Prostatitis

Prostatitis today ranks first in the group of men's diseases that are mainly sexually transmitted. Its complications threaten infertility, decreased sexual desire and impotence.

Symptoms of prostatitis are not only pain, urinary disorders and inflammation of the spermatic cord. The most dangerous consequence of severe inflammation may be degenerative prostate cancer. Meanwhile, a timely diagnosed pathological process can be easily stopped.

Causes of inflammation

The risk of developing prostatitis increases due to many factors that lead to the disease:

• One-time hypothermia or related to outdoor work.
• A sedentary lifestyle leads to disruption of the digestive system.
• Chronic somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension).
• Localized and peri-localized foci of infection (rhinitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis, gastritis).
• Persistent UGI (chlamydia, trichomonas, herpes virus).
• Stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Reduced immunity due to previous illness, surgery, mental stress.
• Bad habits lead to intoxication: alcohol, smoking, strong coffee.
• Occupational injuries to the perineum of car drivers, athletes, and workers in hazardous occupations.
• Promiscuous sexual life, interrupted sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse without pleasure and incomplete ejaculation, prolonged lack of intercourse (low sperm demand leading to glandular stagnation).
• Venereal diseases.

Despite the fairly large number of provocative moments, the essence of prostatitis is the appearance of stagnation inside the organ due to impaired blood circulation and lymph flow.

Classify

In modern urology there is no unified classification of diseases. However, practicing doctors prefer this option for classifying the inflammatory process in the prostate:

According to the progression of the disease:

• Acute prostatitis. It accounts for more than 50% of cases in people no older than 30-35 years old.
• Chronic options. It is considered an ageless genre. It does not manifest for a long time; The driving force for its development is a cold or infection.

Because of the cause of the disease:

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

According to the nature of structural changes in the prostate:

• Fibrous prostatitis is characterized by rapid growth of the gland and requires radical intervention. Clinically similar to prostate adenoma.
• Calculating prostatitis occurs due to the formation of stones inside the prostate. Considered a harbinger of cancer.
• Congestive prostatitis, a result of a sedentary lifestyle, is diagnosed in every second patient.

Signs of disease

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

• Urinary disorders with intermittent urine, weak and abnormally short urine stream, causing urine splashing, difficulty and pain before urinating. The frequent urge to empty the bladder occurs mainly at night.
• Pain is localized in the lower abdomen, spreading to the scrotum, perineum and rectum.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Problems with ejaculation, changes in sperm (concentration, quantity).

Acute prostatitis

The disease begins with a sharp increase in temperature (up to 40 degrees), headache and fever. Symptoms appear with pain in the groin, perineum, back, discharge from the urethra, frequent urination and constant urge to urinate.

Bladder emptying occurs slowly and there is a burning sensation. Urine becomes cloudy and may contain blood. Irritability and fatigue occur.

The outcome of acute prostatitis can be a complete resolution of the process (if treatment is started promptly). Since changes occur in many pelvic organs, they cannot be left to chance, otherwise corresponding complications will arise:

• Seminal vesiculitis is an inflammation of the seminal vesicles, causing pus to appear in semen, not only reducing semen quality but also leading to loss of reproductive function.
• Cholecystitis - inflammatory changes in the spermatic tube become the cause of severe pain during sexual intercourse, disruption of orgasm and psychological impotence.
• The formation of abscesses in the body of the prostate, rupture and purulent lesions in the rectum lead to exacerbation of symptoms, severe poisoning of the body, and even death.
• Stagnation in the tissues of the prostate leads to changes in their structure, disruption of nerve distribution, blood supply to both the gland and organs located nearby, disrupting function. of them. Erection becomes insufficient for full sexual intercourse, premature ejaculation and prolonged sexual intercourse without orgasm.
• Scarring changes in the gland and spermatic cord lead to infertility, reduced sperm quality and sperm motility. Narrowing of the urethra prevents normal urination; Bladder obstruction can cause acute urinary retention, requiring emergency surgery.

Chronic prostatitis

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

The main symptoms of chronic prostatitis are:

• fever;
• pain occurs in the scrotum, perineum, anus, back;
• urinary disorders;
• mucus or pus discharge from the rectum or urethra, even without urinating or defecating;
• erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, interrupted sexual intercourse, prolonged intercourse without feeling satisfied.

Inaction and improper treatment of chronic prostatitis can cause complications:

• Infertility results from chronic inflammation of the spermatic cord, seminal vesicles, testicles, and their appendages.
• Cystitis, pyelonephritis (other diseases of the genitourinary system) are a consequence of hematogenous and mechanical spread of bacteria.
• Sepsis.
• Continuously reduced immunity.
• Untreated prostatitis can cause cancer in 35–40% of cases.

Diagnose

The clinical picture of the disease is typical so diagnosis is not difficult. It is performed by a urologist based on the patient's medical history, medical examination, minimal tests using the most modern medical equipment:

• Rectal examination, taking secretions for testing (fluid culture determines sensitivity to antibiotics).
• UAC, UAM, urine bacterial culture.
• STD smear test, UGI test.
• Monitor daily urination rhythm, measure urination rate (uroflowmetry).
• For differential diagnosis, ultrasound or TRUS is performed.
• If cancer needs to be ruled out, a biopsy will be performed, an X-ray of the urinary tract will be taken, and PSA - prostate-specific antigen - will be determined.
• To diagnose infertility, a spermogram - an ejaculation analysis - is prescribed to determine male fertility.

