Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate today is the leader in the group of male diseases that are mainly sexually transmitted. Its complications threaten infertility, decreased libido and impotence.

Symptoms of prostatitis are not only pain, urination disorders and inflammation of the spermatic cord. The most dangerous consequence of advanced inflammation can be cancerous degeneration of the prostate gland. While a pathological process diagnosed in time is easily stopped.

Causes of inflammation

The risk of developing prostate inflammation increases due to various factors that predispose to the disease:

• Hypothermia, once or related to the nature of work in the open air.
• A sedentary lifestyle leads to disruption of the functioning of the digestive system.
• Chronic somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension).
• Foci of focal, perifocal infection (rhinitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis, gastritis).
• Persistent UGI (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, herpes virus).
• Stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Decreased immunity due to previous illness, surgery, emotional stress.
• Bad habits that lead to the development of intoxication: alcohol, smoking, strong coffee.
• Occupational injuries in the perineum of car drivers, athletes, workers in hazardous industries.
• Promiscuous sex life, interrupted sexual relations, intercourse without sensuality with incomplete ejaculation, prolonged lack of intimacy (low need for sperm leads to stagnation in the gland).
• Venereal diseases.

Despite a fairly large number of provocative moments, the essence of prostatitis is the appearance of stagnation within the organ against the background of impaired blood circulation and lymphatic flow.

Distribution

In modern urology there is no uniform classification of the disease. However, practicing doctors prefer this option for the classification of the inflammatory process in the prostate:

According to the course of the disease:

• Acute prostatitis. It accounts for more than 50% of cases of the disease in people no older than 30-35 years old.
• Chronic option. It is considered a non-age category. It does not manifest itself for a long time, the impetus for its development is a cold or infection.

For the reason that caused the pathology:

• Bacterial inflammation of the prostate gland, prevalent in men under 40 years of age, appears against the background of ultrasound and does not extend beyond the boundaries of the organ.
• Non-bacterial pathological changes in the gland, mostly chronic.
• Viral inflammation of the prostate is characterized by an acute course that affects the entire genital area.

According to the nature of the structural changes in the prostate gland:

• Fibrous prostatitis is characterized by rapid irreversible growth of the gland and requires radical intervention. Clinically it resembles prostate adenoma.
• Calculous inflammation of the prostate gland occurs due to the formation of stones within the prostate. It is considered a harbinger of cancer.
• Congestive prostatitis, the result of a sedentary lifestyle, is diagnosed in every second patient.

Signs of illness

If a man detects at least two of the following symptoms of prostatitis, he should immediately contact a qualified specialist:

• Urinary disorder with the appearance of a constant, weak stream of urine, extremely short, causing splashing, difficulty and pain before urination. The frequent urge to empty the bladder occurs mainly at night.
• The pain, which is located in the lower abdomen, radiates to the scrotum, perineum and rectum.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Problems with ejaculation, changes in sperm (consistency, quantity).

Acute prostatitis

The disease begins with a sharp increase in temperature (up to 40 degrees), painful headache and fever. The symptoms that appear are accompanied by pain in the groin, perineum, back, discharge from the urethra, frequent urination and a constant urge to urinate.

Bladder emptying occurs with delay and a burning sensation. The urine itself becomes cloudy and may contain blood. Irritability and fatigue occur.

The result of acute prostatitis can be the complete resolution of the process (if treatment is started at the right time). Since changes occur in many pelvic organs, they cannot be left to chance, otherwise the corresponding complications will appear:

• Vesiculitis is an inflammation of the seminal vesicles, the cause of the appearance of pus in the sperm, which not only reduces the quality of the ejaculate, but leads to the loss of reproductive function.
• Coliculitis - inflammatory changes in the seminal tubercle cause the development of severe pain during sex, cessation of orgasm and impotence of a psychological nature.
• The formation of an abscess in the body of the prostate, its rupture and purulent damage to the rectum leads to a worsening of symptoms, severe intoxication of the body, up to death.
• Stagnation in prostate tissues leads to changes in their structure, disruption of innervation, blood supply, both in the gland itself and in nearby organs, with disruption of their functions. Erection becomes insufficient for full sexual intercourse, premature ejaculation and prolonged sexual intercourse without orgasm are observed.
• Scar changes in the gland and spermatic cord lead to infertility, reduced sperm quality and sperm motility. The narrowing of the urethra prevents the normal process of urination.

