Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that is predominantly diagnosed in people over 35-45 years old. 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 almost half of the entire male population aged 30 to 70 years. 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 below the bladder and involved in the formation of sperm (seminal fluid). During ejaculation, the muscle parts of the prostate contract, preventing sperm from entering the bladder and urine from entering the semen. Dysfunction of the gland 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 getting into the prostate gland, they can provoke the development of tissue inflammation.

There are several types of acute inflammation:

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

Acute prostatitis is easily diagnosed by an experienced qualified physician using modern laboratory tests. Severe symptoms and a typical clinical picture will make it possible to diagnose quickly and correctly. Treat the acute type of the disease in a comprehensive manner. Initially, an antibiotic is used, which will eliminate the pathogen infection. Also, 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 has characteristic symptoms. Among the signs of the disease, pain syndrome, urinary disorders, and psychological discomfort can be distinguished. Changes of the inflammatory type may also occur in biological fluids, including in the secretion of the gland, semen and urine. Chronic bacterial prostatitis always has a pathogenic agent, 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 HIV-infected. Other pathogenic microorganisms, including Klebsiella, Proteus and Enterococcus, provoke the disease.

Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis may have signs of inflammation or be almost asymptomatic. Only a competent urologist can identify the disease and make a diagnosis, based on the results of a full diagnosis of the patient's condition.

Inflammatory prostatitis

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis with signs of inflammation can be diagnosed based on patient complaints and laboratory test results. In the secret of the gland after massage of the prostate, an increased content of leukocytes is found. Pathogenic microorganisms are not detected.

Non-inflammatory prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome

If during the diagnosis the urologist does not detect an infection, then the diagnosis may sound like 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.

Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis

Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis has virtually 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.

As practice shows, the symptoms of inflammation of the tissues of the prostate gland can be easily confused with other pathologies that affect the pelvic organs. Self-medication can cause complications, the development of additional 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 various circumstances. Allocate hormonal disruptions, hypothermia, significant decreases in immune defense, circulatory disorders, STD infections and sexual abstinence.

Infectious

Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the prostate gland during inflammation that occurs in the bladder and urethra. The infection can also penetrate 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.

Prostatitis symptoms 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 that affects not only the reproductive system. Chlamydia is also worth mentioning. Gram-negative intracellular microorganisms 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 occurs, additional factors are needed, which include stagnation in the circulatory system of the small pelvis or stasis of the secretion of the gland.

Hypothermia, which significantly reduces the activity of immune cells and the protective functions of the mucous membranes, can be attributed to the factors contributing to the spread or activation of infection. This also includes physical and neuropsychic overwork, which negatively affect 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 urinary excretion, since urination is carried out due to periodic relaxation of the circular muscles of the prostate and bladder. Various violations of this process, including failures associated with 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, as a result, 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 gland can lead to a secret in the gland, which is fully formed, but is not excreted from the organ or is partially excreted.

Circulatory disorders and sedentary lifestyle

Close-fitting underwear, a belt that is too tight, tight trousers and shorts, and a sedentary lifestyle are often the causes of circulatory disorders in the pelvic area. The gland is overflowing with blood, there is squeezing of blood vessels, 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 prostate cells. And hormonal 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 malfunction. In particular, in chronic prostatitis, the dihydrotestosterone index decreases and estrogen saturation increases. The scale of the hormonal imbalance in prostatitis will depend on the characteristics and stage of the disease, which can only be determined by a specialist.

Prostatitis Symptoms

All obvious signs of prostatitis are a whole complex of various disorders. Moreover, each type of such a disease can have its own individual symptoms. So, for example, acute prostatitis can be accompanied by fever, a sharp increase in body temperature and other symptoms of severe intoxication of the body. And chronic - impaired ejaculation and decreased sex drive.

All prostatitis symptoms can be divided into 3 separate categories:

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

Urinary problems 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, symptoms of prostatitis may be:

• sluggish jet;
• Difficulty starting urination and emptying drop by drop;
• feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied;
• harsh urge to urinate;
• urinary incontinence during urge;
• increased urination.

Pain syndrome

Painful discomfort with prostatitis can be traced in the lower abdomen. Pain can radiate to the lower back, groin, scrotum and even to the anus. Also, the patient may complain of soreness in the groin after a long stay in a sitting position. The pain can be sharp or dull.

Disorders in intimate life

Symptoms of prostatitis include problems in the intimate area:

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

Among the signs of prostatitis, one can distinguish dim and sluggish orgasms, as well as discharge from the urethra of a mucous consistency.

