Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that is mainly diagnosed in men 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?
Male prostatitis
Given the disappointing statistics, the incidence of prostatitis is steadily increasing. Today, prostate inflammation affects almost half of the entire male population aged 30 to 70 years. It should be noted that prostatitis will progress whether treated incorrectly or not. Prompt admission to a doctor is fraught with negative consequences in the form of complications: a glandular abscess or infertility.
The prostate gland is a rounded organ located below the bladder and involved in the formation of sperm (seminal fluid). During ejaculation, parts of the prostate muscle contract, preventing sperm from entering the bladder and urine from entering the sperm. Gland dysfunction 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.
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 enterobacteriaceae can provoke an acute inflammatory process. Some microorganisms are part of the normal microflora, but by entering the prostate gland, they can provoke the development of tissue inflammation.
There are several types of acute inflammation:
- kataral;
- parenkimal;
- follicular; abscesses of organs
- .
Acute prostatitis is easily diagnosed by an experienced qualified physician using modern laboratory tests. Severe symptoms and a typical clinical picture will make diagnosis possible quickly and accurately. Treat the acute type of disease in a comprehensive way. Initially, an antibiotic is used, which will eliminate the pathogenic infection. Also, effective therapy will include: medicines to strengthen the immune system, medicines to improve blood circulation to 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, one can distinguish pain syndrome, urinary disorders and psychological distress. Inflammatory-type changes can also occur in biological fluids, including glandular secretions, 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. Inflammation can be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or fungi of the genus Candida, if a man is infected with HIV. Other pathogenic microorganisms, including Klebsiella, Proteus and Enterococcus, provoke the disease.
Chronic non-bacterial 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 thorough diagnosis of the patient's condition.
Inflammatory prostates
Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis with signs of inflammation can be diagnosed based on patient complaints and the results of laboratory tests. In the secretion of the gland after prostate massage, 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 prostate. 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 you for up to 2-4 months.
Chronic asymptomatic prostatitis
Chronic asymptomatic prostatitis has virtually no symptoms. Such inflammation of the gland continues without obvious symptoms. The doctor may detect the problem due to periodic or continuous secretion of leukocytes and bacteria in the urine. This form of the disease is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.
Practice shows that the symptoms of inflammation of the prostate gland tissue can be easily confused with other pathologies affecting 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 sole cause of inflammation of the prostate gland, because this disease is multifactorial and can occur against the background of various circumstances. Allocate hormonal disruptions, hypothermia, significant reductions in immune defenses, circulatory disorders, STD infections, and sexual abstinence.
Infectious
Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the prostate gland during inflammation that occurs in the bladder and urethra. Infection can also penetrate the prostate due to hematogenous routes, for example, from purulent foci (during tonsillitis, pneumonia or furunculosis). The causative agents can be: Escherichia coli, staphylococci and enterococci.
Symptoms of prostatitis 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, which affects not only the reproductive system. Chlamydia is worth mentioning as well. Gram-negative intracellular microorganisms cause approximately 40-60% of all urogenital infections.
The secretion of the gland contains bactericidal substances that prevent the development of infections within the organ. In order for the infection to spread and an inflammatory process to occur, additional factors are needed, which include stagnation in the small pelvic circulatory system or the stage of glandular secretion.
Hypothermia, due to which the activity of immune cells and the protective functions of the mucous membranes is significantly reduced, can be attributed to factors that contribute to the spread or activation of the infection. This also includes physical and neuropsychic overload, which negatively affect immunity.Not infectious
There are several non-infectious causes of tissue inflammation in the prostate gland. Signs of prostatitis may appear due to violation of the mechanics of the entire process of urinary secretion, as 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 in muscle function (tissue tension and contraction), contribute to the entry of urine into the prostate ducts. This situation can adversely affect the body, cause irritation and, as a result, prostate symptoms.
Circulatory disorders and sedentary lifestyle
internal The gland is overfilled with blood, compression of blood vessels is observed, delays in the transport of nutrients appear. Such changes lead to gland dysfunction.Hormonal Disorders
The amount of sex hormones plays a special role in the functioning of the prostate gland. They are able to affect the activity of prostate cells. And hormonal overload can increase the risk of prostate signs.
The prostate gland is involved in stabilizing the balance of hormones in the genital area, and disorders in organ function lead to dysfunction. In particular, in chronic prostatitis, dihydrotestosterone decreases and estrogen saturation increases. The degree of hormonal imbalance in the prostate will depend on the characteristics and stage of the disease, which can only be determined by a specialist.
