What are the symptoms of prostatitis in men and how are they treated?

Inflammation of the prostate is now the leader in the group of predominantly sexually transmitted male diseases. The complications threaten infertility, reduced libido and impotence.

Symptoms of prostatitis are not only pain, difficulty urinating and inflammation of the spermatic cord. The most dangerous consequence of advanced inflammation can be a cancerous degeneration of the prostate. While a pathological process diagnosed in time can be easily stopped.

Causes of inflammation

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

• Hypothermia, one-time or related to the nature of outdoor work.
• A sedentary lifestyle leads to dysfunction of the digestive system.
• Chronic somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure).
• Foci of focal, perifocal infection (rhinitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis, gastritis).
• Persistent UGI (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, herpes virus).
• Stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Decreased immunity due to illness, surgery, emotional stress.
• Bad habits leading to the development of intoxication: alcohol, smoking, strong coffee.
• Work-related injuries to the perineum of motorists, athletes and workers in hazardous industries.
• Promisque sexual life, interrupted intercourse, intercourse without sensuality with incomplete ejaculation, prolonged absence of intimacy (low need for sperm leads to stagnation in the gland).
• STDs.

Despite a relatively large number of provocative moments, the essence of prostatitis is the appearance of stagnation within the organ against the background of impaired blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Symptoms of prostatitis

Prostatitis may be suspected due to the following dysfunctions of the genitourinary system:

• Difficulty urinating, uncontrolled urination;
• Erectile dysfunction, weak erection, decreased libido;
• Difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete bladder emptying;
• Pain in the perineum when sitting for a long time, for example when driving a car;
• Infertility.

The acute stage of the disease causes significant discomfort. This phase is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• frequent painful urge to urinate;
• delay or inability to urinate;
• throbbing pain in the perineum, transmitted to the anus and increased during bowel movements. As a result, difficulty passing stool;
• general intoxication of the body, feverish state.

The chronic form of prostatitis is accompanied by other symptoms:

• slight increase in body temperature;
• constant fatigue;
• slight pain in the perineum, burning in the urethra;
• Difficulty urinating and defecating;
• Weakening of sexual function and resulting psycho-emotional depression.

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 course of the disease:

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

For the reason that caused the pathology:

• Bacterial inflammation of the prostate gland, which is prevalent in men under 40 years old, occurs against the background of ultrasound examination and does not extend beyond the boundaries of the organ.
• Non-bacterial pathological changes in the gland, predominantly chronic.
• Viral inflammation of the prostate is characterized by an acute course that affects the entire genital area.

Depending on the type of structural changes in the prostate:

• Fibrous prostatitis is characterized by rapid irreversible growth of the gland and requires radical intervention. Clinically similar to a prostate adenoma.
• Calcific inflammation of the prostate occurs due to the formation of stones in the prostate. Considered a harbinger of cancer.
• Every second patient is diagnosed with congestive prostatitis, which is the result of a sedentary lifestyle.

Signs of the disease

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

• Difficulty urinating with the appearance of an intermittent, weak stream of urine that is unusually short and causes splashing, difficulty and pain before urination. The frequent urge to empty the bladder occurs especially at night.
• Pain localized 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 sharp increase in temperature (up to 40 degrees), painful headaches and fever. The symptoms that occur are accompanied by pain in the groin, perineum, back, discharge from the urethra, frequent urination and a constant urge to urinate.

The emptying of the bladder is delayed and with a burning sensation. The urine itself becomes cloudy and may contain blood. Irritability and tiredness occur.

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

• Vesiculitis is an inflammation of the seminal vesicles, the cause of the appearance of pus in the sperm, which not only affects the quality of the ejaculate, but also leads to the loss of reproductive function.
• Colliculitis - inflammatory changes in the seminiferous tubercle become the cause of the development of severe pain during sex, interruption of orgasm and impotence of a psychological nature.
• The formation of an abscess in the prostate body, its rupture and purulent damage to the rectum lead to exacerbation of symptoms, severe intoxication of the body and even death.
• Stagnation in the tissues of the prostate leads to changes in its structure, disruption of the innervation and blood supply of both the gland itself and nearby organs, with disruption of its functions. The erection is no longer sufficient for complete sexual intercourse, premature ejaculation and prolonged sexual intercourse without orgasm occur.
• Scarring changes in the gland and spermatic cord lead to infertility, a deterioration in sperm quality and sperm motility. A narrowing of the urethra interferes with the normal urination process; Bladder obstruction can lead to acute urinary retention, requiring emergency surgical care.

