Prostatitis is characterized as inflammation of the tissue of the prostate gland, resulting from the development of congestion in it.
In the modern world, it is the most common urological disease among men of all ages. According to statistics, after the age of 30, prostatitis covers 30% of the male population, after 40 - 40%, after 50 - 50% and above in ascending order.
However, taking into account the peculiarities of the diagnosis and the possibility of the course of the disease in a latent form, the real figures are much higher.
Reasons for development
Currently, the causes of the development of prostatitis are divided into two large groups:
- Infectious - (sexually transmitted infections (penetration into the tissues of the prostate of the causative agent - microbes, viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc. ): also the presence of foci of chronic infection (chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, renal pathology), operations on the pelvic organs etc. ).
- Non-infectious (stagnant) (decreased immunity, hypothermia, decreased physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sexual abstinence and vice versa excessive sexual activity, alcohol abuse, etc. ).
The development of prostatitis is facilitated by injuries, impaired blood and lymphatic circulation in the pelvic organs, hormonal disorders (absolute or relative androgen deficiency).
Therefore, it is emphasized that the isolated entry of the pathogen into the tissues of the organ is not always and may not necessarily be the cause of the development of the disease. The most frequently identified pathogen is Escherichia coli (86%), followed by Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As for streptococci, staphylococci, chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, the opinions of researchers about their importance in the development of the disease differ. It is extremely rare for specific pathogens (pale treponema, Koch's bacillus, etc. ) to become the causes of prostatitis.
Classification
Currently, the international classification of prostatitis has been adopted, which is the most comprehensive and covers all types of inflammation:
- Category I. Acute prostatitis;
- Category II. chronic bacterial prostatitis;
- Category III. Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome - a disease in which no infection is detected that lasts more than 3 months;
- Sub-category III A. Chronic inflammatory pelvic pain syndrome (leukocytes are determined in the secret of the prostate);
- Sub-category III B. Chronic non-inflammatory pelvic pain syndrome (there are no leukocytes in the secretion of the prostate);
- Category IV. Chronic asymptomatic prostatitis (leukocytes are present in the secret of the prostate, the patient has no complaints, the disease is detected by chance).
First signs
The main signs of acute prostatitis are an increase in body temperature and frequent urination, which is accompanied by cramps and weak pressure. Also, the signs of prostatitis include a burning sensation in the perineum and pain in the rectum during bowel movements. At the stage of purulent inflammation, spontaneous opening of the abscess and the outflow of pus from the urethra or rectum is likely.
A symptom of a chronic form is burning in the urethra and perineum, discharge of pus at the end of the act of defecation or urination, increased fatigue and irritability of the body.
Difficulty urinating with prostatitis is very dangerous, which, in the absence of timely treatment, can lead to acute urinary retention. Men should not ignore such indirect signs of prostatitis development as a complete or partial decrease in libido, accelerated ejaculation, sometimes painful and prolonged erection at night. All these symptoms are characteristic of inflammation of the prostate gland and also in an uncomplicated stage and amenable to adequate treatment.
Symptoms
While it is simply impossible not to notice acute prostatitis, in chronic prostatitis many do not notice certain signs or attach special importance to them.
We list the main symptoms of prostatitis in men:
- Problems with urination. Due to the narrowing of the urethra, the jet can become slow, thin or intermittent. To empty, the patient has to make an effort, which should not be normal. Sometimes the urine has to be literally squeezed out drop by drop, especially in the initial stage of the act of urination. Painful sensations often occur. Many patients have a frequent need to urinate (especially at night), this is due to irritation of the nerve endings. Even after going to the bathroom, many feel that the bladder is not completely emptied, this is due to an enlarged prostate and squeezing of the bladder. In severe cases, involuntary urine leakage or incontinence can occur.
- Painful sensations. As a rule, they are localized in the perineum, pubis or testicles, groin or lumbar region. The pain can come on suddenly and pass just as quickly, they are often quite strong, but more often there is a dull or aching character.
- Sexual problems will inevitably arise. First, the libido will decrease significantly. Secondly, erection problems can occur. Thirdly, due to ejaculation problems (ejaculation), the average duration of intercourse will change: it can become short due to premature ejaculation or, conversely, too long due to delayed ejaculation. Fourthly, the sensations will also change, as the orgasm will not be bright. Fifth, the volume of semen will be significantly reduced (only a few drops may be released, which is not normal).