Symptoms of Prostatitis
All the obvious signs of prostatitis are a whole complex of different disorders. Moreover, each type of such a disease can have its own individual symptoms. Thus, for example, acute prostatitis may be accompanied by fever, a sharp rise in body temperature, and other symptoms of severe intoxication of the body. And chronic ejaculation - impaired and decreased sexual desire.
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 regarding urination may occur due to:
- irritation of nerve endings, which occurs against the background of the inflammatory process;
- narrowing of the urethral lumen.
In this case, the symptoms of prostatitis may be:
- slow plane;
- Difficulty starting urination and emptying in drops;
- feeling that the bladder is not completely empty;
- severe urge to urinate;
- urinary incontinence during stimulation;
- increased urination.
Pain Syndrome
Painful prostate discomfort can be traced to the lower abdomen. The pain can be given in the lower back, hips, scrotum and even in 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:
- ulur epshin;
- ejaculation disorders (increase or decrease in sperm volume);
- erectile dysfunction, complete or partial sexual dysfunction;
- pain during ejaculation.
Among the signs of prostatitis, dull and slow orgasms can be distinguished, as well as the discharge from the urethra of a mucous consistency.
Mental imbalance
Men often experience psychological difficulties when facing 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.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
A physician prescribes a comprehensive diagnosis for a patient with urological problems. If prostate is suspected, laboratory tests, ultrasound, and digital rectal examination are performed. If, after a course of prescribed therapy, the symptoms of the disease do not disappear, the urologist may refer the patient for additional diagnosis:
- blood culture;
- magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography;
- bacteriological examination of sperm.
Urological examination
Urological examination by a doctor is the first, important step, without which it is impossible to make an accurate 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 performed through the anus. Normally, the examination does not cause pain to the patient, although mild discomfort is usually observed. During a urological examination, the doctor will take into account the complaints, the age of the patient and the presence of chronic pathologies.
Laboratory research
There is a list of urological methods for laboratory examination of men, which includes a general urine test and blood tests for HIV, markers of hepatitis C and B, and 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 glandular secretion;
- blood tests for sexually transmitted infections and the presence of prostate specific antigen to rule out oncology.
Ultrasound examination of the prostate, bladder and kidneys
In the case of prostatitis, a single ultrasound examination of the gland, bladder and kidney 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, a transrectal examination is performed for better visualization of the organ.
With an ultrasound scan of the prostate, the doctor evaluates the shape, size, structure, as well as the density and homogeneity of the organ. Signs of prostatitis with ultrasound diagnosis are easy to identify. Also, depending on the results of the study, adenomas and tumors, including cancer, can be detected.
In case of inflammation of the prostate gland, for the completeness of the clinical picture, the urologist prescribes ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder. Effective diagnostics can identify:
- cystic inclusions;
- presence of calcifications;
- tissue thickening;
- contour irregularities;
- changes in tissue echogenicity;
- organ sizes, extensions and echo density.
Only a doctor can make a diagnosis based on ultrasound results. Drawing conclusions or describing the treatment itself is dangerous and threatens with serious consequences.
Uroflowmetria
Uroflowmetry is a medical diagnosis. This method records the speed of urine during urination, which makes it possible to identify violations related to the passage of the canal, the activity of muscle tissue and their tone. Performed on special devices - using graphics and digital images, the uroflowmeter will output the results.
Treatment of Prostatitis
it is impossible to talk about treating prostatitis as a specific list of manipulations and measures, because there are several types of disease and each of them requires its own individual therapy.
Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies
Treatment of prostatitis at home can be performed only after consulting a doctor. A competent medical specialist will prescribe medication, and possibly physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises. Traditional medicine prescriptions may also be recommended, but should not be the main therapeutic method.
Treatment of prostatitis at home should be performed carefully and taking into account all the recommendations of the doctor. A urologist may recommend herbal infusions and decoctions, candles with honey and syrups. Importers It is important to know that any prescription alternative medicine has its own contraindications. You can not treat yourself and buy questionable goods, including massages, bracelets, a prostate plaster, special underwear or pillows. Improper purchase and use of drugs without a doctor's advice can become a fatal mistake, due to which additional diseases will appear or the patient's condition will worsen.