Chronic prostatitis

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

The main symptoms of chronic prostatitis are:

• Fever;
• Pain occurs in the scrotum, perineum, anus and back;
• urinary disorder;
• mucous or mucopurulent discharge from the rectum and urethra, even without urine or stool;
• erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, interrupted sexual intercourse, prolonged sexual intercourse without 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, testes 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 35-40% of cases.

diagnosis

The clinical picture of the disease is typical, so the diagnosis is not difficult. It is carried out by a urologist based on the anamnesis, examination of the patient and laboratory minimum using the most modern medical equipment:

• Rectal examination of the gland, sampling of secretions for examination (culture with determination of antibiotic sensitivity).
• UAC, UAM, bacterial culture of urine.
• Smear test for sexually transmitted diseases, UGI examination.
• Daily monitoring of the urinary rhythm, measurement of urinary frequency (uroflowmetry).
• Ultrasound or TRUS is performed for differential diagnosis.
• If it is necessary to exclude oncology, a biopsy is taken, urography is performed and the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level is determined.
• 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 drawn up. When prescribing medications, the form of the pathology and the presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account. The doctor makes the decision as to where the therapy will be carried out (inpatient or outpatient). The course of treatment takes place under careful laboratory monitoring of the results.

Treatment of acute prostatitis

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

Methods of course treatment:

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

The treatment of acute prostate inflammation is complex.

Effective treatment of acute prostatitis in men includes drugs from different pharmacological groups:

• Antibiotics.Drugs with a broad spectrum of action are used, which have a bactericidal effect on most pathogens. In most cases, antimicrobial treatment is an etiotropic measure, as the cause of prostatic inflammation is in most cases microbial pathogens. With a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed, with a viral infection, antiviral drugs are prescribed, and if protozoa are detected, anti-trichomoniasis drugs are prescribed. The selection of antimicrobial agents is empirical or based on the results of PCR, bacterioscopy and bacterial culture. The selection of antimicrobial agents, the determination of their dose, frequency and duration of administration can only be done by the treating doctor. In addition to antibiotics, uroseptics can also be prescribed, which have a disinfectant effect on the mucous membrane of the urogenital tract.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs.Allows you to reduce the severity of swelling in the tissues and the intensity of pain. As a rule, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for this.
• Vascular medications– reduce tissue swelling, eliminate congestion in the prostate and thus contribute to pain relief, improving blood circulation and local metabolic processes in the tissue.
• Enzymes– dilute the prostate secretion and promote the drainage of pus. In addition, enzymatic drugs increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment by improving the absorption of their active ingredients by the affected tissue.
• Diuretics (diuretics).They increase urine output, which contributes to the mechanical "washing out" of the infection.
• While taking antibiotics, patients are prescribed hepaprotectors, which protect the liver parenchyma from toxic damage and improve its functional state.
• To eliminate and prevent the development of intestinal dysbiosis during antibiotic therapy, patients are prescribed probiotics.
• After acute inflammatory phenomena in the prostate subside, patients are prescribed physiotherapeutic treatment - medical electrophoresis, galvanization, magnetic, laser, mud therapy, etc. Such procedures improve local microcirculation and lymphatic drainage, metabolic processes and tissue nutrition, stimulate tissue repair, accelerate final dissolutionthe inflammatory process, promote tissue restoration and normalization of the functional state of the prostate.

General activities must be carried out.

In the case of acute prostatitis in men, a diet that includes an adequate supply of easily digestible proteins and vitamins is indicated.

During the exacerbation of inflammation, spicy, fried, fatty, salty foods and marinades are excluded from the diet.

Alcohol consumption is excluded, smoking cessation, abstinence from sexual intercourse and intensive physical activity, including sport, are recommended.

It is necessary to normalize sleep, work and rest, balance the emotional background.

During illness, a person needs functional rest.

With timely, correct diagnosis and treatment of acute prostatitis in a medical institution, the prognosis is favorable - complete recovery occurs.

If acute prostatitis occurs, consult a doctor immediately and do not self-medicate!

Treatment of chronic prostatitis

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

• Herbal preparations are often used in urological practice. They are able to accumulate at the site of the most active pathological process, protect cells from oxidation, remove free radicals and prevent the proliferation of glandular tissue.
• Antibacterial therapy is selected individually based on the sensitivity of microbes to drugs.
• Drugs that strengthen immunity not only help to cope with prostatitis, they also correct the negative effects of antibiotics that disrupt the functioning of the immune system.
• The pain syndrome is alleviated by administering alpha blockers and muscle relaxants.
• Prostate massage allows you to mechanically remove the "extra" secretion of the gland through the urethra, improving blood circulation and minimizing congestion.
• Physiotherapy: laser, magnet, ultrasound, iontophoresis, warm sitz baths or microenemas with herbs.
• In severe cases, intravenous fluids with diuretics are indicated. This stimulates abundant urine production, prevents symptoms of intoxication, the development of ascending cystitis and pyelonephritis.
• Herbal laxatives are used for constipation.
• The urologist and the psychologist work with the patient to develop an individual long-term program consisting of a daily routine, necessary rest, nutrition, 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 resection of the prostate) or complete removal of the gland with surrounding tissue (prostatectomy). It is practiced in exceptional cases and is associated with impotence and urinary incontinence. Young people do not undergo surgery because it can lead to infertility.

Treatment with medication

Treatment of prostatitis with antibacterial therapy must begin with a bacterial culture, the purpose of which is to assess the body's sensitivity to this type of antibiotic. If there are problems with urination, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs leads to a good result.

