Prostatitis

Prostate inflammation today is the leader in the group of male diseases that are predominantly sexually transmitted. Its complications threaten with infertility, decreased libido and impotence.

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

Causes of inflammation

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

• Hypothermia, unique or associated with the nature of outdoor work.
• A sedentary lifestyle causes an alteration in the functioning of the digestive system.
• Chronic somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension).
• Focal and perifocal infection foci (rhinitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis, gastritis).
• Persistent UGI (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, herpes virus).
• Stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Decreased immunity due to previous illnesses, surgery, emotional stress.
• Bad habits that lead to the development of poisoning: alcohol, smoking, strong coffee.
• Occupational injuries to the perineum of car drivers, athletes, workers in hazardous industries.
• Promiscuous sexual life, interrupted sexual relations, sexual relations lacking sensuality with incomplete ejaculation, prolonged absence of intimacy (low need for sperm leads to stagnation of the gland).
• Venereal diseases.

Despite a fairly large number of provocative moments, the essence of prostatitis is the appearance of stagnation inside the organ against the background of impaired blood circulation and lymph outflow.

Classification

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

Depending on the course of the disease:

• Acute prostatitis. It represents more than 50% of cases of the disease in people no older than 30 to 35 years.
• Chronic option. It is considered an ageless 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 predominates in men under 40 years of age, occurs against the background of ultrasound and does not extend beyond the boundaries of the organ.
• Non-bacterial pathological changes in the gland, predominantly chronic.
• Viral inflammation of the prostate is characterized by an acute course that affects the entire genital area.

Depending on 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 occurs due to the formation of stones inside the prostate. Considered an omen of cancer.
• Congestive prostatitis, a consequence of a sedentary lifestyle, is diagnosed in one in two patients.

Signs of the disease

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

• Urination disorder with the appearance of a weak and intermittent stream of urine, unusually short, causing splashing, difficulty and pain before urinating. The frequent need to empty the bladder occurs mainly at night.
• The pain, which is localized 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 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 complete resolution of the process (if treatment is started in a timely manner). Since changes occur in many pelvic organs, they cannot be left to chance, otherwise corresponding complications will arise:

• Vesiculitis is an inflammation of the seminal vesicles, causing the appearance of pus in the semen, which not only reduces the quality of the ejaculate, but also leads to the loss of reproductive function.
• Coliculitis - inflammatory changes in the seminal tubercle provoke the development of severe pain during sexual intercourse, disruption 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 lead to an exacerbation of symptoms, severe intoxication of the body and even death.
• Stagnation of the prostate tissues causes changes in its structure, alteration of innervation, blood supply, both to the gland itself and to nearby organs, with alteration of their functions. The erection becomes insufficient for full sexual intercourse, premature ejaculation and prolonged sexual intercourse without orgasm are observed.
• Scarring changes in the gland and spermatic cord cause infertility, decreased quality and motility of sperm. Narrowing of the urethra interferes with the normal urination process; Bladder obstruction can cause acute urinary retention, requiring emergency surgery.

chronic prostatitis

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

The main symptoms of chronic prostatitis are:

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

Inaction and improper treatment of chronic prostatitis can cause complications:

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

Diagnosis

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, patient examination, minimum laboratory tests using the most modern medical devices:

• Rectal examination of the gland, taking secretions for examination (culture with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics).
• UAC, UAM, urine bacterial culture.
• STD swab test, UGI exam.
• Daily monitoring of urination rhythm, measurement of urination rate (uroflowmetry).
• For differential diagnosis, ultrasound or TRUS is performed.
• 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 analysis of ejaculate 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 medications, the form of pathology and the presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account. The decision about where to perform the therapy (inpatient or outpatient) is made by the doctor. The course of treatment is carried out with careful laboratory control 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, receive treatment with the latest generation drugs used in this area, and get acquainted with the latest methods of treating inflammation of the prostate. No less important in the complex treatment 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 salt-free diet, and sexual rest.

Course treatment methods:

• The most effective treatment for prostatitis is etiotropic therapy. If the basis of prostatitis is an infection, the priority is treatment with antimicrobial agents that relieve the manifestations of inflammation.
• Pain syndrome is relieved by analgesics, antispasmodics, rectal suppositories and microenemas with warm solutions of analgesics. NSAIDs can be used.
• Immunostimulants, immunomodulators, enzymes, vitamin complexes and a combination of microelements have proven effective.
• Physiotherapeutic methods are possible only in the subacute stage of the disease. They improve microcirculation, increase immunity: UHF, microwaves, electrophoresis, laser, magnetotherapy.
• Massage is another effective method of influencing the prostate. Opens the ducts, normalizes blood circulation in the scrotum and pelvis.
• Acute renal filtrate retention can be corrected by catheterization and trocar cystostomy.
• The purulent process involves surgical intervention.
• Psychologist consultations.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis.

With a long-term effect (at least one month) on the prostate, there is no 100% guarantee of cure. Priority is given to herbal medicines, immunocorrection and changing household habits:

• Herbal preparations are widely used in urological practice. They can accumulate at the site of the most active pathological process, protect cells from oxidation, eliminate free radicals and prevent the proliferation of glandular tissue.
• Antibiotic therapy is selected individually, depending on the sensitivity of microbes to drugs.
• Immunity-enhancing drugs not only help fight prostatitis, but also correct the negative effects of antibiotics that disrupt the functioning 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 "extra" secretion from the gland through the urethra, improve blood circulation and minimize congestion.
• Physiotherapy: laser, magnet, ultrasound, iontophoresis, warm sitz baths or microenemas with herbs.
• In severe cases, intravenous fluids with diuretics are indicated. This stimulates abundant urine production, prevents symptoms of intoxication, the development of ascending 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 the outflow of urine is blocked, surgical intervention is prescribed: removal of all affected tissue (transurethral resection of the prostate) or complete removal of the gland with surrounding tissues (prostatectomy). Practiced in exceptional cases, it is plagued by impotence and urinary incontinence. Young people do not undergo surgery because it can cause infertility.

Prevention

To prevent the appearance of an unpleasant disease for men, it is necessary to eliminate provoking factors and follow simple rules:

• Lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits.
• Don't be too cold.
• Drink at least 1. 5-2 liters of water daily.
• Strengthen your immune system, walk a lot, toughen up.
• Participate in physical education and sports, visit gyms.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Practice a regular sex life with a regular partner.
• Visit 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 urinating. Feeling a frequent need to go to the bathroom, especially at night, or pain when urinating can be signs of prostatitis.

Why does prostatitis appear?

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 for treatment, but the right approach will help reduce symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

How is prostatitis treated?

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

Can I exercise with prostatitis?

Light exercise, such as walking or swimming, is beneficial. Intense exercise can worsen the condition, so it is important to see a doctor.

How to prevent prostatitis?

For prevention, it is necessary to lead an active lifestyle, avoid hypothermia, monitor the health of the genitourinary system, and treat infections in a timely manner. 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 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 is significantly improved.

Can I exercise if I have prostatitis?

Light exercise such as walking, swimming, or yoga can be helpful for prostatitis. However, it is best to avoid intense exercise and strength training, especially during an exacerbation. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting to exercise.

Does prostatitis affect fertility?

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

Do I need to 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 beneficial 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 and lead 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 can take months.

How to prevent the recurrence of prostatitis?

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