Chronic prostatitis

The main feature of the disease is the ambiguity of clinical symptoms with a long and continuous course of the process. More often, the chronic form appears independently, as a primary pathology against the background of blood stagnation in the vessels (prostatosis), abacterial prostatitis.

The main symptoms of chronic prostatitis are:

• fever;
• pain occurs in the scrotum, perineum, anus, back;
• urinary discomfort;
• mucous or mucopurulent discharge from the rectum, urethra, even in the absence of urination or defecation;
• erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, interrupted sexual intercourse, prolonged intercourse without a sense of satisfaction.

Inaction and improper treatment of chronic prostatitis can cause complications:

• Infertility is the result of chronic inflammation in the spermatic cord, vesicles, testicles and their appendages.
• Cystitis, pyelonephritis (other diseases of the genitourinary system) are the result of hematogenous and mechanical spread of microbes.
• Sepsis.
• Continuous decrease in immunity.
• Untreated prostatitis can cause cancer in 35-40% of cases.

Diagnosing

The clinical picture of the disease is typical, so the diagnosis is not difficult. It is performed by a urologist based on the medical history, the patient's examination, the laboratory minimum using the most modern medical equipment:

• Rectal examination of the gland, taking secretions for examination (culture with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics).
• UAC, UAM, urine bacterial culture.
• Smear test for STD, UGI examination.
• Daily monitoring of urination rhythm, measurement of urination rate (uroflowmetry).
• Ultrasound or TRUS is performed for differential diagnosis.
• If it is necessary to exclude oncology, a biopsy is taken, urography is performed and PSA - prostate specific antigen is determined.
• To diagnose infertility, a spermogram is prescribed - an ejaculate analysis to determine a man's fertility.

Based on the results of the patient's examination, an individual scheme for the complex treatment of prostatitis is drawn up. When prescribing drugs, the form of the pathology and the presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account. The decision on where the therapy will be performed (inpatient or outpatient) is made by the doctor. The course of treatment is carried out with careful laboratory monitoring of the results.

One of the most modern centers for the treatment of prostatitis is a specialized clinic. Since the problem of infertility is closely related to inflammatory urological diseases, medical professionals pay great attention to this problem.

In the clinics, each patient has the opportunity to undergo a full cycle of special examinations, receive psychological support, be treated with the latest generation drugs used in this field and get acquainted with the latest methods for treating prostate inflammation. No less important in the complex therapy of prostatitis is the issue of effective rehabilitation of patients, clinical observation and prevention.

Treatment of acute prostatitis

Acute prostatitis requires bed rest, a special diet, without salt and sexual rest.

Course treatment methods:

• The most effective treatment for prostatitis is etiotropic therapy. If the basis of prostatitis is an infection, a course of antimicrobial agents is a priority, which relieves the manifestations of inflammation.
• The pain syndrome is relieved with analgesics, antispasmodics, rectal suppositories, microclyses with warm sedative solutions. NSAIDs may be used.
• Immunostimulants, immunomodulators, enzymes, vitamin complexes and a combination of microelements have proven their effectiveness.
• Physiotherapy methods are possible only in the subacute phase of the disease. They improve microcirculation, increase immunity: UHF, microwaves, electrophoresis, laser, magnetic therapy.
• Massage is another effective method to affect the prostate. It opens the channels, normalizes blood circulation in the scrotum and pelvis.
• Acute retention of renal filtrate can be corrected with catheterization and trocar cystostomy.
• The purulent process involves surgical intervention.
• Consultations with a psychologist.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis

With a long-term effect (at least a month) on the prostate, there is no 100% guarantee of recovery. Priority goes to herbal medicines, correction of immunity, change of household habits:

