Prostatitis

3 January 2021

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate diagnosed mainly in people over 35-45 years of age. This disease can develop only in men, because the prostate is absent in the female body. Why does the disease occur and what factors contribute to its development? How to treat prostatitis and what are the risks of complications?

Prostatitis in men

Given the disappointing statistics, the incidence of prostatitis is increasing. Today, prostate inflammation affects almost half of the entire male population aged between 30 and 70 years. It should be noted that prostatitis progresses whether treated incorrectly or not. Premature access to a doctor is fraught with negative consequences in the form of complications: a gland abscess or infertility.

The prostate is a rounded organ located below the bladder and involved in the formation of sperm (seminal fluid). During ejaculation, the muscular parts of the prostate contract, preventing sperm from entering the bladder and urine from entering the semen. Dysfunction of the gland can cause male infertility.

There are several classifications of prostatitis, differentiate:

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

Inflammation of the prostate is often accompanied by vesiculitis or urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).

Acute prostatitis

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

There are several types of acute inflammation:

catarrhal;
parenchymatous;
;
organ abscess.

Acute prostatitis is easily diagnosed by a qualified and experienced physician, using modern laboratory tests. Severe symptoms and a typical clinical picture will allow a quick and correct diagnosis. Treat the acute type of the disease comprehensively. Initially, an antibiotic is used to eliminate the infection from the pathogen. In addition, effective therapy will include: medications to strengthen the immune system, medications to improve blood circulation in the gland, physiotherapy procedures, if necessary. But the benefits of massage for prostatitis have not been proven.

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 disorders and psychological discomfort can be distinguished. Inflammatory-type changes can also occur in biological fluids, including secretions from the gland, semen and urine. Chronic bacterial prostatitis always has a pathogenic agent, which is determined through multilevel laboratory tests.

Prostatitis of an infectious nature is most often associated with microorganisms of the genus Enterobacteriaceae. The main agents that cause prostatitis are Trichomonas, ureplasma, gonococcus, mycoplasma, chlamydia, gardnerella. The inflammation can be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or fungi of the genus Candida, if a man is infected with HIV. Other pathogenic microorganisms, including Klebsiella, Proteus and Enterococcus, cause the disease.

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis may 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 complete diagnosis of the patient's condition.

Inflammatory prostatitis

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis with signs of inflammation can be diagnosed through patient complaints and laboratory test results. In the secret of the gland, after the prostate massage, an increased content of leukocytes is found. Pathogenic microorganisms are not detected.

Noninflammatory prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome

If during diagnosis the urologist does not detect an infection, then the diagnosis may sound like non-inflammatory prostatitis. The main symptom of the disease in this case is a constant / recurrent and prolonged pain in the pelvic region. This unpleasant syndrome can disrupt up to 2-4 months.

Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis

Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis has virtually no symptoms. This inflammation of the gland continues without visible symptoms. The doctor can detect the problem due to the periodic or constant secretion of leukocytes and bacteria in the urine. This form of the disease is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.

As practice shows, the symptoms of inflammation of the prostate tissues can easily be confused with other pathologies that affect 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, because this disease is multifactorial and can appear in the context of various circumstances. Allocate hormonal disruptions, hypothermia, significant decreases in immune defense, circulatory disorders, STD infections and sexual abstinence.

Infectious

Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the prostate during inflammation that occurs in the bladder and urethra. The infection can also penetrate the prostate due to hematogenous pathways, for example, purulent foci (during tonsillitis, pneumonia or furunculosis). The causative agents can be: E. coli, staphylococci and enterococci.

Symptoms of prostatitis usually appear 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 mycoplasma infection, which affects not only the reproductive system. Chlamydia is also worth mentioning. Gram-negative intracellular microorganisms cause approximately 40-60% of all urogenital infections.

The gland secret contains bactericidal substances that prevent the development of infections within the organ. For the infection to spread and an inflammatory process to occur, additional factors are needed, including stagnation of the circulatory system of the small pelvis or stasis of gland secretion.

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

Not infectious

There are several non-infectious causes of inflammation of the prostate tissue. Signs of prostatitis can arise due to the violation of the mechanics of the entire urinary excretion process, since urination is performed due to the periodic relaxation of the circular muscles of the prostate and bladder. Several violations of this process, including failures associated with variability in muscle functioning (tension and contraction of tissues), contribute to the entry of urine into the prostate ducts. This situation can adversely affect the organ, cause irritation and, as a consequence, symptoms of prostatitis.

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

Circulatory disorders and sedentary lifestyle

Tight underwear, a tight belt, tight pants and shorts and a sedentary lifestyle are often the causes of circulatory disorders in the pelvic area. The gland is overflowing with blood, there is compression of the blood vessels, delays in the transport of nutrients appear. These 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 are able to influence the activity of the prostate cells. And hormonal overload can increase the risk of signs of prostatitis.