In acute cases, medication is taken in tablet form - as a dropper or intramuscularly. Rectal suppositories are effective in the treatment of chronic forms of prostatitis: with their help, drugs achieve their effect faster and have minimal effects on other organs.

Blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory medications have also proven effective.

Antibacterial therapy

Antibiotics are an effective tool in the fight against bacterial prostatitis. In order to achieve the desired effect and not harm the body, the choice of drug, dosage and treatment regimen should be made by a doctor. In order to correctly select the most effective drugs, he needs to find out what type of pathogen caused prostatitis, and also test the patient for his tolerance to antibiotics of a particular group.

Antibiotics from the group of fluoroquinolones have proven to be effective in the treatment of chronic prostatitis. Their action is aimed at suppressing bacterial infections and strengthening the body's immunity. In addition, the bacteriostatic antibiotic trimethoprim is recommended for the prevention and treatment of concomitant diseases of the genitourinary system.

Treatment of prostatitis caused by mycoplasma and chlamydia can also be carried out with drugs from the group of macrolides and tetracyclines, which slow down the spread of the infection.

The duration of taking antibacterial drugs is 2 to 4 weeks. If the dynamics are positive, the course can be extended.

physical therapy

Physiotherapeutic techniques in the treatment of prostatitis are aimed at activating blood circulation in the pelvic area, improving metabolic processes in the prostate and cleaning the ducts. If physiotherapy is combined with taking antibiotics, their effect increases.

The main methods include:

• magnetic field therapy;
• laser therapy;
• electrophoresis;
• warm up;
• Ultrasonic;
• mud therapy;
• radiofrequency irradiation;
• Physical therapy.

One of the oldest methods, transrectal massage of the prostate, has no proven effectiveness according to modern research.

Non-specific treatments

Nonspecific methods of treating prostatitis include:

• hirudotherapy;
• therapeutic fasting;
• Acupuncture;
• diet according to the Ostrovsky method;
• Alkalization of the body using the Neumyvakin method.

We strongly recommend that you discuss any non-traditional methods of treating prostatitis with your doctor.

surgery

In complex and emergency cases, surgical methods are used:

• for drainage of purulent abscesses, which are removed laparoscopically through a puncture;
• if you have difficulty urinating due to damage to the urinary tract;
• with a large volume of the affected area;
• with a significant number of stones in the gland body.

Stones and sclerotic tissue are removed using endoscopic methods. If there is a large affected area or several stones, a resection of the prostate is resorted to.

Transurethral resection is also effective for bacterial prostatitis. In this way, the risk of a relapse can be reduced.

home remedies

Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies alone is unlikely to be effective, but in combination with medications and physiotherapeutic methods it may be applicable. These include: beekeeping products, decoctions of herbs and seeds, tinctures of garlic, ginger, beaver stream, fresh vegetables, pumpkin seeds.

In the event of an acute illness, a doctor must be consulted; under no circumstances should you self-medicate! If a purulent abscess ruptures, death is possible.

Suppositories for prostatitis

Treating prostatitis with rectal suppositories is much more effective than with tablets, if only because the rectum is much closer to the prostate and therefore the medicine works faster.

The composition of drugs for the treatment of prostatitis can be completely different; they are prescribed to solve a specific problem.

1. Antibacterial agents are particularly effective for prostatitis caused by chlamydia.
2. Painkillers are used for symptomatic treatment; they relieve pain well.
3. Immunostimulants improve blood circulation, relieve swelling and are used in complex therapy.
4. Herbal medicines have a mild effect. They, like candles on bee products, are used as an addition to the main treatment.
5. Ichthyol-based compositions promote blood circulation in the intestinal mucosa, which accelerates the weakening of inflammatory processes and slightly improves immunity.
6. Products based on special enzymes prevent the formation of scar tissue. It is recommended to be taken as part of complex therapy with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers.

Auxiliary medications

For the symptomatic treatment of prostatitis in men, for example to relieve pain when urinating, you can also take antispasmodics that relax the smooth muscles and thereby quickly relieve the pain.

General health is promoted by blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory dietary supplements based on bee products, pumpkin seed oil and palm fruit extracts.

Diet and lifestyle

A proper, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are very important for the treatment of prostatitis. The food should not contain spicy, fried, salty or pickled foods. In acute cases, alcohol is strictly prohibited.

To prevent constipation, your diet should contain enough fiber. The protein content should be reduced. It is recommended to supplement the diet with herbs, ginger and pumpkin seeds.

Consequences of untreated prostatitis

Even if the symptoms of prostatitis have not appeared for a long time, regular examination by a urologist is necessary. If prostatitis is incompletely healed, calcifications can form, which then have to be removed along with the gland. Experts are convinced that there is no other way to remove or dissolve stones.

In addition, pathogenic microorganisms can migrate to neighboring organs and cause inflammation there. Advanced prostatitis can lead to the development of adenomas and prostate cancer.

prevention

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

• Lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits.
• Don't get too cold.
• Drink at least 1. 5-2 liters of water per day.
• Strengthen your immune system, walk a lot, strengthen yourself.
• Do sports and sports, visit fitness clubs.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Practice a regular sex life with a steady partner.