Prostatitis

Prostate inflammation today is a leader in the group of mainly sexually transmitted male diseases. Its complications threaten infertility, decreased libido and impotence.

The symptoms of prostatitis are not only pain, difficulty urinating 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 various factors predisposing to the disease:

• Hypothermia, occasional or linked to the nature of outdoor work.
• A sedentary lifestyle leads to disruption in the functioning of the digestive system.
• Chronic somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension).
• Foci of focal and perifocal infection (rhinitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis, gastritis).
• Persistent UGI (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, herpes virus).
• Stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Decreased immunity due to previous illness, surgery or emotional stress.
• Bad habits leading to the development of poisoning: alcohol, tobacco, strong coffee.
• Occupational injuries to the perineum of motorists, athletes, workers in hazardous industries.
• Promiscuous sex life, interrupted sexual intercourse, intercourse devoid of 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 lymphatic 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 progression of the disease:

• Acute prostatitis. It represents more than 50% of cases of illness in people aged 30 to 35 years maximum.
• Chronic option. It is considered an ageless category. It does not appear for long; the driving force behind its development is a cold or infection.

For the reason that caused the pathology:

• Bacterial inflammation of the prostate, 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, mainly 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:

• Fibrous prostatitis is characterized by rapid and irreversible growth of the gland and requires radical intervention. Clinically, it resembles a prostate adenoma.
• Calculus inflammation of the prostate is due to the formation of stones inside the prostate. Considered a warning sign of cancer.
• Congestive prostatitis, a consequence of a sedentary lifestyle, is diagnosed in every second patient.

Signs of illness

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

• Disorder of urination with the appearance of an intermittent, weak, unusually short stream of urine, causing splashing, difficulty and pain before urinating. The frequent urge to empty the bladder occurs mainly at night.
• The pain, located in the lower abdomen, radiates to the scrotum, perineum and rectum.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Ejaculation problems, 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 a delay and a burning sensation. The urine itself becomes cloudy and may contain blood. Irritability and fatigue appear.

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

• Vesiculitis is an inflammation of the seminal vesicles, causing the appearance of pus in semen, which not only reduces the quality of ejaculate, but also leads to loss of reproductive function.
• Colliculitis - inflammatory changes in the seminal tubercle become the cause of the development of severe pain during sexual intercourse, interruption of orgasm and impotence of a psychological nature.
• The formation of an abscess in the body of the prostate, its rupture and purulent lesions of the rectum lead to exacerbation of symptoms, severe intoxication of the body, and even death.
• Stagnation of prostate tissues leads to changes in their structure, disruption of innervation, blood supply, both to the gland itself and to organs located nearby, with disruption of their functions. The erection becomes insufficient for complete sexual intercourse, premature ejaculation and prolonged sexual intercourse without orgasm are observed.
• Scar changes in the spermatic gland and cord lead to infertility, a decrease in sperm quality and motility. The stricture of the urethra interferes with the normal process of urination; 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. Most 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 disorders;
• mucous or mucopurulent discharge from the rectum, urethra, even in the absence of urination or defecation;
• erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, interrupted sexual intercourse, prolonged sexual intercourse without a feeling of satisfaction.

Inaction and improper treatment of chronic prostatitis can lead to 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.
• Sepsis.
• 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 carried out by a urologist on the basis of medical history, examination of the patient, a minimum of laboratory using the most modern medical devices:

• Rectal examination of the gland, collection of secretions for examination (culture with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics).
• UAC, UAM, urine bacterial culture.
• Smear for STDs, UGI examination.
• 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 performed, urography is performed and PSA is determined - prostate specific antigen.
• 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 complex treatment regimen for prostatitis is developed. When prescribing medications, the form of the pathology and the presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account. The decision about where to carry out treatment (inpatient or outpatient) is made by the doctor. The course of treatment is carried out with careful control of the laboratory results.

One of the most modern centers for the treatment of prostatitis is a specialized clinic. As the problem of infertility is closely linked to urological inflammatory diseases, health professionals pay great attention to it.

In clinics, each patient has the opportunity to undergo a full course of special examinations, receive psychological support, be treated with the latest generation drugs used in this area and get acquainted with the latest methods oftreatment of prostate inflammation. Not the least 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 processing methods:

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

Treatment of chronic prostatitis

With a long-term (at least a month) effect on the prostate, there is no 100% guarantee of cure. Priority goes to medicinal plants, immunocorrection, changing 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, eliminate free radicals and prevent the proliferation of glandular tissue.
• Antibacterial therapy is selected individually, depending on the sensitivity of microbes to drugs.
• Medicines that strengthen immunity not only help to cope with 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, hot sitz baths or herbal microenemas.
• In severe cases, intravenous fluids containing 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 including a daily routine, the necessary rest, diet, dosed physical activity and sexual activity.
• If the chronic process resists treatment and the flow of urine is blocked, surgical intervention is prescribed: removal of all affected tissues (transurethral resection of the prostate) or complete removal of the gland along with surrounding tissues (prostatectomy). Practiced in exceptional cases, it is fraught with impotence and urinary incontinence. Young people do not undergo surgery because it can cause infertility.

Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of an unpleasant disease for men, you need to eliminate the provoking factors and follow simple rules:

• Lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits.
• Don't be too cold.
• Drink at least 1. 5 to 2 liters of water per day.
• Strengthen your immune system, walk a lot, toughen up.
• Take part in physical education and sports, visit fitness clubs.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Have a regular sex life with a regular partner.
• Consult a urologist regularly.

Questions and answers on the subject

What is prostatitis and how to recognize it?

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that can cause pain in the lower abdomen and problems urinating. Feeling a frequent urge to go to the toilet, especially at night, or pain when urinating may 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 take longer to treat, but a proper approach will help reduce symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

How is prostatitis treated?

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

Can I exercise with prostatitis?

Light exercises like walking or swimming are beneficial. Strenuous exercise can make the situation worse, so it is important to consult a doctor.

How to prevent prostatitis?

For prevention, you need to lead an active lifestyle, avoid hypothermia, monitor the health of the genitourinary system and promptly treat infections. 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 consult a doctor. Untreated prostatitis can lead to complications that can worsen your health in the future.

Questions and answers on the subject

Is it possible to completely cure prostatitis?

Acute prostatitis can be completely cured with prompt treatment. Chronic prostatitis may require long-term treatment 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 exercises like walking, swimming or yoga can be helpful for prostatitis. However, it is best to avoid strenuous exercise and strength training, especially if an exacerbation occurs. Be sure to consult your doctor before you start exercising.

Does prostatitis affect fertility?

Prostatitis can temporarily reduce fertility because 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 suffer from 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, leading to complications. If symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor.

How long does treatment for prostatitis 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 take 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 right, and have regular medical checkups.