The prostate is involved in stabilizing the balance of hormones in the genital area, and disturbances in the functioning of the organ lead to malfunction. In particular, in chronic prostatitis, the dihydrotestosterone index decreases and estrogen saturation increases. The scale of the hormonal imbalance in prostatitis will depend on the characteristics and stage of the disease, which can only be determined by a specialist.

Symptoms of prostatitis

All the obvious signs of prostatitis are a complex of several disorders. In addition, each type of disease can have its own individual symptoms. Thus, for example, acute prostatitis can be accompanied by fever, a sharp rise in body temperature and other symptoms of severe body intoxication. And chronically impaired ejaculation and decreased sexual desire.

All symptoms of prostatitis can be divided into 3 distinct categories:

urinary disorders;
problems with sexual function;
mental disorders.

Urinary problems as signs of prostatitis

All patient complaints related to urination may appear due to:

irritation of nerve endings, which occurs in the context of the inflammatory process;
narrowing of the lumen of the urethra.

In this case, the symptoms of prostatitis can be:

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

Pain syndrome

Painful discomfort with prostatitis can be detected in the lower abdomen. Pain can be given in the lower back, groin, scrotum and even in the anus. In addition, the patient may complain of pain in the groin after a long stay in the sitting position. The pain can be acute or deaf.

Disorders of intimate life

Symptoms of prostatitis include problems in the intimate area:

decreased libido;
ejaculation disorders (increase or decrease in semen volume);
weakening of erection, complete or partial sexual dysfunction;
pain during ejaculation.

Among the signs of prostatitis, opaque and slow orgasms can be distinguished, as well as urethral discharge of mucous consistency.

Mental imbalance

Men tend to have psychological difficulties when facing diseases of the genitourinary system. Due to problems with erection, pain or premature ejaculation, the patient may become isolated, become aggressive towards others or simply feel anxiety, fear. Stresses appear that can negatively affect the immune system, significantly weakening it.

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

Diagnosis of prostatitis

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

blood culture;
magnetic resonance or computerized images;
bacteriological examination of semen.

Urological examination

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

Digital examination of the gland is a mandatory method. This procedure is performed through the anus. Usually, the test does not cause pain to the patient, although mild discomfort is usually seen. During the urological examination, the doctor will take into account the complaints, the age of the patient and the presence of chronic pathologies.

Laboratory research

There is a list of urological methods for laboratory examination of men, which includes general urinalysis and blood tests for HIV, hepatitis C and B markers, as well as for RW. Patients with suspected prostate inflammation are often prescribed:

analysis of urine, which determines the presence of pathogenic flora;
examination of gland secretion;
blood tests for sexually transmitted infections and the presence of prostate specific antigen to exclude oncology.

Ultrasound examination of the prostate, bladder and kidneys

In case of prostatitis, a single ultrasound examination of the gland, bladder and kidneys is performed to make the diagnosis. With the help of this diagnosis, a medical specialist will be able to identify almost all pathological changes, including tumors and inflammation of the tissues. Ultrasound helps to assess not only the condition of the organs, but also the blood flow. If necessary, for better visualization of the organ, a transrectal study is performed.

With the ultrasound examination of the prostate, the doctor assesses the shape, size, structure, as well as the density and homogeneity of the organ. Signs of prostatitis with an ultrasound diagnosis are easy to identify. In addition, depending on the results of the study, adenoma and tumors, including cancer, may be detected.

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

cystic inclusions

;
presence of calcifications;
tissue densification;
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 on your own is dangerous and has serious consequences.

Urofluxometry

Urofluxometry is a medical diagnosis. This method records the speed of urine during urination, which allows to identify violations associated with the permeability of the canal, the activity of muscle tissue and its tone. It is carried out in special equipment - using digital graphics and images, the urofluxometer will trace the results.

Treatment of prostatitis

It is impossible to speak of the treatment of prostatitis as a specific list of manipulations and measures, because there are several types of the disease and each requires individual therapy.

Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies

The treatment of prostatitis at home can only be carried out after a medical consultation. A competent medical specialist will prescribe medication and possibly physical therapy and therapeutic exercises. Prescriptions for traditional medicines may also be recommended, but they should not be the main therapeutic method.

The treatment of prostatitis at home should be done with care and taking into account all the doctor's recommendations. A urologist can recommend herbal infusions and decoctions, candles with honey and syrups. It is important to know that any prescription for alternative medicine has its own contraindications. You cannot self-medicate and buy questionable products, including massagers, bracelets, an anti-prostatitis patch, special underwear or pillows. Purchasing and using drugs irrationally without the advice of a doctor can become a fatal error, due to which additional illnesses appear or the patient's condition worsens.

Home treatment of prostatitis with herbs

Herbal medicines for prostatitis can help to quell the unpleasant symptoms of glandular inflammation. It is used as an adjunct to medical therapy (medication). The urologist, if necessary, will prescribe useful prescriptions, based on the characteristics of the patient's condition, his age and the presence of chronic pathologies.

