Prostatitis is the most common urological pathology, characterized by an inflammatory process in the prostate.According to statistics, this occurs in almost 40% of men;The main risk group is patients aged 30 to 45 years.Almost one in three visits to a urologist is linked to this disease.
Important!
The information in this article cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication.To make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
The occurrence of pathology is often facilitated by a decrease in immunity, hypothermia, the presence of bad habits and a sedentary lifestyle, lack of regular sex life and sexually transmitted infections.Treatment for prostatitis can be quite lengthy, especially in the later stages of development.The sooner a man sees a doctor, the greater his chances of recovery.Without prompt treatment, the risk of serious consequences increases, including infertility, problems with sexual function and urination.
In the article we will talk about the mechanisms of development of the disease, its symptoms and causes, as well as modern methods of treatment.
What is the prostate?
The prostate (or prostate gland) is an unpaired male organ that is responsible for producing secretions necessary to maintain sperm activity.The organ is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra.It is small in size - the size of a walnut, but it is extremely important for men's health.
The prostate supports the production of sperm, ensures their movement and ejaculation, participates in the formation of sexual desire and the appearance of orgasm, affects the activity of the testicles and the synthesis of androgens (male sex hormones).
Any pathological process in the prostate affects the composition of prostate secretion.As a result, the quality of sperm deteriorates and its fertilizing power decreases.Additionally, the risk of urinary tract infections increases, because normally the prostate prevents bacteria from entering the urethra.
Unfortunately, diseases requiring prostate treatment are quite common.We usually talk about various tumor and hormonal processes.Prostatitis is considered one of the most common pathologies of the organ, since it has a different pathogenesis.
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of prostate inflammation may vary depending on the form of the disease diagnosed in a man.Regardless of the form, a comprehensive treatment is selected aimed at eliminating existing symptoms.
There are 3 groups of symptoms characteristic of prostatitis:
- Pain syndrome.Prostatitis pain can vary in intensity and location.Sometimes the pain syndrome spreads to the lower abdomen, scrotum, perineum, anus and lower back.The more the inflammation develops, the more painful the patient becomes.The pain may become more intense during or after sexual activity or urination.
- Dysuric syndrome.Due to the increased size of the prostate, increased pressure is placed on the ureters, resulting in a gradual decrease in lumen.The patient has problems urinating and after going to the toilet there remains a feeling of a full bladder.
- Sexual deviations.In some cases, a man may experience frequent painful spontaneous erections or a complete lack of sexual arousal.Often with prostatitis, orgasmic sensations fade and sexual intercourse itself becomes short or the erection may disappear completely during intercourse.
One of the first signs of the development of prostatitis in a man is frequent urination and discomfort in the groin area.There is a burning sensation in the urethra, which intensifies when going to the toilet.There is general fatigue, decreased potency, accelerated or painful ejaculation.However, the disease is not always characterized by the appearance of corresponding symptoms.There are asymptomatic forms of prostatitis in the early stages.This means that it will be difficult to diagnose pathology in such cases.
Causes
Often the disease occurs against the background of decreased immunity, in the presence of sexually transmitted infections or concomitant pathologies.A common cause of prostatitis is a bacterial infection, which causes inflammation of the prostate tissue.
There are many risk factors for the development of a pathology, let us highlight the main ones:
- Hypothermia.Hypothermia causes significant stress in the body, which can weaken immunity.As a result, the pathogenic microflora begins to actively multiply, which leads to an inflammatory process.
- Inactive lifestyle.Sedentary work and lack of physical activity negatively affect blood circulation in the pelvic organs.This leads to stagnation and inflammation.
- Excess body weight.As a rule, overweight patients lead an inactive lifestyle, which leads to poor circulation of internal organs.Congestion and inflammation develop in the prostate tissue.For this reason, weight normalization is considered one of the main ways to prevent prostate diseases.
- Presence of chronic pathologies.A chronic source of infection in the body increases the risk of prostate inflammation.
- Chronic constipation.Retention of stools in the intestines puts pressure on the prostate, causing circulatory problems.Additionally, constipation often contributes to the proliferation of pathogens.
- Organ injuries.In case of traumatic injury to the prostate or pelvic organs, blood flow deteriorates and local immunity decreases.This increases the risk of developing prostatitis.