- Another characteristic symptom is problems with conception. If a man is planning a baby, then with prostatitis, fertilization becomes impossible due to non-viability or insufficient mobility of the sperm.
- Discharge from the urethra. They are usually white in color and slimy in texture and are most common in the morning.
- In the acute course, there is an increase in body temperature (up to 38-39 °), fever, deterioration of the general condition, weakness, malaise and other similar manifestations. Such symptoms of prostatitis usually appear suddenly, without prerequisites.
Additionally, many have psychological problems associated with the symptoms listed above. A man may become insecure, his self-esteem will be greatly reduced, he will be depressed or irritable and nervous. Many representatives of the stronger sex are ashamed of such delicate problems and do not consider it necessary to talk about them, keeping everything to themselves. And that puts a lot of pressure on the psyche, changes behavior, and in some cases can lead to depression or a nervous breakdown.
chronic prostatitis
Many men do not pay much attention to the manifestations of prostatitis in the early stages. These are discreet painful sensations in the bladder area, frequent need to go to the toilet. Violation of normal ejaculation and erection is associated with the stronger sex with age and is in no hurry to consult a doctor. Such a frivolous attitude leads to the development of chronic prostatitis.
So, we list the common symptoms of various forms of chronic prostatitis:
- Feeling of discomfort and cuts in the urethra during urination or sexual intercourse, mild serous-purulent discharge from the urethra (mainly after prolonged urinary retention).
- Discomfort or / and moderate pain in the form of "aches" and heaviness in the perineal region, which arise or worsen after drinking alcoholic beverages, physical activity, sexual intercourse. Sometimes they are of a transient paroxysmal nature.
- A decrease in the ability to fertilize, which is caused by an increase in the acidity of the secretion, a decrease or lack of motility of spermatozoa and their agglutination (sticking) from their heads.
- Sudden frequent need to urinate (sometimes up to 3 times within 1 hour) and a feeling of insufficient emptying of the bladder, which is explained by a violation of the nervous regulation of the prostate, its muscle fibers and the bladder.
- Pain during orgasm or blurred sensations of orgasm, ejaculation disorders, expressed in its premature or, conversely, in the excessive duration of sexual intercourse. These phenomena are associated with an inflammatory process in the area of the seminal tubercle or with scarring due to inflammation.
To diagnose the disease, it is necessary to consult a urologist. With the help of tests, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes a course of drug treatment.
Diagnostics
To make an accurate diagnosis, a man must be examined by a doctor and tested. With prostatitis, the patient experiences pain from palpation in the perineal region. Internal palpation of the rectum shows the presence of swelling in the area of the prostate gland, it becomes dense to the touch. The patient complains of problems with the genitourinary system. After collecting the medical history, the patient must pass a detailed blood test for the presence of excess protein, increased white blood cell count and prostate antigen.
To exclude infection, the patient must pass a smear from the urethra. The laboratory will inoculate the identified bacteria and test their sensitivity to certain types of antibiotic agents. For an accurate picture, an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is performed. It clearly shows the inflammation and enlargement of the prostate. If the gland has grown strongly, on ultrasound you can see the presence of residual urine in the bladder.
After all tests and examinations have been passed, the man will be fully diagnosed and prescribed treatment.
Drugs for the treatment of prostatitis in men: a list
Complex treatment for prostatitis of various types can include several combinations of the following methods:
- immunocorrective therapy;
- antibiotic therapy;
- hormone therapy;
- various physiotherapy procedures;
- prostatic massage;
- lifestyle change;
- surgery, etc.
Treatment of prostatitis with drugs includes various drugs, including antibiotics:
- alpha blockers;
- hormonal drugs;
- muscle relaxants;
- immunomodulators;
- rectal suppositories;
- antibacterial drugs.
In treatment with antibiotics, preference is given to fluoroquinols and macrolides, since they are able to accumulate in the required concentration in the tissues of the prostate.
- Fluoroquinols.
- Macrolides.
- Less commonly used: penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines.
Prostatic massage
Prostate massage shows good results. The gland receives a complex effect. First of all, it becomes possible to remove from the body the inflammatory secret that has accumulated in the prostate (it is released during the massage). Improving blood circulation through these manipulations allows you to cope with all types of stagnation, and also contributes to the good penetration of antibiotics into the gland tissue.
A series of exercises
Exercises for the prostate:
- Absolutely not difficult exercise is used for both treatment and prevention. It consists of tightening and relaxing the muscles of the anus. It is these muscles that are responsible for holding back the flow when urinating. Try to contract and stretch a muscle group. This will increase blood flow to the gland area.
