladder.
- Pain during orgasm or blurred orgasm sensations, ejaculation disorders that are expressed in a premature or, conversely, in an excessive duration of intercourse. These phenomena are associated with an inflammatory process in the area of the seed hump or scarring as a result of inflammation.
To diagnose the disease, you need to see a urologist. With the help of tests, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes drug treatment.
diagnosis
To make an accurate diagnosis, a man needs to be examined and tested by a doctor. With prostatitis, the patient feels pain from palpation in the perineal area. Internal palpation of the rectum reveals the presence of swelling in the area of the prostate, it becomes dense when touched. The patient complains of problems with the genitourinary system. After taking the medical history, the patient must pass a detailed blood test for excess protein, high white blood cell counts and prostate antigen.
To rule out infection, the patient must give a swab from the urethra. The laboratory will vaccinate the bacteria identified and test their sensitivity to certain types of antibiotics. For an accurate picture, an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is carried out. It clearly shows inflammation and enlargement of the prostate. If the gland has grown a lot, you can see the presence of residual urine in the bladder on the ultrasound.
After all tests and examinations are passed, the man is fully diagnosed and treatment is prescribed.
Drugs used to treat prostatitis in men: a list
Complex treatment of prostatitis of various types can include various combinations of the following methods:
- immune corrective therapy;
- antibiotic therapy;
- Hormone therapy;
- various physiotherapeutic procedures;
- Prostate massage;
- Change of lifestyle;
- surgery, etc.
Treatment of prostatitis with medication includes several drugs, including antibiotics:
- Alpha blockers;
- hormonal drugs;
- Muscle relaxants;
- Immunomodulators;
- rectal suppositories;
- antibacterial drugs.
When treating with antibiotics, fluoroquinols and macrolides are preferred because they can accumulate in the tissue of the prostate in the required concentration.
- Fluoroquinols.
- Macrolides.
- Less commonly used: penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines.
Prostate massage
Prostate massage shows good results. The gland takes on a complex effect. First of all, it becomes possible to remove from the body the secret of inflammation that has accumulated in the prostate (it is released during massage). Improving blood circulation from these manipulations allows you to cope with all types of stagnation, and also contributes to good penetration of antibiotics into the tissues of the gland.
A series of exercises
Exercises for the prostate:
- Absolutely not a difficult exercise is used for both treatment and prevention. It consists in squeezing and relaxing the muscles of the anus. These muscles are responsible for holding back the stream when you urinate. Try to contract and loosen a muscle group. This will increase blood flow to the area of the gland.
- Use a contrast shower to improve blood circulation. To do this, direct the water jet towards the perineum. First 30 seconds of very warm water, then 10 seconds of cool water.
- If there are no acute symptoms, you can massage yourself. This is done to improve blood circulation. The exercise is best done lying down. The massage point is the gap between the anus and the scrotum. The pressure should be firm but not aggressive. The time is 3-5 minutes.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before exercising. Sometimes their use is categorically unacceptable.
Immune correction
Decreased immunity has a negative impact on health.
This factor is one of the fundamental factors in the development of the disease and its exacerbation. Long-term use of antibiotics, which are absolutely necessary in the case of persistent prostatitis, also weakens the body's defenses. Therefore, it is recommended that the patient consult an immunologist in order to choose a strategy for performing immune correction.
physical therapy
Physiotherapy for chronic prostatitis is aimed at activating blood circulation.
To do this, the patient is exposed to a laser, ultrasound and magnetic vibrations. In some cases, these procedures are replaced with warm medical enemas given to the patient on a regular basis. Recommend hip baths, mud treatment, mineral water.
Candles
All suppositories for the treatment of prostatitis have one of the properties: relieve pain (nonsteroidal drugs), relieve cramps (based on papaverine), eliminate the inflammatory process (contain an antibiotic).
Alternative methods of treating prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis at home is carried out only with uncomplicated forms or chronic relapse. Traditional methods can increase the body's resistance to infection and reduce pain.
- Pumpkin seeds have long been used by healers to treat prostatitis. They are a good and very affordable folk remedy for this condition. Since these seeds contain a lot of zinc, which is necessary for every man of all ages, they are quick to cure prostatitis. You only need to eat 30 seeds a day before meals. This is exactly the daily percentage of zinc for the body.
- The seeds and roots of the plant are suitable. The crushed roots of the plant are boiled for 10 minutes with half a glass of raw material per 1 liter of water. All of the broth is drunk in equal portions instead of water. The seeds are brewed in 4 teaspoons per glass of boiling water. Insist in a saucepan for 40 minutes or in a thermos for 15 minutes. Consume about 3-5 times a day for one tablespoon.
- The main ingredient is hazel. To treat prostatitis, you need to ingest either the bark or the leaves of the hazelnut. You can brew both ingredients alternately, alternately. Just note that the rind needs to be brewed for twice as long as it is tougher. So, take a tablespoon of hazel leaves (or bark) and boil it in a glass of boiling water. Close the lid tightly and wait half an hour. Then strain and take 1/4 cup 4 times a day. It is better to use fresh twigs each time, but you can also use those that have already been used several times. Usually a week of such procedures is enough - and the prostatitis disappears.
- To treat the disease, candles are made, which are kept in the freezer. For the dough, use 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 egg and about 3 tablespoons of flour. The components are mixed smoothly and form candles. Used in two courses morning and evening, 1 piece for 1 month with an interval of 10 days.
- Celandine is used with caution. The plant is poisonous, overdosing it leads to severe poisoning. In parallel, the drug from celandine cleanses the body of polyps, neoplasms, cysts and prevents prostate adenomas. Freshly squeezed juice is diluted in equal parts with alcohol. Drink daily, dilute in 50 ml of water. Start treatment with 1 drop and increase the concentration by 1 drop every day for 60 days. After 10 days the course is repeated.
Most folk remedies are used 1-3 times a day in courses of 20-30 days. Treatment with home remedies made from herbs takes longer than medication due to their mild effects, but is safer for the body, especially with concomitant diseases of the intestines and stomach. Treatment must be accompanied by gymnastics: lifting the legs, squatting. Intense walking is recommended for 15-30 minutes a day.
Complications of prostatitis
Without timely and adequate treatment, prostatitis can be complicated by the following conditions:
- the development of chronic prostatitis;
- Obstruction of the bladder;
- the development of infertility;
- recurrent cystitis;
- Narrowing of the urethra;
- Pyelonephritis;
- Abscess of the prostate;
- Sepsis.
Some of the above conditions require urgent surgical intervention!
Preventive measures
Prevention means avoiding provoking factors. A healthy lifestyle, protected sexual intercourse, and the presence of a partner all reduce the chances of developing a genitourinary system infection. A general strengthening of the body and an increased immune defense are also preventive measures for prostatitis.