Chronic prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate. Depending on the severity and functional changes in the gland, there are three stages: initial, medium, difficult.
The initial stage of prostatitis is characterized by primary changes in the prostate. Against the background of the development of the inflammatory process, tissue regeneration continues at this stage. Changes in the channels are not very pronounced, which often allows the patient to lead a full life. However, the development of the disease leads to the formation of adhesions, impaired blood circulation and a general deterioration in well-being.
reasons
The causes for the initial stage of prostatitis can be, depending on the source of the inflammation:
- Infections (bacterial prostatitis): bacteria, streptococci, chlamydia.
- congestion, physiological structural features in the male pelvic organs (non-bacterial prostatitis).
Depending on the degree of damage, the duration of the course and the complexity of the treatment, prostatitis occurs
- Sharp.
- Chronic.
Associated causes for the onset of congestion in the prostate are:
- Age-related changes (decrease in testosterone levels, narrowing of the ducts, enlargement of the prostate).
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Alcohol abuse, which leads to swelling and narrowing of the ducts.
- Postponed chronic infectious diseases (tonsillitis, tooth decay, bronchitis, infections of the genitourinary system).
- Irregular sex life.
- Perineal trauma, the consequences of surgical interventions on the pelvic organs.
- General hypothermia.
- Bowel disease (constipation).
- Weakening of the immune system in connection with stress, improper lifestyle and smoking.
Symptoms
The initial stage of prostatitis is a signal that an inflammatory process has started. First symptoms:
- Drawing pain in the perineum with localization in the scrotum, rectum, radiation to the leg, abdomen, lower back.
- Sharp pains that sting when urinating.
- Sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Frequent urination.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Sexual dysfunction: painful intercourse with ejaculation; decreased libido, weakened erection.
- discharge from the urethra.
- The consequences of the above symptoms are depression, insomnia and a general decrease in quality of life.
In some cases, the disease is asymptomatic: pain occurs regularly, the clinical picture is not clearly expressed. As a result, the disease moves to the next stage, with more serious consequences.
Diagnosis
The difficulty of recognizing the initial stage of chronic inflammation of the prostate is due to the similarity of its symptoms with the symptoms of other diseases. Fever, malaise, the patient may be associated with a cold; Drawing pain in the perineal area - with cystitis; radiating back pain - with osteochondrosis.
Do not rely on self-relieving symptoms, the disease does not "resolve" on its own. Only a qualified urologist can make a diagnosis based on an in-depth examination.
Must be passed:
- General urinalysis.
- Complete blood count.
- bacterial urine culture.
- Analysis of prostate secretion.
- Analysis of urethral secretions.
- Computed tomography of the pelvic organs.
- PCR (polymer chain reaction) - diagnostics.
In addition to general tests and studies, if cancer is suspected, the doctor will prescribe further studies:
- PSA blood test (Prostate Specific Antigen). A high level of a certain protein indicates a possible prostate cancer.
- TRUS (TransRectal Ultrasound) of the prostate, performed by inserting an electronic probe into the patient's rectum.
- spermogram.
- Biopsy of the prostate tissue (if cancer is suspected).
After an accurate diagnosis has been made based on medical history and research data, the doctor will prescribe comprehensive treatment.
Treatment methods
The initial stage of prostatitis includes drug therapy. The earlier treatment begins, the more favorable the prognosis.
In the case of bacterial infection, the main treatment is antibiotics, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory drugs and alpha-blockers.
- The groups of antibiotics used in the treatment of bacterial prostatitis are penicillins, cephalosporins. Antibiotic treatment should be continued for 5-7 days. Suddenly stopping the pills may result in a loss of susceptibility of microorganisms to these types of antibiotics.
- Alpha blockersrelax the smooth muscles of the bladder, normalize the sensitivity of the mucous membrane, reduce the frequency of urges (tamsulosin hydrochloride, doxazosin). When using these drugs, side effects may occur: visual impairment, lowering blood pressure.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsrelieve pain and swelling (diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen).
In addition to the medication, we recommend:
- Physiotherapy procedures can relieve symptoms, relieve inflammation - magnet, ultrasound and laser therapy.
- Prostate massage stimulates the blood supply and the secretion of glandular secretions.
Non-traditional methods of treating prostatitis include:
- Reflex therapy(acupuncture, acupuncture) allows you to influence biologically active points. This normalizes blood circulation and metabolism, and improves the general condition of the patient.
- Apitherapy(treatment with bee venom and waste products from bees) stimulates the endocrine glands - adrenal glands, thyroid glands, sex glands.
- Hirudotherapy(leech therapy).
- Balneotherapy(bathing in mineral springs) is a general tonic that has a positive effect on the nervous system.
Traditional treatment methods
In the initial stages of prostatitis, it is useful to combine the use of drugs with alternative methods of treatment. Herbal medicine involves the use of decoctions, tinctures, the use of microclysters. They are a complementary treatment for chronic prostate diseases. Known for their ability to maintain immunity, they have a bactericidal, sedative effect.
- Ginsengstrengthens immunity and reduces inflammation.
- St. John's Worthas an antispasmodic effect and stimulates the production of male hormones.
- Pumpkin seedsstimulate the production of zinc, a vitamin that is necessary to strengthen the genitourinary system.
- wormwoodis an effective antimicrobial agent. It is used as a decoction, microclyster.
Prevention
In prostatitis prophylaxis, attention must be paid to the health of men before the first symptoms of the disease appear.
- Healthy lifestyle.A good break after work, fresh air, smoking and alcohol cessation strengthen the body's defenses and prevent infections from occurring.
- Physical activity.Sports activities and active rest help improve blood flow to the pelvic organs and blood flow to the prostate. Exercises to remove congestion are useful: squats, "scissors", abdominal exercises, walking.
- Proper nutrition.Eating high fiber foods, lean meats, and fish will help eliminate constipation as a risk factor for prostatitis.
- Regular sex life.The healthy functioning of the prostate is inextricably linked to the regularity of sexual activity. Frequent changes in sexual partners, excess, irregularity lead to premature exhaustion of the nervous system, infection of the male urogenital sphere and thus to inflammation of the prostate.
The initial stage of prostatitis is a disease that should be taken seriously. Self-medication, a late visit to the doctor, can lead to serious problems: a deterioration in well-being, outgrowth of the original shape to a stage of moderate and then high severity.
If conservative drug treatment can be dispensed with in the initial stage, a severe degree of disease requires surgical intervention with an unfavorable prognosis.
An important element of the male genital area is the prostate. Its function is the production of secretion (fluid), which ensures the mobility of the sperm in the semen.
A narrowing of the ducts leads to a blockage of the prostate. The consequence of impaired blood circulation, reproduction of microorganisms, is an inflammatory disease - prostatitis.