Based on the results of the patient's examination, an individual plan for the treatment of complicated prostatitis will be drawn up. When prescribing the drug, the form of pathology and the presence of accompanying diseases are taken into account. The decision about where therapy is performed (inpatient or outpatient) is made by the doctor. Treatment is performed with careful monitoring of laboratory results.

One of the most modern prostatitis treatment centers is a specialized clinic. Because infertility is closely related to urinary tract infections, medical experts pay great attention to this issue.

In the clinics, 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 field and get acquainted withLatest prostatitis treatment methods. Equally important in the treatment of complicated prostatitis is the issue of effective patient recovery, clinical observation and prevention.

Treatment of acute prostatitis

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

Course treatments:

• The most effective treatment for prostatitis is etiotropic therapy. If the cause of prostatitis is infection, then the use of antibacterial drugs is the top priority, which helps reduce inflammatory manifestations.
• Pain syndrome is alleviated by analgesics, antispasmodics, rectal suppositories, microenemas with warm analgesic solutions. NSAIDs may be used.
• Immunostimulants, immunomodulators, enzymes, vitamin complexes and combinations of trace elements have proven their effectiveness.
• Physiotherapy can only be performed in the subacute stage of the disease. They improve microcirculation, increase immunity: UHF, microwave, electrophoresis, laser, magnetic therapy.
• Massage is another effective method of affecting the prostate. It opens the ducts, normalizing blood circulation in the scrotum and pelvis.
• Acute hydronephrosis can be corrected by catheterization and trocar cystostomy.
• The purulent process involves surgical intervention.
• Consulting by a psychologist.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis

With long-term effects (at least a month) on the prostate, there is no guarantee of 100% cure. Prioritize herbal medicines, regulate immunity, and change family habits:

• Herbal preparations are widely used in urological practice. They can accumulate at the site of the most active pathological process, protect cells from oxidation, remove free radicals and prevent the growth of glandular tissue.
• Antibacterial therapy is selected individually, based on the sensitivity of bacteria to the drug.
• Immunity enhancing drugs not only help to cope with prostatitis, but also correct the negative effects of antibiotics that disrupt the function of the immune system.
• Pain syndrome is alleviated using alpha blockers and muscle relaxants.
• Prostate massage allows you to mechanically remove "excess" secretions of the gland through the urethra, improving blood circulation and minimizing congestion.
• Physical therapy: laser, magnet, ultrasound, iontophoresis, warm bath or microbiome 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.
• For constipation, herbal laxatives are used.
• The urologist and psychologist, together with the patient, develop a long-term program for each individual regarding daily routine, necessary rest, diet, physical activity according to dosage and activity. sexual activity.
• If the chronic process cannot be treated and the urine flow is blocked, surgical intervention is indicated: removal of all affected tissue (transurethral prostatectomy) or complete removal of the glandwith surrounding tissues (prostatectomy). Practiced in special cases, it causes impotence and urinary incontinence. Young people do not have surgery because it can cause infertility.

prevent

To prevent the appearance of a disease that causes discomfort in men, you need to eliminate provoking factors and follow simple rules:

• Have a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits.
• Don't be too cold.
• Drink at least 1. 5-2 liters of water per day.
• Strengthen your immune system, walk a lot, stay flexible.
• Participate in sports, visit fitness clubs.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Practice a regular sex life with a regular partner.
• See a urologist regularly.

Questions and answers about the topic

What is prostatitis and how to recognize it?

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that can cause lower abdominal pain and difficulty urinating. Feeling the need to urinate frequently, especially at night, or pain when urinating can be a sign of prostatitis.

Why does prostatitis appear?

Prostatitis can occur due to infection, cold, stress or even a sedentary lifestyle. Sometimes it develops after a disease of the genitourinary system.

Can prostatitis be completely cured?

Acute prostatitis can be completely cured with appropriate 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 medications, prostate massage, and physical therapy. Your doctor will choose the best treatment method depending on your condition.

Can I exercise when I have prostatitis?

Gentle exercises such as walking or swimming are beneficial. Heavy exercise can make the condition worse, 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 promptly treat infections. It is also important to avoid stress and eat a healthy diet.

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

Yes, even if symptoms temporarily subside, it is important to see a doctor. Untreated prostatitis can lead to complications that will make your health worse in the future.

Questions and answers about the topic

Can prostatitis be completely cured?

Acute prostatitis can be completely cured if treated promptly. Chronic prostatitis may require long-term treatment 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 be helpful for prostatitis. However, it's best to avoid intense exercise and strength training, especially during an exacerbation. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting to exercise.

Does prostatitis affect fertility?

Prostatitis can temporarily reduce fertility because prostatitis 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, you should avoid spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and fatty foods because they can increase inflammation. It is beneficial to eat lots of 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 appropriate treatment, symptoms can become more severe, leading to complications. If symptoms appear, you should consult your doctor.

How long does it take to treat 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, which can take several months.

How to prevent recurrence of prostatitis?

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