Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that is mainly diagnosed in people over the age of 35-45. Such a disease can develop only in men, because the prostate gland 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 on the rise. Today, prostate inflammation affects nearly half of the entire male population between the ages of 30 and 70. It should be noted that prostatitis will progress if treated incorrectly or not. Untimely access to a doctor is fraught with negative consequences in the form of complications - an abscess of the gland or infertility.

The prostate gland is a rounded organ located under 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 sperm. Gland disorders can cause male infertility.

There are several classifications of prostatitis, distinguish:

• acute inflammation of the prostate gland;
• 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 numerous unpleasant symptoms. This condition requires urgent medical attention. Staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli and enterobacter can provoke an acute inflammatory process. Some microorganisms are part of the normal microflora, but entering the prostate gland they can provoke the development of inflammation of the tissues.

There are several types of acute inflammation:

• catarrhal;
• parenchymal;
• follicular;
• organ abscess.

Acute prostatitis can be easily diagnosed by an experienced and qualified doctor using modern laboratory tests. Severe symptoms and a typical clinical picture will allow you to quickly and correctly diagnose. Treat the acute type of the disease comprehensively. Initially, an antibiotic is used, which will eliminate the pathogen infection. In addition, effective therapy will include: medicines to strengthen the immune system, drugs 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 gland that presents characteristic symptoms. Among the signs of the disease are pain syndrome, urinary disorders, psychological distress. Inflammatory-type changes can also occur in biological fluids, including secretions from the gland, sperm, and urine. Chronic bacterial prostatitis always has a pathogen, which is determined using multilevel laboratory tests.

Prostatitis of an infectious nature is most often associated with microorganisms of the genus Enterobacteriaceae. The main causative agents of 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 have signs of inflammation or be nearly 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 prostate massage, an increase in the content of leukocytes is found. Pathogenic microorganisms are not detected.

Non-inflammatory prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome

If the urologist does not detect an infection during the diagnosis, the diagnosis may appear to be non-inflammatory prostatitis. The main symptom of the disease in this case is constant / recurrent and prolonged pain in the pelvic area. Such an unpleasant syndrome can bother up to 2-4 months.

Chronic asymptomatic prostatitis

Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis has practically no symptoms. Such inflammation of the gland proceeds 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.

Practice shows that the symptoms of inflammation of the tissues of the prostate gland can be easily confused with other pathologies affecting the pelvic organs. Self-medication can cause complications, the development of further diseases or critical conditions.

Causes of prostatitis in men

It is impossible to talk about the only cause of inflammation of the prostate gland, because this disease is multifactorial and can appear against the background of different circumstances. Assign hormonal disruptions, hypothermia, significant reductions in immune defense, circulatory disturbances, STD infections and sexual abstinence.

Infectious

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

Symptoms of prostatitis often appear due to sexually transmitted diseases. Inflammation of the prostate gland 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 organisms cause approximately 40-60% of all urogenital infections.

The secret of the gland contains bactericidal substances that prevent the development of infections inside the organ. In order for the infection to spread and an inflammatory process to occur, additional factors are required, including stagnation in the circulatory system of the small pelvis or stagnation of the gland secretion.

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

Non-infectious

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

Unnatural prolongation, interruption of intercourse or prolonged abstinence can also lead to 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 by the organ or is partially excreted.

Circulatory disorders and sedentary lifestyle

Tight underwear, a too tight belt, tight pants and shorts, and a sedentary lifestyle are often the causes of circulatory disorders in the pelvic area. The gland overflows with blood, compression of blood vessels is observed, delays in the transport of nutrients appear. Such changes lead to malfunctions of the gland.

Hormonal disorders

The amount of sex hormones plays a special role in the functioning of the prostate gland. They are able to influence the activity of the prostate cells. And hormone overload can increase the risk of signs of prostatitis.

The prostate gland is involved in stabilizing the balance of hormones in the genital area, and disturbances in the functioning of the organ lead to a malfunction. In particular, in chronic prostatitis, the dihydrotestosterone index decreases and estrogen saturation increases. The extent 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 obvious signs of prostatitis are a whole complex of various ailments. In addition, each type of such a disease can have its own individual symptoms. For example, acute prostatitis can be accompanied by fever, a sharp rise in body temperature and other symptoms of severe intoxication of the body. And chronic: impaired ejaculation and decreased sexual desire.

