Chronic prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate gland. According to the severity, functional changes in the gland, there are 3 stages: initial, medium, severe.
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 ducts are not very pronounced, which often allows the patient to lead a fulfilling 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 of the initial stage of prostatitis, depending on the source of the inflammation, can be:
- 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.
The associated causes of the onset of congestion in the prostate gland are:
- Age-related changes (decreased testosterone levels, narrowing of the ducts, enlarged prostate gland).
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Alcohol abuse, leading to swelling, narrowing of the ducts.
- Postponed chronic infectious diseases (tonsillitis, caries, bronchitis, infections of the genitourinary system).
- Irregular sex life.
- Perineal trauma, the consequences of surgery on the pelvic organs.
- General hypothermia.
- Disturbances of the gut (constipation).
- Weakening of the immune system associated with stress, improper lifestyle, smoking.
Symptoms
The initial stage of prostatitis is a signal of the onset of an inflammatory process. Initial symptoms:
- Drawing pains in the perineum with localization in the scrotum, rectum, radiating to the leg, abdomen, lower back.
- Sharp pains, burning when urinating.
- Sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating.
- Sexual dysfunction: pain during intercourse, with ejaculation; decreased libido, weakening of erection.
- Discharge from the urethra.
- The consequences of the above symptoms are depression, sleep disturbances and a general decrease in the quality of life.
In some cases, the disease is asymptomatic: pain occurs periodically, the clinical picture is not clearly expressed. As a result, the disease moves to the next stage, with more serious consequences.
Diagnostics
The difficulty in detecting the initial stage of chronic inflammation of the prostate gland is due to the similarity of its symptoms with the symptoms of other diseases. Fever, malaise, the patient may be associated with a cold; pulling pains in the perineal region - with cystitis; irradiating lumbar pain - with osteochondrosis.
Don't rely on symptoms that go away on their own, the disease won't "go away" on its own. Only a qualified urologist can make a diagnosis based on a thorough examination.
Must be passed:
- General urinalysis.
- Complete blood count.
- Bacterial urine culture.
- Analysis of prostatic 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 prescribes additional studies:
- PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test. A higher content of a specific protein indicates possible prostate cancer.
- TRUS (Transrectal Ultrasound) of the prostate, performed by inserting an electronic probe into the patient's rectum.
- Spermogram.
- Biopsy of prostate tissue (if cancer is suspected).
After establishing an accurate diagnosis based on the medical history and research data, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive treatment.
Methods of treatment
The initial stage of prostatitis includes drug therapy. The earlier the treatment begins, the more favorable the prognosis.
In case of bacterial infection, the main treatment is with antibiotics, antibacterials, anti-inflammatory drugs, alpha-blockers.
- The groups of antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial prostatitis are penicillins, cephalosporins. Antibiotic treatment should be continued for 5-7 days. Sudden cessation of pills can lead to loss of sensitivity of microorganisms to this type of antibiotic.
- Alpha-blockersrelax the smooth muscle of the bladder, normalize the sensitivity of the mucosa, reduce the pulse frequency (tamsulosin hydrochloride, doxazosin). When using these drugs, side effects can occur: blurred vision, lowering blood pressure.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsreduce pain, reduce swelling (diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen).
In addition to drugs, we recommend:
- Physiotherapy procedures can relieve symptoms, relieve inflammation - magnetic, ultrasound, laser therapy.
- Prostate massage stimulates the blood supply, the secretion of glandular secretions.
Non-traditional methods of treating prostatitis include:
- Reflexotherapy(acupuncture, acupuncture) allows you to influence the biologically active points. As a result, blood circulation, metabolism are normalized, the general condition of the patient improves.
- Apitherapy(treatment with bee venom and bee waste products) stimulates the endocrine glands - adrenal glands, thyroid, sex glands.
- Hirudotherapy(leech therapy).
- Balneotherapy(bathing in mineral springs) is a general tonic, it has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Traditional treatment methods
In the initial stage of prostatitis, it is useful to combine the use of drugs with alternative methods of treatment. Phytotherapy involves the use of decoctions, tinctures, the use of microclitteri. They are a complementary treatment for chronic prostate disease. Known for their ability to maintain immunity, they have a bactericidal and sedative effect.
- Ginsengboosts immunity, relieves inflammation.
- St. John's Worthas an antispasmodic effect, stimulates the production of male hormones.
- Pumpkin seedsstimulate the production of zinc, a vitamin necessary to strengthen the genitourinary system.
- Wormwoodis an effective antimicrobial agent. It is used as a decoction, microclitteri.
Prevention
Prostatitis prophylaxis consists in taking care of men's health before the first symptoms of the disease appear.
- Healthy lifestyle.A good rest after work, fresh air, smoking and quitting alcohol strengthen the body's defenses, preventing the onset of infections.
- Physical activity.Sports activities, active rest help improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs, circulation of prostatic secretions. The exercises to eliminate stagnation are useful: squats, "scissors", abdominal exercises, walking.
- Proper nutrition.Eating foods rich in fiber, lean meat, fish helps to eliminate constipation as a risk factor for prostatitis.
- Regular sex life.The healthy functioning of the prostate gland is inextricably linked to the regularity of sexual activity. Frequent change of sexual partners, excessiveness, irregularities lead to premature exhaustion of the nervous system, infection of the male genitourinary system and, consequently, inflammation of the prostate gland.
The early stage of prostatitis is a disease that should be taken seriously. Self-medication, a late visit to a doctor, can lead to serious problems: a deterioration in well-being, a growth of the initial form in an average stage, and then a high degree of severity.
If, at the initial stage, it is possible to do without conservative drug treatment, the severe degree of the disease requires surgical intervention with a poor prognosis.
An important element of the male genital area is the prostate gland. Its function is the production of a secretion (fluid) which ensures the mobility of the spermatozoa in the sperm.
Narrowing of the ducts leads to prostate congestion. The consequence of impaired blood flow, the reproduction of microorganisms is an inflammatory disease - prostatitis.