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 inflammation, can be:
- Infections (bacterial prostatitis): bacteria, streptococci, chlamydia.
- Congestion, physiological structural features in the pelvic organs of a man (non-bacterial prostatitis).
According to the degree of damage, the duration of the course and the complexity of treatment, prostatitis happens
- Sharp.
- Chronic.
Associated causes of the onset of congestion in the prostate gland are:
- Age-related changes (decrease in testosterone levels, narrowing of the ducts, enlargement of the prostate gland).
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Alcohol abuse, which leads 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 surgical interventions on the pelvic organs.
- General hypothermia.
- Disorders of bowel function (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.
- Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Frequent urination.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Sexual dysfunctions: pain during intercourse, during ejaculation; decreased libido, weakening of erection.
- Discharge from the urethra.
- The consequences of the above symptoms are depression, sleep disturbance, 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 progresses to the next stage, with more severe consequences.
Diagnostics
The difficulty of 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; radiating lower back pain - with osteochondrosis.
Do not rely on self-relieving symptoms, the disease will not "resolve" itself. Only a qualified urologist can make a diagnosis based on an in-depth examination.
Must be passed:
- General urine analysis.
- Complete blood count.
- Bacterial urine culture.
- Prostate secretion analysis.
- 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. An increased 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).
Having established an accurate diagnosis based on anamnesis and research data, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive treatment.
Treatment methods
The initial stage of prostatitis includes drug therapy. The earlier treatment begins, the more favorable the prognosis.
In case of bacterial infection, the main treatment is with antibiotics, antibacterial, 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 muscles of the bladder, normalize the sensitivity of the mucous membrane, and reduce the frequency of urges (tamsulosin hydrochloride, doxazosin). When using these drugs, side effects may occur: visual impairment, lowering of blood pressure.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsreduce pain, reduce swelling (diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen).
In addition to medication, we recommend:
- Physiotherapy procedures can alleviate symptoms, relieve inflammation - magnetic, ultrasound, laser therapy.
- Prostate massage stimulates blood supply and secretion of glandular secretions.
Non-traditional methods of treatment of prostatitis include:
- Reflexotherapy(acupuncture, acupuncture) allows you to influence biologically active points. As a result, blood circulation, metabolism are normalized, the general condition of the patient improves.
- Apitherapy(treatment with bee venom and waste products of bees) stimulates the endocrine glands - adrenal glands, thyroid gland, sex glands.
- Hirudotherapy(leech therapy).
- Balneotherapy(bathing in mineral springs) is a general tonic, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Traditional methods of treatment
At the initial stage of prostatitis, it is useful to combine the use of drugs with alternative methods of treatment. Herbal medicine involves the use of decoctions, tinctures, the use of microclysters. They are a complementary treatment for chronic prostate disease. Known for their ability to maintain immunity, to provide a bactericidal, 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, microclysters.
Prevention
Prostatitis prophylaxis involves 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 alcohol cessation strengthen the body's defenses, preventing the appearance of infections.
- Physical activity.Sports activities, active rest help to improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs, circulation of prostate secretions. Exercises for eliminating congestion 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, immoderation, irregularity lead to premature depletion of the nervous system, infection of the male genitourinary system and, as a result, inflammation of the prostate gland.
The initial 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, an outgrowth of the initial form into a stage of moderate, and then high severity.
If, at the initial stage, conservative drug treatment can be dispensed with, then a severe degree of the disease requires surgical intervention with an unfavorable prognosis.
An important element of the male genital area is the prostate gland. Its function is to produce a secretion (fluid) that ensures the mobility of sperm in the semen.
Narrowing of the ducts leads to congestion in the prostate. The consequence of impaired blood flow, reproduction of microorganisms is an inflammatory disease - prostatitis.