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

• urinary disorders;
• problems with sexual function;
• mental disorders.

Problems with urination such as signs of prostatitis

All patient complaints related to urination may appear due to:

• irritation of nerve endings, which occurs against the background 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 with drops;
• feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied;
• strong urge to urinate;
• urinary incontinence during need;
• increased urination.

Pain syndrome

Aching pain with prostatitis can be traced in the lower abdomen. Pain can be given to the lower back, groin, scrotum, and even the anus. In addition, the patient may complain of pain in the groin after a long stay in a sitting position. The pain can be sharp or dull.

Disturbances in intimate life

Symptoms of prostatitis include problems in the intimate area:

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

Among the signs of prostatitis, dull and slow orgasms, as well as secretions from the urethra of mucous consistency can be distinguished.

Mental imbalance

Men often encounter psychological difficulties when dealing with diseases of the genitourinary system. Due to erection problems, pain or rapid ejaculation, the patient may isolate himself, become aggressive towards others or simply feel anxious, fearful. Stresses appear that can adversely affect the immune system, significantly weakening it.

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

Diagnostics of prostatitis

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

• blood culture;
• magnetic resonance or computerized imaging;
• bacteriological examination of sperm.

Urological examination

Urological examination by a doctor is the first, 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 number of additional diagnostic procedures.

Digital gland examination is a mandatory method. This procedure is performed through the anus. Normally, the examination does not cause the patient pain, although mild discomfort is usually observed. During a urological examination, the doctor will take into account 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 a general urinalysis and blood test for HIV, markers of hepatitis C and B, as well as for RW. Patients with suspected inflammatory process in the prostate gland are often prescribed:

• urinalysis, which determines the presence of pathogenic flora;
• examination of glandular secretion;
• blood tests for sexually transmitted infections and presence of prostate specific antigen to rule out oncology.

Ultrasound examination of the prostate, bladder and kidneys

In case of prostatitis, a single ultrasound examination of the gland, bladder and kidneys is done to make a diagnosis. With the help of such a diagnosis, a specialist doctor will be able to identify almost any pathological changes, including tumors and tissue inflammation. 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 examination is performed.

With an ultrasound of the prostate, the doctor assesses the shape, size, structure, as well as density and homogeneity of the organ. Signs of prostatitis with ultrasound diagnostics are easy to identify. Also, depending on the results of the study, adenomas and tumors, including cancer, can be detected.

In case of inflammation of the prostate, for completeness of 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 size, extension and echo density.

Only a doctor can make a diagnosis based on the ultrasound results. Drawing conclusions or prescribing treatment on your own is dangerous and threatens with serious consequences.

Uroflowmetry

Uroflowmetry is a medical diagnosis. This method records the speed of urine during urination, which allows you to identify violations associated with the patency of the canal, the activity of muscle tissue and their tone. It is performed on special equipment: using digital graphics and images, the uroflowmeter will plot the results.

Treatment of prostatitis

It is impossible to talk about the treatment of prostatitis as a specific list of manipulations and measures, because there are different types of the disease, and each of them requires its own individual therapy.

Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies

Treatment of prostatitis at home can be carried out only after consulting a doctor. A competent medical specialist will prescribe drugs and possibly physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises. Traditional medicine recipes may also be recommended, but they should not be the main therapeutic method.

Treatment of prostatitis at home should be carried out carefully and taking into account all the recommendations of the doctor. A urologist can recommend herbal infusions and decoctions, candles with honey and syrups. It is important to know that any alternative medicine recipe has its own contraindications. You cannot self-medicate and purchase dubious goods, including massagers, bracelets, prostatitis plasters, underwear or special pillows. Unjustified purchase and use of drugs without the advice of a doctor can become a fatal mistake, as a result of which additional diseases will appear or the patient's condition will worsen.