- Features of sexual activity.An overly active sex life or prolonged abstinence can also cause the disease.
Additionally, any condition that weakens the immune system can contribute to the development of the disease.We're talking about constant stress, lack of sleep, overwork.
Types of diseases
Often, the symptoms of a pathology depend on its type and the nature of its course.There are several types of prostatitis, each with its own characteristics:
- Bacterial.The most common type of illness resulting from bacterial infection and decreased immunity.There are acute and chronic forms of pathology.As a rule, a man worries about pain and discomfort in the perineum, problems with urination, deterioration in general health and increased body temperature.In severe cases of the disease, there is the presence of blood or pus in the urine.However, these symptoms are more typical for the acute stage and relapses of the disease.In the case of chronic prostatitis, symptoms may be “blurred” or not appear.
- Abacterial.In this case, the disease has an inflammatory and non-inflammatory character, it is often called chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).With this form of prostatitis, destructive changes in the muscle tissue of the gland are observed.The causative agents are autoimmune diseases, organ developmental abnormalities and chronic cystitis.
- Stagnant.This condition develops against the background of chronic prostatitis and is associated with impaired microcirculation and blood circulation in the pelvic organs.In addition, the pathology can manifest itself in the absence of sexual intercourse for a long time, as this causes stagnation of secretions in the prostate.Most often, patients with this form of the disease suffer from erectile dysfunction, problems with urination and discomfort in the groin area.
- Calculous.The development of this form of prostatitis is facilitated by the appearance of stones (stones) in the tissues of the prostate.Typically, the disease occurs in patients aged over 55-60 years.The causes of the pathology are improper treatment of chronic prostatitis or urolithiasis.The characteristic symptoms of such prostatitis in men include difficulty urinating, weakening of the erection and the appearance of blood in the urine.
- Purulent.A dangerous consequence of improper treatment of acute prostatitis can be a purulent form of the disease.In this case, an acute pain syndrome develops, which affects the entire area of the perineum and groin.The man has a sharp increase in temperature, serious problems with urination and the presence of purulent inclusions in the urine.Purulent prostatitis is considered the most dangerous, because if left untreated, it can cause an abscess and lead to death.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Diagnosis of the disease is carried out by a urologist - it is worth making an appointment with him if characteristic symptoms appear.During the first consultation, the specialist collects the patient's medical history, inquires about existing complaints and performs a rectal examination of the prostate.After that, a number of additional examinations are prescribed, necessary to diagnose the existing type of prostatitis and prescribe competent treatment.
The exam includes:
- Ultrasound (TRUS) of the pelvic organs.
- Clinical blood test.
- General urine analysis.
- Microscopic analysis of prostate secretion.
- A urethral smear and bacterial culture of the secretion to detect the presence of sexually transmitted infections.
If necessary, the patient may be referred for additional examinations: spermogram, CT scan (or MRI) of the pelvic organs.
Important!
The information in this article cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication.To make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
Treatment methods
Lack of proper treatment for prostatitis can lead to serious health problems.Patients are often diagnosed with complications such as cystitis, vesiculitis, pyelonephritis, infertility and erectile dysfunction.That is why the correct choice of treatment is extremely important.
Typically, treatment for prostate inflammation involves a comprehensive approach, including medications and supportive care.In difficult cases, the patient undergoes surgery.
As part of drug treatment, antibiotics are prescribed to stop the inflammatory process.If the disease is infectious-bacterial in nature, additional antibacterial treatment is carried out.
Additionally, as part of drug treatment, medications are used to eliminate existing symptoms.These could be:
- Painkillers.
- Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Medicines to normalize prostate function.
- Medicines to restore erection.
It is obligatory to follow a number of recommendations:
- Drink enough water throughout the day (1.5 to 2 liters).
- Follow a diet, excluding spicy, fatty and salty foods from the diet.
- Elimination of alcohol.
Sometimes medicinal herbal preparations with a bactericidal effect are used to relieve inflammation.However, taking infusions and decoctions is allowed only in consultation with a urologist.Remember that folk remedies are not a panacea for the disease and only relieve the symptoms, but do not eliminate the cause.
