Prostatitis

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

Symptoms of prostatitis are not only pain, urinary disturbances, and inflammation of the spermatic cord. The most dangerous consequence of advanced inflammation can be the degeneration of prostate gland cancer. While pathological processes that are diagnosed on time are easy to stop.

Causes of inflammation

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

• Hypothermia, one-time or associated with the nature of work in the open air.
• A sedentary lifestyle leads to digestive system dysfunction.
• Chronic somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension).
• Focal, perifocal focus of infection (rhinitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis, gastritis).
• Continuous UGI (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, herpes virus).
• Stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Decreased immunity due to previous illness, surgery, emotional stress.
• Bad habits that lead to the development of intoxication: alcohol, smoking, strong coffee.
• Occupational injuries to the perineum of car drivers, athletes, workers in dangerous industries.
• Promiscuous sex life, disturbed sexual intercourse, lack of sensual intercourse with incomplete ejaculation, prolonged absence of intimacy (low need for sperm leads to stagnation in the gland).
• Venereal disease.

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

Classification

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

According to the course of the disease:

• Acute prostatitis. It accounts for more than 50% of disease cases in people no older than 30-35 years.
• Chronic choice. It is considered a non-age category. It does not show itself for a long time; the impetus for its development is a cold or infection.

For reasons that cause pathology:

• Bacterial inflammation of the prostate gland, predominates in men under the age of 40, occurs on the background of ultrasonography, and does not go beyond the boundaries of the organ.
• Non-bacterial pathological changes in the glands, mostly chronic.
• Viral inflammation of the prostate is characterized by an acute course that affects the entire genital area.

According to the nature of structural changes in the prostate gland:

• Fibrous prostatitis is characterized by rapid growth of the gland that is irreversible and requires radical intervention. Clinically resembles prostate adenoma.
• Calculus inflammation of the prostate gland occurs due to the formation of stones in the prostate. Considered a sign of cancer.
• Congestive prostatitis, the result of an inactive lifestyle, is diagnosed in every second patient.

Signs of illness

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

• Urinary disturbances with intermittent, weak, abnormally short flow of urine, causing splashing, difficulty and pain before urinating. Frequent urges to empty the bladder occur especially at night.
• Pain, located 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 sudden increase in temperature (up to 40 degrees), painful headache, and fever. The symptoms that appear are accompanied by pain in the groin, perineum, back, coming out of the urethra, frequent urination and a constant desire to urinate.

Emptying the bladder 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 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, the cause of the appearance of pus in the semen, which not only reduces the quality of ejaculation, but leads to the loss of reproductive function.
• Colliculitis - inflammatory changes in the seminal tubercles become the reason for the development of severe pain during intercourse, orgasm disorders, 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 worsening symptoms, severe intoxication, and even death.
• Stagnation in prostate tissue leads to changes in their structure, disruption of conservation, blood supply, both to the gland itself and to nearby organs, with disruption of their function. Erection becomes insufficient for full sexual intercourse, premature ejaculation and prolonged sexual intercourse without orgasm is observed.
• Scarring changes in the spermatic glands and cords lead to infertility, decreased sperm quality, and sperm motility. Narrowing of the urethra interferes with the normal process of urination; Bladder obstruction can cause acute urinary retention, which requires emergency surgery.

Chronic prostatitis

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

The main symptoms of chronic prostatitis are:

• fever;
• pain occurs in the scrotum, perineum, anus, back;
• urinary disorders;
• mucus or mucopurulent discharge from the rectum, urethra, even without urination or defecation;
• erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, disturbed sexual intercourse, prolonged sexual intercourse without satisfaction.

Inaction and improper treatment of chronic prostatitis can cause complications:

• Infertility is the result of chronic inflammation in the spermatic cord, vesicles, testicles, and appendages.
• Cystitis, pyelonephritis (other diseases of the genitourinary system) are the result of hematogenous and mechanical spread of microbes.
• Sepsis.
• Continued decline in immunity.
• Untreated prostatitis can lead to cancer in 35-40% of cases.