Herbal treatment for prostatitis

Herbal medicine for prostatitis can help ease the unpleasant symptoms of glandular inflammation. It is used in addition to medical (drug) therapy. The urologist, if necessary, will prescribe useful recipes 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 should indicate the ingredients, the method of preparation and the dose. In such cases, it is more often recommended to use: creeping cumin grass, pharmacy chamomile flowers, marsh creeper, sage, corn silk, ivan tea, marshmallow root, licorice rhizomes and linden inflorescences.

Also popular:

• Parsley. It has a strengthening effect on blood vessels and has an anti-inflammatory effect. The seeds are especially useful, they are added in crushed form to various recipes of alternative medicine.
• 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 soothing properties. The herb is indispensable for depressive disorders, for the prevention and treatment of stress, which, for example, can manifest itself against the background of erectile dysfunction.

Provided that all medical prescriptions are followed, some traditional medicine recipes can increase the effect of the therapy.

Hirudotherapy

Hirudotherapy for the treatment of prostatitis at home raises many doubts among experts around the world. Therapy with specially grown medicinal leeches in biofactories is to some extent curative, and annelid worm saliva also has healing properties. It contains several useful active ingredients, among which it is worth highlighting hirudin. With prostatitis, leeches are applied to the skin just above the pubis, in the groin and anus. Therapy has its own nuances, which the doctor will tell you about. Self-medication is dangerous.

In which cases can prostatitis not be treated at home?

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

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

Treatment of prostatitis at home is important to be carried out under the close supervision of a urologist. Any medications or alternative medicine prescriptions should be discussed with your doctor before use. Do not take your medicine on the advice of, for example, friends or pharmacists at the pharmacy. You run the risk of harming your body and causing a series of negative reactions.

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

Treatment of prostatitis in men: drugs

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

Remedies for prostatitis: antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs

Remedies for prostatitis can only be prescribed by a doctor, based on the results of the patient's diagnosis, including the responses of laboratory tests. It is important to know that agents for prostatitis of the beta-lactam and nitrafuran groups are ineffective, as they cannot penetrate the prostate tissue. It is not necessary to expect good results from such prostatitis treatment.

At the moment, drugs from the fluoroquinolone and macrolide groups show the best results in the treatment of prostatitis in men. To eliminate the symptoms associated with urination disorders, the urologist can prescribe a remedy for prostatitis in the form of an alpha-blocker, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. Herbal medicine, hormonal drugs and immunocorrection drugs are popular.

Traditional medical treatment of prostatitis in men can be supplemented with physical therapy. Such a therapeutic technique is used as a remedy for prostatitis in the absence of symptoms of an acute form of the disease.

Patch for prostatitis

Today, men with prostate inflammation often hear about prostatitis patches. The producers of the questionable product offer quality prevention or quick recovery.

This therapy cannot be called the treatment of 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 real customer reviews confirm the effectiveness of the Chinese universal patch for prostatitis.

Suppositories from prostatitis

Suppositories for prostatitis are often prescribed in combination with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Rectal suppositories can eliminate the causes of prostatitis, have a healing effect and relieve inflammation of the tissues. Suppositories for prostatitis are similar in principle to microcyclists. Only suppositories are made up of fats and oils, and enemas are mostly water.

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

Physiotherapy as a complementary medicine for prostatitis

If we consider all the complex treatment of prostatitis in men, drugs are the main part of therapy. Physiotherapy is an additional method to help treat prostatitis in men. Prescribe procedures for inflammation of the prostate gland, provided that there are no acute symptoms.

If you don't know how and how prostatitis in men is treated using physiotherapy, then you should note the most common of them:

• drug electrophoresis;
• UHF therapy (treatment with an electric field using capacitor plates);
• magnetotherapy (therapeutic effect of a magnetic field on the patient's body);
• mud therapy;
• microenemas with herbal infusions and decoctions (such physiotherapy is the treatment of chronic acute prostatitis with folk remedies);
• general and local baths that use different fluids and temperatures;
• galvanization (exposure to direct current with low voltage on the human body).

How to treat prostatitis, gland massage

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

It is strictly forbidden, in the presence of prostatitis, to massage with adenoma and cyst of the gland, cracks in the anus, with urinary retention and high body temperature. Acute infectious processes in the bladder or kidneys are also contraindications.