Mental imbalance

Men often experience psychological difficulties when faced with diseases of the genitourinary system. Due to problems with erection, pain or rapid ejaculation, the patient may become isolated, become aggressive towards others, or simply feel anxiety, fear. Stresses appear that can negatively 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.

Prostatitis diagnostics

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

• blood culture;
• computed or magnetic resonance imaging;
• bacteriological examination of semen.

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 carried out through the anus. Normally, the examination does not cause pain in the patient, although mild discomfort is usually observed. During a urological examination, the doctor will take into account the complaints, the patient's age, 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 tests 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:

• urine analysis, which determines the presence of pathogenic flora;
• examination of the gland secretion;
• blood tests for sexually transmitted infections and the presence of prostate-specific antigen to exclude oncology.

Ultrasound examination of the prostate, bladder and kidneys

In case of prostatitis, a single ultrasound examination of the gland, bladder and kidneys is performed to make a diagnosis. With the help of such a diagnosis, a medical specialist 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 ultrasound examination of the prostate gland, the doctor evaluates the shape, size, structure, as well as the density and homogeneity of the organ. Signs of prostatitis with ultrasound diagnostics are easy to identify. Also, depending on the results of the study, adenoma and tumors, including cancer, can be detected.

In case of inflammation of the prostate gland, 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 sizes, extensions and echo densities.

Only a doctor can make a diagnosis based on 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 registers the speed of urine during urination, which allows you to identify violations associated with the patency of the channel, the activity of muscle tissue and their tone. It is carried out on special equipment - using graphics and digital images, the uroflowmeter will sketch the results.

Prostatitis Treatment

It is impossible to talk about the treatment of prostatitis as a specific list of manipulations and measures, because there are several 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 a doctor's consultation. A competent medical specialist will prescribe medication, and possibly physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises. Traditional medicine recipes may also be recommended, but should not be the main therapeutic method.

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

Home herbal treatment of prostatitis

Herbal medicine for prostatitis can help muffle unpleasant symptoms of gland inflammation. It is used as an adjunct 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 to your health. You can prepare a bath or enema based on herbal preparations at home, but the doctor should indicate the components, preparation method and dosage. In such cases, it is most often recommended to use: creeping cumin herb, 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. 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. 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 occur against the background of erectile dysfunction.

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

Hirudotherapy

Hirudotherapy for treating prostatitis at home raises a lot of doubts among experts around the world. Therapy using medicinal leeches specially grown in biofactories is to some extent curative, and the saliva of the annelid worm also has healing properties. It contains several useful active substances, among which hirudin is worth highlighting. 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 what 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 seek the help of a competent doctor urgently:

• sharp 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 carry out under the strict supervision of a urologist. Any medications or alternative medicine prescriptions must be discussed with your doctor before use. Do not take your own medicine on the advice of, for example, friends or pharmacists at the pharmacy. You run the risk of harming your body and provoking a number 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: medications

What should be the medical treatment for prostatitis in men, what type of medications does the doctor prescribe? Typically, therapy for acute and chronic prostatitis includes antibiotics. It is advisable 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 answers of laboratory texts. It is important to know that the agents for prostatitis of the betalactams and nitrafurans groups are ineffective, since they cannot penetrate into the prostate tissue. There is no need to expect good results from such treatment of prostatitis.

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

Prostatitis patch

Today, men with prostate inflammation hear about prostatitis patches often. The manufacturers 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 patch for prostatitis 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 most often prescribed in combination with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Rectal suppositories can eliminate the causes of prostatitis, have a healing effect, and relieve tissue inflammation. Suppositories for prostatitis are similar in principle to microclysters. Only suppositories are composed of fats and oils, and enemas are predominantly water.

Coconut oil is most often the base of suppositories for prostatitis. It is this component that contributes to the almost instantaneous absorption of medicinal substances into the intestinal walls. Also, suppositories for prostatitis often contain vitamins.

Physiotherapy as a complementary medicine for prostatitis

If we consider all the complex treatment of prostatitis in men, then 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 there are no acute symptoms.

If you do not know what and how prostatitis in men is treated using physiotherapy, then the most common of them should be noted:

• 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;
• microclysters with herbal infusions and decoctions (such physiotherapy is the treatment of chronic acute prostatitis with folk remedies);
• general and local baths using different fluids and temperature conditions;
• 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 a manipulation is performed through the anus using fingers only in a medical institution under the guidance of a specialist.

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