Diagnostics

The clinical picture of this disease is typical, so the diagnosis is not difficult. It is performed by a urologist based on the medical history, patient examination, minimal laboratory use of 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.
• Smear test for STD, UGI examination.
• Daily monitoring of urinary rhythm, measurement of urinary 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 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 scheme for the complex treatment of prostatitis is prepared. When prescribing drugs, the form of pathology and the presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account. The decision about where to carry out therapy (inpatient or outpatient) is made by the doctor. The course of treatment is carried out with careful laboratory monitoring 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.

At the clinic, each patient has the opportunity to undergo a full cycle of special examinations, receive psychological support, be treated with the latest generation drugs used in this area, and get acquainted with the latest methods of treating prostate inflammation. No less important in the complex therapy of prostatitis is the issue of effective rehabilitation of the patient, clinical observation, and prevention.

Treatment of acute prostatitis

Acute prostatitis requires bed rest, a special salt-free diet, and sexual rest.

Course treatment method:

• The most effective treatment for prostatitis is etiotropic therapy. If the basis of prostatitis is an infection, a course of antimicrobial agents is a priority, which relieves the manifestations of inflammation.
• Pain syndrome is eliminated with analgesics, antispasmodics, rectal suppositories, microenemas with a warm painkiller solution. NSAIDs can be used.
• Immunostimulants, immunomodulators, enzymes, vitamin complexes, and combinations of microelements have proven their effectiveness.
• Physiotherapy methods are only possible in the subacute stage of the disease. They improve microcirculation, improve immunity: UHF, microwaves, electrophoresis, laser, magnetic therapy.
• Massage is another effective method to influence the prostate. It opens the channels, normalizing 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 consultation.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis

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

• Herbal preparations are widely used in urological practice. They can accumulate at the site of the most active pathological processes, protect cells from oxidation, eliminate free radicals, and prevent the proliferation of glandular tissue.
• Antibacterial therapy is selected individually, based on the sensitivity of the microbe to the drug.
• Drugs that improve immunity not only help to overcome prostatitis, they also correct the negative effects of antibiotics that interfere with the functioning of the immune system.
• The pain syndrome is relieved by giving alpha blockers and muscle relaxants.
• Prostate massage allows you to mechanically remove the "extra" secretions of the gland through the urethra, improve blood circulation, and minimize congestion.
• Physiotherapy: laser, magnet, ultrasound, iontophoresis, warm sitz bath or microenemas with herbs.
• In severe cases, intravenous fluids with diuretics are indicated. This stimulates the production of copious amounts of urine, preventing hangover symptoms, the development of ascending cystitis, and pyelonephritis.
• For constipation, herbal laxatives are used.
• Urologists and psychologists, 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 removal of the prostate) or complete removal of the gland with surrounding tissue (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 unpleasant diseases for men, you need to eliminate provoking factors and follow simple rules:

• Live a healthy lifestyle, abandon bad habits.
• Don't be too cold.
• Drink at least 1. 5-2 liters of water a day.
• Strengthen your immune system, walk more, strengthen your body.
• Engage in physical education and sports, visit fitness clubs.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Practice a normal sex life with a normal partner.
• Consult 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 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 as a result of infection, colds, stress or a sedentary lifestyle. Sometimes it develops after diseases of the genitourinary system.

Is it possible to cure prostatitis completely?

Acute prostatitis can be completely cured with proper treatment. Chronic forms take longer to treat, 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-inflammatory drugs, prostate massage and physical therapy. The doctor will choose the best treatment method depending on your condition.

Can I exercise with prostatitis?

Light exercise such as walking or swimming is beneficial. Strenuous exercise can worsen the condition, 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 immediately treat infections. It is also important to avoid stress and eat healthy foods.

Should I see a doctor if the symptoms go away on their own?

Yes, even if the symptoms subside 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 cure prostatitis completely?

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 significantly improved.

Can I exercise if I have prostatitis?

Light exercise such as walking, swimming or yoga may help with prostatitis. However, intense exercise and strength training should be avoided, 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 gland 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 may worsen, leading to complications. If symptoms appear, you should see a doctor.

How long is the treatment for prostatitis?

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 recurrence of prostatitis?

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