Chronic prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate gland. According to the severity, functional changes in the gland, there are 3 stages: initial, moderate, 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. The changes in the canals 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 overall deterioration of well-being.
Reasons
Causes of early stage prostatitis, depending on the source of inflammation, can be:
- Infections (bacterial prostatitis): bacteria, streptococci, chlamydia.
- Overload, structural physiological features in a man's pelvic organs (non-bacterial prostatitis).
Depending on the degree of damage, the duration of the course and the complexity of the treatment, prostatitis occurs
- Sharp.
- Chronicle.
The associated causes of the onset of congestion in the prostate gland are:
- Age-related changes (decreased testosterone levels, narrowing of the ducts, enlargement of the prostate gland).
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Alcohol abuse, which leads to swelling, narrowing of the ducts.
- Delayed 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.
- Intestinal disorders (constipation).
- Weakening of the immune system associated with stress, improper lifestyle, smoking.
Symptoms
The initial stage of prostatitis is a signal of the beginning of an inflammatory process. Initial symptoms:
- Drawing pains in the perineum with localization in the scrotum, rectum, radiating legs, abdomen, lower back.
- Acute pain, burning when urinating.
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Frequent urination.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Sexual dysfunction: pain during intercourse, with ejaculation; decreased libido, weakening of the erection.
- Discharge from the urethra.
- The consequences of the above symptoms are depression, sleep disturbance and a general decline in quality of life.
In some cases, the disease is asymptomatic: the 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 identifying the initial stage of chronic inflammation of the prostate gland is due to the similarity of its symptoms with those of other diseases. Fever, bad condition, the patient may be accompanied by a cold; withdrawal of pain in the perineal region - with cystitis; radiation of low 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 culture of urine.
- Analysis of prostate secretion.
- Analysis of urethral secretions.
- Computed tomography of the pelvic organs.
- PCR (Polymer Chain Reaction) - diagnostics.
In addition to tests and general studies, if cancer is suspected, your doctor will prescribe additional studies:
- Blood test PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen). 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.
- Spermograms.
- Prostate tissue biopsy (if cancer is suspected).
Once he has made an accurate diagnosis based on medical history and research data, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive treatment.
Treatment methods
The initial stage of prostatitis involves drug therapy. The earlier treatment is started, the more favorable the prognosis.
In case of bacterial infection, the main treatment is with antibiotics, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, alpha-blocking drugs.
- The groups of antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial prostatitis are penicillins, cephalosporins. Antibiotic treatment should be continued for 5-7 days. Sudden discontinuation of pills can lead to loss of susceptibility of microorganisms to this type of antibiotics.
- Alpha-blockersrelax the smooth muscles of the bladder, normalize mucosal sensitivity, reduce the frequency of stimuli (tamsulosin hydrochloride, doxazosin). When you use these medicines, 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 relieve symptoms, relieve inflammation - magnetic therapy, ultrasound, laser.
- Prostate massage stimulates blood supply and secretion of glandular secretions.
Non-traditional methods of treating prostatitis include:
- Reflexology(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 bee waste products) stimulates the endocrine glands - adrenal glands, thyroid glands, gonads.
- Hirudotherapy(caterpillar therapy).
- Balneotherapy(bathing in mineral springs) is a general tonic, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Traditional methods of treatment
In the early stages of prostatitis, it is helpful to combine the use of medications with alternative methods of treatment. Herbal medicine includes 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, they have a bactericidal, calming effect.
- Ginsengboosts immunity, relieves inflammation.
- Wort St. John'shas an antispasmodic effect, stimulates the production of male hormones.
- Pumpkin seedsstimulate the production of zinc, a vitamin needed to strengthen the genitourinary system.
- Wormwoodis an effective antimicrobial agent. It is used as a decoction, microclysters.
Prevention
Prophylaxis of prostatitis involves taking care of men's health before the first symptoms of the disease appear.
- Healthy living.A good rest after work, fresh air, smoking and cessation of alcohol strengthen the body's defenses, preventing the occurrence of infections.
- Physical activity.Sports activities, the rest active help improve blood circulation to the pelvic organs, the circulation of prostate secretions. Exercises to eliminate overload are useful: squats, "scissors", abdominal exercises, walking.
- Proper nutrition.Eating foods rich in fiber, lean meats, fish helps eliminate constipation as a risk factor for prostatitis.
- Regular sex life.Healthy functioning of the prostate gland is inextricably linked to the regularity of sexual activity. Frequent change of sexual partners, inaction, irregularity lead to premature emptying of the nervous system, infection of the male genitourinary sphere 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 exit of the initial form to the stage of moderate and then high severity.
If, in the initial stage, conservative drug treatment can be removed, then the severe degree of the disease requires surgical intervention with a poor prognosis.
An important element of the male genital area is the prostate gland. Its function is to produce a secretion (fluid) that ensures the movement of sperm into the sperm.
Narrowing of the canals leads to prostate overload. The consequence of impaired blood flow, the reproduction of microorganisms is an inflammatory disease - prostatitis.