Home herbal treatment for prostatitis
Herbal remedies for prostatitis can help suppress the unpleasant symptoms of glandular inflammation. Used as an adjunct to medical therapy (medicines). The urologist, if necessary, will prescribe useful prescriptions based on the characteristics of the patient's condition, his age and the presence of chronic pathologies.
Treating prostatitis at home requires a serious attitude towards your health. You can prepare a bath or enema based on herbal preparations at home, but the doctor must indicate the ingredients, method of preparation and dosage. In such cases, it is most often recommended to use: creeping lobster grass, chamomile flowers in the pharmacy, marsh marsh, sage, corn silk, ivan tea, marshmallow root, licorice rhizomes and linden flowers.
Also known as:
- Parsley. It has a strengthening effect on blood vessels and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Seeds are especially useful, they are added in granular form to various recipes of alternative medicine.
- Ginseng. The root of this plant increases the tone of blood vessels. Has a stimulating effect.
- St. John's Bee. The plant has antibacterial and sedative properties. The drug is essential 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, some prescriptions of traditional medicine may increase the effect of the therapy.
HirudotherapyHirudotherapy for the treatment of prostatitis at home raises many doubts among experts around the world. Therapy using medicinal caterpillars specially grown in the biofactory is to some extent curative, and annelid worm saliva also has healing properties. It contains several useful active substances, among which it is worth noting hirudin. With the prostate, caterpillars are applied to the skin just above the pubis, groin and anus. The therapy has its 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 during urination;
- blood in the stool;
- increased body temperature, dizziness, chills, vomiting.
Treatment of prostatitis at home is important to be performed under the strict supervision of a urologist. Any medication or prescription alternative medicine should be discussed with your doctor before use. Do not take your medication on the advice of, for example, friends or pharmacists at the pharmacy. You risk damaging your body and provoking a number of negative reactions.
Treating prostatitis with folk remedies without specialist advice can end in failure. Be mindful of your health.
Treatment of prostatitis in men: medication
What should be the medical treatment for prostatitis in men, what kind of medicine does the doctor prescribe? Typically, therapy for acute and chronic prostatitis involves antibiotics. It is advisable to choose such drugs taking into account the culture, which determines the sensitivity to a particular antibiotic.
Remedies for prostatitis: antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs
Only a doctor can prescribe remedies for prostatitis, based on the patient's diagnosis results, including laboratory textbook responses. Importers It is important to know that prostatitis remedies for betalactams and nitrafuran groups are ineffective, as they cannot penetrate prostate tissue. There is no need to expect good results from such prostate treatment.Currently, drugs from the fluoroquinolone and macrolide groups show the best results in treating prostatitis in men. To eliminate the symptoms associated with urinary disorders, your urologist may prescribe a prostate medication in the form of an alpha-blocker as well as anti-inflammatory medications. Herbal medicines, hormonal medicines and immunosuppressive medicines 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.
Patch of prostatitis
Today, men with prostate inflammation often hear about prostate patches. Controversial product manufacturers offer quality prevention or fast recovery.
This therapy can not be called the treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies. It has nothing to do with alternative medicine, but is not practiced by qualified physicians. The prostate patch has no evidence base. Neither doctors nor real client assessments confirm the effectiveness of the Chinese universal patch for prostatitis.
Suppositories for prostatitis
Prostate suppositories 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. Prostate suppositories are in principle similar to microcysts. Only suppositories are made up of fats and oils, and enemas are mostly water.
Physiotherapy as a complementary medicine for prostatitis
If we consider all the complex treatment of prostatitis in men, then medication is the main part of the 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 how and how to treat prostatitis in men 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;
- microclimate with herbal infusions and decoctions (one such physiotherapy is the treatment of chronic acute prostatitis with folk remedies);
- general and local baths using different liquids and temperature conditions;
- galvanization (exposure to low voltage direct current in the human body).
How to treat prostatitis, gland massage
Massage, a popular method of treating prostatitis, today (according to a number of studies) has no evidence of its effectiveness. If a man has prostate, massage can be used to stimulate drainage of secretions from the prostate gland. Such manipulation is performed through the anus with the help of fingers only in a medical institution under the guidance of a specialist.
It is strictly forbidden, if there is a prostate, to massage with adenomas and cysts of the gland, cracks in the anus, with urinary retention and elevated body temperature. Acute infectious processes in the bladder or kidneys are also contraindications.