Bacterial prostatitis is understood as an inflammatory process in the prostate tissues, which can occur acutely or chronically. The disease is manifested by intense pain in the groin area, fever, signs of intoxication and therefore requires a lot of attention from the medical team.
We will tell you what causes prostatitis, how it manifests and how it is treated.
Why does bacterial prostatitis occur?
According to research institutes, bacterial prostatitis affects sexually active men aged 25 to 50. The reason is the introduction of pathogenic microflora into the genitourinary system through the mouth of the urethra.
Most often, the following types of pathogens are found in the prostate:
- staphylococci;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli;
- enterococcus.
These organisms are considered opportunistic. They constantly inhabit a person's skin and mucous membranes and cause inflammation only under certain factors. According to the observations of urologists, the causes of the disease with a high degree of probability can be:
- Disregard the rules of personal hygiene.
- A man's passion for anal sex (in 80% of cases, acute bacterial prostatitis is caused by E. coli, which lives in the rectum of a potential sex partner).
- Incorrect or too frequent catheterization.
- Infiltration of an infection of the bladder, urethra or testicles.
- Certain diseases (including AIDS and diabetes mellitus).
- Violations of the flow of urine.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
Under the influence of the vital activity of microorganisms, the consistency of prostate secretion is interrupted. In the organ, stagnant processes begin, which become the causes of unpleasant symptoms. In addition, this situation causes an extensive inflammatory process, an increase in the size of the prostate and other disorders.
The main symptoms of the disease
Bacterial prostatitis usually has an acute course, because symptoms start unexpectedly in men, develop quickly, and have multiple manifestations. Depending on the type of pathogen, the age of the pathological process and the state of the immune system, a man may complain of the following problems:
- An increase in body temperature up to 39 degrees, fever and chills.
- Sharp pain in the groin or lower abdomen. It can give to the scrotum, hip joints, anus.
- Frequent urination, especially at night. Almost always, a man pays attention to a burning sensation in the glans of the penis. As the disease progresses or the adenoma develops, acute urinary retention may begin.
- Painful sensations in the anal region, often constipation.
- Flu-like symptoms - muscle and joint pain, general weakness.
If bacterial prostatitis is caused by an STI, there may be different colored discharge from the penis, most often with an unpleasant odor. In this case, we may be talking about urethroprostatitis.
The intensity of symptoms largely depends on the stage of the inflammatory process. So, with a parenchymal form, the temperature can rise to 40 degrees and the pain becomes paroxysmal, while painkillers may not help.
Methods for diagnosing the disease
The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis based on a man's complaints and anamnesis data - information about lifestyle, existing chronic diseases, date and circumstances of the first symptoms. To clarify the type of pathogen, the patient is referred to the delivery of urine for bacteriological analysis. If the disease is chronic, it is possible to collect prostate secretion for research.
The following types of laboratory diagnosis can also be used:
- PCR research;
- general and biochemical blood test;
- blood test for PSA.
In the acute form, rectal palpation of the prostate is not performed. If there is no fever and the man is not bothered by severe pain, the doctor can touch the prostate with a finger through the wall of the rectum to determine its approximate size, shape, and consistency.
The diagnosis is confirmed or denied by the TRUS results. This is an ultrasound where a transducer is inserted into the patient's rectum. As a result, they get a clear picture of changes in the tissues of the organ, the location of the inflammatory process. To rule out cancer, they may send an MRI or CT scan, in especially doubtful cases, for a prostate biopsy.
How to treat bacterial prostatitis
It is impossible to cure bacterial prostatitis without antibiotics. Folk remedies will give only a short-term effect, the pathogen will remain in the body and can cause various complications. Also, there is no better antibiotic, a man must 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 health status.
In addition to antibiotic therapy, doctors provide strengthening treatments. For these purposes, vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are selected, in some cases immunomodulators are prescribed. Antipyretic and analgesic medications are also prescribed. If you have trouble urinating with bacterial prostatitis, doctors may place a catheter.
Throughout the course, you need to observe bed rest, take care of yourself from stress and anxiety.
The use of suppositories for bacterial prostatitis
To fight prostatitis at the local level, various rectal suppositories can be prescribed. They cannot cure bacterial prostatitis, but they will significantly 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 reduce pain;
There is no information on the effectiveness of barium ferrite magnetic candles. In traditional medicine, this method of treatment is practically not used.
Prostate massage and any warm-up based activities are prohibited in acute bacterial prostatitis.
If the treatment tactics were chosen correctly and the man did not engage in self-healing, the prognosis is favorable. Otherwise, the transition of the disease to a chronic form or the development of certain diseases is possible.
What complications can be
Complications of bacterial prostatitis can occur if a man has not seen a doctor for a long time or if he has received unskilled care. The consequences are different, even sepsis and death.
Most often, against the background of an untreated disease, the following diseases occur:
- pyelonephritis;
- cystitis;
- prostate abscess.
In some cases, erectile dysfunction or infertility may occur. To avoid unintended consequences, a man with bacterial prostatitis should be treated in an inpatient unit.
Sex with bacterial prostatitis
The possibility of having sex with this form of prostate inflammation depends on which pathogen is caused by the pathology and at what stage it is. If the causative agent is an STI, intimate communication is prohibited.
In the acute phase, man has no time for amorous pleasures. Unbearable pain, urinary disturbance, fever are often accompanied by poor erection, because libido disappears. In the case of the chronic form, intimate life is possible, but with the use of barrier contraception and after medical consultation.
For a woman, bacterial prostatitis can be dangerous - there is a risk of infecting her with sexually transmitted diseases. A sick man must remember this.
Conclusion
Bacterial prostatitis can be cured if it has a chronic form, and the man consulted a doctor in time and does not rely on dubious methods, pills and prescriptions. The chronic form is more difficult to respond to the therapeutic effects, therefore, a clinical examination will be necessary to control the health status.