Bacterial prostatitis is an inflammatory process in the tissue of the prostate that can be acute or chronic. The disease is manifested by severe pain in the groin area, fever, symptoms of intoxication and therefore requires special attention from the medical staff.
We tell you what causes prostatitis, how it manifests itself and how it is treated.
Why does bacterial prostatitis occur?
According to research institutes, bacterial prostatitis affects sexually active men between the ages of 25 and 50. The reason is the introduction of pathogenic microflora into the genitourinary system through the mouth of the urethra.
The most common types of pathogens found in the prostate include:
- Staphylococci;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli;
- Enterococci.
These organisms are considered to be opportunistic. They constantly colonize the skin and mucous membranes of a person and only cause inflammation under certain factors. According to the observations of urologists, with a high probability the causes of the disease can be:
- Disregard of personal hygiene regulations.
- A man's passion for anal sex (80% of the time, acute bacterial prostatitis is caused by E. coli living in the rectum of a potential sexual partner).
- Incorrect or too frequent catheterization.
- Infiltration of an infection from the bladder, urethra, or testicles.
- Certain diseases (including AIDS and diabetes mellitus).
- Violations of the urine outflow.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
Under the influence of the vital activity of microorganisms, the consistency of secretion of the prostate is disrupted. In the organ, stagnant processes begin, which turn into unpleasant symptoms. This situation also provokes an extensive inflammatory process, enlargement of the prostate and other disorders.
The main symptoms of the disease
Bacterial prostatitis often has an acute course, as symptoms for men start unexpectedly, develop quickly, and have various manifestations. Depending on the type of pathogen, the age of the pathological process and the state of the immune system, a man can complain of the following problems:
- An increase in body temperature up to 39 degrees, fever and chills.
- Sharp pains in the groin or lower abdomen. Can give to the scrotum, hip joints, anus.
- Frequent urination, especially at night. A man almost always looks for a burning sensation in the glans. As the disease progresses or the adenoma develops, acute urinary retention may set in.
- Painful sensations in the anal area, often constipation.
- Flu-like symptoms - muscle and joint pain, general weakness.
When bacterial prostatitis is caused by an STI, discharge from the penis of different colors can occur, usually with an unpleasant odor. In this case, we may be talking about urethroprostatitis.
The intensity of the symptoms depends largely on the stage of the inflammatory process. With a parenchymal form, the temperature can rise to 40 degrees and the pain becomes paroxysmal, while pain medication may not help.
Methods of diagnosing the disease
The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis based on a man's complaints and anamnesis data - information about lifestyle, existing chronic diseases, time and circumstances of the first symptoms. To clarify the nature of the pathogen, the patient is sent to urine for bacteriological analysis. If the disease is chronic, it is possible to collect the secretions from the prostate for research purposes.
The following types of laboratory diagnostics can also be used:
- PCR research;
- general and biochemical blood test;
- Blood test on PSA.
In the acute form, rectal palpation of the prostate is not performed. If there is no fever and the man is not in severe pain, the doctor can touch the prostate with a finger through the wall of the rectum, determine its approximate size, shape and consistency.
The diagnosis is confirmed or denied by the results from TRUS. This is an ultrasound exam that involves inserting a transducer into the patient's rectum. As a result, they get a clear picture of changes in the tissues of the organ, the localization of the inflammatory process. To rule out cancer, in particularly dubious cases, you can have an MRI or CT scan to get a biopsy of the prostate.
How to treat bacterial prostatitis
It is impossible to cure bacterial prostatitis without antibiotics. Folk remedies have a short-term effect, the pathogen remains in the body and can cause various complications. Also, there is no best antibiotic, a man should remember that. The choice of drug depends on the type of pathogen, as well as the work of the patient's organs and systems.
Antibiotics can be taken for up to two months according to standard treatment regimens. However, the exact dosage, course duration and frequency of administration are selected individually, taking into account various indicators of the state of health.
In addition to antibiotic therapy, doctors offer restorative treatments. For these purposes, vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are selected, in some cases immunomodulators are prescribed. Antipyretic and analgesic drugs are also prescribed. If you're having trouble urinating due to bacterial prostatitis, doctors can place a catheter.
You need to keep bed rest and watch out for stress and anxiety throughout the course.
The use of suppositories in bacterial prostatitis
To combat prostatitis at the local level, various rectal suppositories can be prescribed. They cannot cure bacterial prostatitis, but they will greatly alleviate the patient's condition.
Most often urologists prescribe:
- Suppositories with papaverine - relieve pain and improve blood microcirculation;
- candles with propolis - improve the functioning of the immune system, eliminate edema, help relieve pain;
No information is available on the effectiveness of magnetic candles with barium ferrite. In traditional medicine, this method of treatment is practically not used.
Prostate massage and all warm-up based activities are prohibited in acute bacterial prostatitis.
If the treatment tactics were chosen correctly and the man does not self-heal, the prognosis is favorable. Otherwise, the transition of the disease into a chronic form or the development of certain diseases is possible.
What complications can arise
Complications of bacterial prostatitis can occur if a man has not seen a doctor for a long time or has received unqualified help. The consequences are different, including sepsis and death.
Most often, against the background of an untreated disease, the following diseases appear:
- Pyelonephritis;
- Cystitis;
- Abscess of the prostate.
In some cases, erectile dysfunction or infertility can develop. To avoid undesirable consequences, a man with bacterial prostatitis should be hospitalized.
Sex with bacterial prostatitis
The possibility of having sex with this form of prostate inflammation depends on what causative agent is caused by the pathology and what stage it is at. If the causative agent is an STI, intimate communication is prohibited.
In the acute stage, a man has no time for amorous pleasures. Unbearable pain, urinary disorders, and fever are often associated with a poor erection because the libido disappears. In the chronic form, intimate life is possible, but with the use of barrier contraception and after consulting a doctor.
Bacterial prostatitis can be dangerous for a woman - there is a risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. A sick person has to remember that.
Conclusion
Bacterial prostatitis can be cured if it has a chronic form, the man timely consults a doctor and does not rely on dubious methods, pills and prescriptions. In the chronic form, it is more difficult to respond to therapeutic effects, so a clinical examination is required to control the state of health.