Home treatment of prostatitis requires a serious attitude towards your health. You can prepare a bath or enema based on herbal preparations at home, but the doctor must indicate the components, form of preparation and dosage. In these cases, the use of creeping cumin, pharmacy chamomile flowers, climbing plants, sage, corn silk, ivan tea, marshmallow root, licorice rhizomes and linden inflorescences is most often recommended.

Also popular:

Parsley. It has a strengthening effect on blood vessels and an anti-inflammatory effect. The seeds are especially useful, as they are added in crushed form to various alternative medicine recipes.
Ginseng. The root of this plant increases the tone of the blood vessels. It has a stimulating effect.
St. John's wort. The plant has antibacterial and calming properties. The herb is indispensable in depressive disorders, in the prevention and treatment of stress, which, for example, can occur in the context of erectile dysfunction.

As long as all medical prescriptions are followed, certain prescriptions of traditional medicine can enhance the effect of therapy.

Hirudotherapy

Hirudotherapy for the treatment of prostatitis at home raises many doubts among specialists worldwide. Therapy with medicinal leeches specially grown in bio-factories is somewhat curative and the saliva of the annelid worm also has healing properties. It contains several useful active substances, among which hirudin deserves mention. In prostatitis, leeches are applied to the skin just above the pubis, groin and anus. The therapy has its own nuances, which the doctor will tell you about. Self-medication is dangerous.

In what cases cannot prostatitis be treated at home?

There are several alarming symptoms in acute or chronic prostatitis, in which it is important to seek help from a competent doctor urgently:

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

The treatment of prostatitis at home is important under the strict supervision of a urologist. Any medications or alternative medicine prescriptions should be discussed with your doctor before use. Do not take your own medicine on the advice of, for example, friends or pharmacists at the pharmacy. You risk damaging your body and causing a series of negative reactions.

Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies without consulting a specialist can end in failure. Be aware of your health.

Treatment of prostatitis in men: medicines

What should be the medical treatment for prostatitis in men, what kind of drugs does the doctor prescribe? Typically, therapy for acute and chronic prostatitis includes antibiotics. It is advisable to select these drugs taking into account the culture, which determines the sensitivity to a particular antibiotic.

Remedies for prostatitis: antibiotics and anti-inflammatories

Prostatitis remedies can only be prescribed by a doctor, based on the results of the patient's diagnosis, including responses from laboratory texts. It is important to know that remedies for prostatitis from the groups of betalactams and nitrafurans are ineffective, as they do not penetrate the prostate tissue. There is no need to expect good results from this treatment for prostatitis.

Currently, drugs in the groups of fluoroquinolones and macrolides show the best results in the treatment of prostatitis in men. To eliminate the symptoms associated with urinary disorders, the urologist can prescribe a prostatitis drug in the form of an alpha blocker, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. Herbal medicines, hormonal drugs and immunocorrection drugs are popular.

The traditional medicine for prostatitis in men can be supplemented with physical therapy. This therapeutic technique is used as a remedy for prostatitis in the absence of symptoms of an acute form of the disease.

Adhesive for prostatitis

Today, men with prostate inflammation often hear about prostatitis spots. Questionable product manufacturers offer quality prevention or quick recovery.

This therapy cannot be called treating prostatitis with folk remedies. It is not related to alternative medicine, but it is not applied in practice by qualified doctors. The prostatitis patch has no evidence base. Neither doctors nor actual customer reviews confirm the effectiveness of the Chinese universal patch for prostatitis.

Prostatitis suppositories

Suppositories for prostatitis are usually prescribed in combination with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Rectal suppositories can eliminate the causes of prostatitis, have a healing effect and relieve tissue inflammation. Suppositories for prostatitis are, in principle, similar to microclysters. Only suppositories are composed of fats and oils, and the enemas are predominantly water.

Coconut oil is most often the basis of suppositories for prostatitis. It is this component that contributes to the almost instantaneous absorption of medicinal substances in the intestinal walls. In addition, suppositories for prostatitis usually contain vitamins.

Physiotherapy as a complementary medicine for prostatitis

If we consider all the complex treatments for prostatitis in men, medications are the main part of the therapy. Physiotherapy is an additional method to help treat prostatitis in men. Prescribe procedures for inflammation of the prostate, as long as there are no acute symptoms.

If you do not know how and how prostatitis in men is treated with physical therapy, then the most common of these should be noted:

drug electrophoresis

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

How to treat prostatitis, glandular massage

The popular method of treating prostatitis - massage today (according to the results of several studies) has no evidence of its effectiveness. If a man has prostatitis, massage can be used to stimulate drainage of prostate secretions. This manipulation is performed through the anus with the fingers only in a medical institution under the guidance of a specialist.

It is strictly prohibited, in case of prostatitis, to massage with adenoma and gland cysts, fissures in the anus, with urinary retention and elevated body temperature. Acute infectious processes in the bladder or kidneys are also contraindications.