- Use a contrast shower to improve circulation. To do this, direct the flow of water into the perineum. First 30 seconds of very hot water, then 10 seconds of cool.
- In the absence of acute symptoms, you can massage yourself. This is done to improve blood flow. The exercise is best done lying down. The point for the massage is the space between the anus and the scrotum. The pressures should be firm, but not aggressive. The time is 3-5 minutes.
Be sure to check with your doctor before exercising. Sometimes their use is categorically unacceptable.
Immunocorrection
Decreased immunity adversely affects health.
It is this factor that is one of the fundamental in the development of the disease and its exacerbation. Long-term courses of taking antibiotics, which are mandatory for persistent prostatitis, also reduce the body's defenses. Therefore, the patient is advised to consult an immunologist to choose a strategy for conducting immunocorrection.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for chronic prostatitis is aimed at activating blood circulation.
For this purpose, the patient is exposed to laser, ultrasound, and magnetic vibrations are used. In some cases, these procedures are replaced with warm medicinal enemas, which are regularly given to the patient. Recommend sitz baths, mud baths, mineral waters.
Candles
All suppositories for the treatment of prostatitis have one of the properties: relieve pain (non-steroidal drugs), relieve spasms (based on papaverine), eliminate the inflammatory process (contain an antibiotic).
Alternative methods of treating prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis at home is carried out only with simple forms or chronic relapses. Traditional methods can increase the body's resistance to infections and relieve pain.
- Pumpkin seeds have long been used by healers in the treatment of prostatitis. They are a good and very affordable folk remedy for this condition. Since these seeds contain a lot of zinc, which is necessary for any man at any age, they quickly heal prostatitis. You just need to eat 30 seeds a day before meals. This is exactly the daily proportion of zinc for the body.
- The seeds and roots of the plant are suitable. The crushed roots of the plant are boiled for 10 minutes at the rate of half a glass of raw materials per 1 liter of water. The entire amount of the broth is drunk in even portions instead of water. The seeds are prepared in 4 teaspoons per glass of boiling water. Insist 40 minutes in a saucepan or 15 minutes in a thermos. Consume about 3-5 times a day for one tablespoon.
- The main ingredient is hazelnut. To cure prostatitis, it is necessary to take the bark or leaves of the hazelnut. You can prepare both ingredients alternately, alternating them. Keep in mind that the bark needs to be produced twice as long as it is hardest. Next, take a tablespoon of hazelnut leaves (or bark) and boil it in a glass of boiling water. Close the lid tightly and wait half an hour. Then strain and take 1/4 cup 4 times a day. It is best to use fresh twigs each time, but you can also use those already used several times. A week of such procedures is usually enough, and the prostatitis disappears.
- For the treatment of the disease, candles are produced, which are stored in the freezer. For the dough, take 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 egg and about 3 tablespoons of flour. Components are mixed until smooth, forming candles. Used in two courses in the morning and in the evening, 1 piece for 1 month with an interval of 10 days.
- Celandine is used with caution. The plant is poisonous, an overdose leads to severe poisoning. In parallel, celandine medicine will cleanse the body of polyps, neoplasms, cysts and prevent prostate adenoma. Freshly squeezed juice is diluted with alcohol in equal parts. Drink every day, diluting in 50 ml of water. Start the treatment with 1 drop, increasing the concentration by 1 drop every day for 60 days. After 10 days, the course is repeated.
Most folk remedies are used daily 1-3 times in cycles of 20-30 days. Treatment with herbal home remedies lasts longer due to their mild effect than drugs, but it is safer for the body, especially in the presence of concomitant diseases of the intestine and stomach. Treatment must be accompanied by gymnastics: raising the legs, squatting. Intensive walking for 15-30 minutes a day is recommended.
Complications of prostatitis
In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, prostatitis can be complicated by the following conditions:
- the development of chronic prostatitis;
- bladder obstruction;
- the development of infertility;
- recurrent cystitis;
- narrowing of the urethra;
- pyelonephritis;
- abscess of the prostate;
- sepsis.
Some of the above conditions require urgent surgery!
Prevention measures
Prevention comes down to avoiding provocative factors. A healthy lifestyle, protected sexual intercourse and the presence of a partner will reduce the likelihood of infection of the genitourinary system. General strengthening of the body and increased immunity are also a preventive measure for prostatitis.