• Herbal preparations are widely used in urological practice. They are able to accumulate at the site of the most active pathological process, protect cells from oxidation, remove free radicals and prevent the proliferation of glandular tissue.
• Antibacterial therapy is selected individually, based on the sensitivity of microbes to drugs.
• Medicines that increase immunity not only help to cope with prostatitis, they also correct the negative effects of antibiotics that disrupt the function of the immune system.
• The pain syndrome is relieved by the administration of alpha-blockers and muscle relaxants.
• Prostate massage allows you to mechanically remove the "extra" secretions of the gland through the urethra, improve blood circulation and minimize congestion.
• Physiotherapy: laser, magnet, ultrasound, iontophoresis, warm sitz baths or herbal microclymas.
• In severe cases, intravenous fluids with diuretics are indicated. This stimulates the abundant production of urine, prevents the symptoms of intoxication, the development of growing cystitis and pyelonephritis.
• For constipation, herbal laxatives are used.
• The urologist and psychologist together with the patient develop an individual long-term program of daily routine, necessary rest, diet, dosed physical activity and sexual activity.
• If the chronic process is resistant to therapy and urine output is blocked, surgical intervention is prescribed: removal of all affected tissue (transurethral resection of the prostate) or complete removal of the gland with surrounding tissue (prostatectomy). Practiced in exceptional cases, it is fraught with impotence and urinary incontinence. Young people do not undergo the operation because it can cause infertility.

Preventing

To prevent the appearance of a disease that is unpleasant for men, you need to eliminate provoking factors and follow simple rules:

• Lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits.
• Don't get too cold.
• Drink at least 1. 5-2 liters of water per day.
• Strengthen your immune system, walk a lot, get stronger.
• Engage in physical education and sports, visit fitness clubs.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Practice regular sex life with a regular partner.
• See a urologist regularly.

Questions and answers on the topic

What is prostatitis and how to recognize it?

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can cause pain in the lower abdomen and problems with urination. Feeling a frequent need to go to the toilet, especially at night, or pain during urination can be signs of prostatitis.

Why does prostatitis occur?

Prostatitis can occur due to infection, cold, stress or even a sedentary lifestyle. Sometimes it develops after a disease of the genitourinary system.

Is it possible to completely cure prostatitis?

Acute prostatitis can be completely cured with proper treatment. Chronic forms require more time to treat, but the right approach will help reduce symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

How is prostatitis treated?

Treatment includes antibiotics (if the cause is infection), anti-inflammatory drugs, prostate massage and physical therapy. The doctor will choose the best method of treatment depending on your situation.

Can I exercise with prostatitis?

Light exercise such as walking or swimming is helpful. Strenuous exercise can worsen the condition, so it is important to consult a doctor.

How to prevent prostatitis?

For prevention, you should lead an active lifestyle, avoid hypothermia, monitor the health of the genitourinary system and treat infections immediately. It is also important to avoid stress and eat a healthy diet.

Should I see a doctor if the symptoms go away on their own?

Yes, even if the symptoms disappear temporarily, it is important to see a doctor. Untreated prostatitis can lead to complications that can worsen your health in the future.

Questions and answers on the topic

Is it possible to completely cure prostatitis?

Acute prostatitis can be completely cured with timely treatment. Chronic prostatitis may require long-term therapy to control symptoms, but with the right approach, symptoms can be minimized and the patient's quality of life significantly improved.

Can I exercise if I have prostatitis?

Light exercise such as walking, swimming or yoga can be beneficial for prostatitis. However, intense exercise and strength training are best avoided, especially during a flare-up. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting exercise.

Does prostatitis affect fertility?

Prostatitis can temporarily reduce fertility, as inflammation of the prostate gland can affect sperm quality. After successful treatment of prostatitis, fertility is usually restored.

Should I follow a special diet for prostatitis?

Yes, if you have prostatitis, it is recommended to avoid spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine and fatty foods, as they can increase inflammation. It is useful to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and drink enough water.

Can prostatitis go away on its own?

Prostatitis does not go away on its own and requires treatment. Without proper treatment, symptoms can worsen, leading to complications. If symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor.

How long does prostatitis treatment last?

The duration of treatment depends on the form of prostatitis. Acute prostatitis is usually treated within a few weeks, while chronic prostatitis may require longer treatment that may last for months.

How to prevent recurrence of prostatitis?

To prevent relapses, it is important to follow your doctor's recommendations, lead an active lifestyle, avoid hypothermia, eat properly and undergo regular medical examinations.