Prostate massage is an important part of treatment.It is carried out in the absence of contraindications.The essence of this procedure is to remove the accumulated inflammatory secretion from the organ.Thanks to this, it is possible to improve blood circulation in the tissues, eliminate congestion, stimulate local immunity and restore the patency of secretory channels.
Another popular method is through physiotherapy.In the 21st century, it is difficult to imagine high-quality modern treatment of chronic prostatitis without resorting to complex physiotherapy.With its help, it is possible to restore blood circulation in the pelvic organs, improve the effect of medications and eliminate congestion.The therapy uses ultrasonic, laser, thermal or electromagnetic effects.
In case of a prolonged course of the inflammatory process and a decrease in immunity, the patient is prescribed immunotherapy.It includes taking immunomodulators and multivitamin complexes aimed at improving the protective functions and general well-being of the body.
Sometimes a conservative treatment regimen for prostatitis does not bring the necessary results, and therefore the patient requires surgical intervention.
Of course, surgery requires a long recovery and often causes a number of complications, including infertility.This is why it is not practiced on young men of childbearing age.
Symptoms and treatment of acute prostatitis
Acute prostatitis is characterized by rapid onset and development.It should be noted that this happens quite rarely - in about 5% of cases.
The inflammatory process in the prostate develops gradually, so several stages of the acute form can be distinguished:
- Catarrhal.The inflammatory process affects individual lobes of the organ and affects the structure of the mucous membranes and submucosal layer.As a result, congestion occurs in the follicles of the gland.
- Follicular.Focal suppuration of the affected lobes occurs.
- Parenchymal.There is multiple damage to the organ;almost all tissues are involved in the inflammatory process.An abscess forms, which can rupture and release purulent contents into the bladder, urethra or rectum.
Symptoms of acute prostatitis include: severe pain, increased body temperature, chills, heavy sweating, and weakness.This condition can be caused by various microorganisms.The most common causes are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter.
Treatment of pathology should begin immediately after the appearance of the first symptoms.As a rule, in such cases it is possible to avoid complications and health consequences.The patient is prescribed a combination of antibiotics effective against the existing causative microorganism.In this case, the effect of treatment is observed after 2-3 days.In a man, almost all symptoms disappear, the process of urination is normalized, and signs of infection disappear.
If left untreated, urinary tract obstruction and abscess may develop.Such conditions will require urgent hospitalization and often surgery.
Symptoms and treatment of chronic prostatitis
The chronic form of the disease is characterized by slow development.Symptoms are inconsistent or absent, which is why many men are unaware of their presence for years and do not seek medical help.
At the same time, at the beginning of the development of the pathology, patients note an increase in sexual desire and spontaneous erections.However, at the same time, signs of chronic prostatitis appear, such as a reduction in the duration of sexual intercourse and painful ejaculation.As the disease progresses, the symptoms become less pronounced, but the deterioration in well-being becomes more pronounced.Many people complain of a lack of morning erection, decreased libido and increased sweating in the groin area.
During an exacerbation of prostatitis, a man experiences pain in the genital area, difficulty urinating and fever.However, other symptoms of pathology may be absent, which often complicates the diagnosis.
To make an accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive examination is necessary, which will include a medical history, rectal examination of the prostate and a number of laboratory tests.In some cases, additional instrumental methods are used.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis in its chronic form takes from 3 to 4 weeks to 6 to 12 months.It is essential to eliminate the causes of the inflammatory process in the prostate.Otherwise, it will not be possible to exclude the recurrent nature of the pathology.
Preventive measures
To prevent prostatitis in men, it is recommended to correct your lifestyle and abandon bad habits.This is due to the fact that if the factors predisposing to the development of the disease persist, its reappearance is possible.Good nutrition, adequate sleep and physical activity as well as a regular sex life play a key role in prevention.
In addition, urologists advise following the following recommendations to avoid inflammation of the prostate:
- Avoid hypothermia.
- When working sedentary, take regular short breaks and light warm-ups.
- Include physical activity and walking in your routine.
- Normalize your diet and get rid of constipation (it is better to consult a specialist regarding the existing problem).
- Have a regular sex life with a regular partner.
- After 40 years, have annual preventive examinations with a urologist.
And of course, it is worth remembering that if signs of prostatitis appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.This is the only way to eliminate dangerous health consequences.