What are the symptoms of prostatitis in men and how to treat them?

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

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

Causes of inflammation

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

• Hypothermia, unique or associated with the nature of outdoor work.
• A sedentary lifestyle causes an alteration in the functioning of the digestive system.
• Chronic somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension).
• Focal and perifocal infection foci (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 that lead to the development of poisoning: alcohol, smoking, strong coffee.
• Occupational injuries to the perineum of car drivers, athletes, workers in hazardous industries.
• Promiscuous sexual life, interrupted sexual relations, sexual relations lacking sensuality with incomplete ejaculation, prolonged absence of intimacy (low need for sperm leads to stagnation of the gland).
• Venereal diseases.

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

Prostatitis symptoms

Prostatitis may be suspected based on the following alterations in the functioning of the genitourinary system:

• discomfort when urinating, uncontrolled urination;
• potency disorder, weak erection, decreased libido;
• difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
• pain in the perineum when sitting for a long time, for example when driving;
• sterility.

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

• frequent and painful need to urinate;
• delay or inability to urinate;
• Stabbing pain in the perineum, which is transmitted to the anus and intensifies during the act of defecation. As a result, difficulty defecating;
• general intoxication of the body, feverish state.

The chronic form of prostatitis is accompanied by other symptoms:

• slight increase in body temperature;
• constant fatigue;
• mild pain in the perineum, burning in the urethra;
• discomfort when urinating and defecating;
• weakening of sexual function and subsequent psycho-emotional depression.

Classification

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

Depending on the course of the disease:

• Acute prostatitis. It represents more than 50% of cases of the disease in people no older than 30 to 35 years.
• Chronic option. It is considered an ageless category. It does not manifest itself for a long time, the impetus for its development is a cold or infection.

For the reason that caused the pathology:

• Bacterial inflammation of the prostate gland predominates in men under 40 years of age, occurs against the background of ultrasound 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 nature of the structural changes in the prostate gland:

• Fibrous prostatitis is characterized by rapid irreversible growth of the gland and requires radical intervention. Clinically it resembles prostate adenoma.
• Calculous inflammation of the prostate occurs due to the formation of stones inside the prostate. Considered an omen of cancer.
• Congestive prostatitis, a consequence of a sedentary lifestyle, is diagnosed in one in two patients.

Signs of the disease

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

• Urination disorder with the appearance of a weak and intermittent stream of urine, unusually short, causing splashing, difficulty and pain before urinating. The frequent need to empty the bladder occurs mainly at night.
• The pain, which is 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 headache and fever. The symptoms that appear are accompanied by pain in the groin, perineum, back, discharge from the urethra, frequent urination and constant urge to urinate.

Bladder emptying 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 complete resolution of the process (if treatment is started in a timely manner). Since changes occur in many pelvic organs, they cannot be left to chance, otherwise corresponding complications will arise:

• Vesiculitis is an inflammation of the seminal vesicles, causing the appearance of pus in the sperm, which not only reduces the quality of the ejaculate, but also leads to the loss of reproductive function.
• Coliculitis - inflammatory changes in the seminal tubercle provoke the development of severe pain during sexual intercourse, disruption of orgasm 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 an exacerbation of symptoms, severe intoxication of the body and even death.
• Stagnation of the prostate tissues causes changes in its structure, alteration of innervation, blood supply, both to the gland itself and to nearby organs, with alteration of their functions. The erection becomes insufficient for full sexual intercourse, premature ejaculation and prolonged sexual intercourse without orgasm are observed.
• Scarring changes in the gland and spermatic cord cause infertility, decreased sperm quality and motility. Narrowing of the urethra interferes with the normal urination process; Bladder obstruction can cause acute urinary retention, requiring emergency surgical care.

chronic prostatitis

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

The main symptoms of chronic prostatitis are:

• fever;
• pain occurs in the scrotum, perineum, anus and back;
• urinary disturbance;
• mucous or mucopurulent discharge from the rectum, urethra, even in the absence of urination or defecation;
• erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, interrupted sexual relations, prolonged sexual relations without a feeling of satisfaction.

Inaction and improper treatment of chronic prostatitis can cause complications:

• Infertility is the result of chronic inflammation of the spermatic cord, vesicles, testicles and their appendages.
• Cystitis, pyelonephritis (other diseases of the genitourinary system) are a consequence of hematogenous and mechanical spread of microbes.
• Septicemia.
• Persistent decrease in immunity.
• Untreated prostatitis can cause cancer in 35 to 40% of cases.

Diagnosis

The clinical picture of the disease is typical, so the diagnosis is not difficult. It is performed by a urologist based on the medical history, patient examination, minimum laboratory tests using 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.
• STD swab test, UGI exam.
• Daily monitoring of urination rhythm, measurement of urination 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, prostate-specific antigen, 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 pathology and the presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account. The decision about where to perform the therapy (inpatient or outpatient) is made by the doctor. The course of treatment is carried out with careful laboratory control of the results.

Treatment of acute prostatitis

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

Course treatment methods:

• The most effective treatment for prostatitis is etiotropic therapy. If the basis of prostatitis is an infection, the priority is treatment with antimicrobial agents, which relieve the manifestations of inflammation.
• Pain syndrome is relieved by analgesics, antispasmodics, rectal suppositories and microenemas with warm solutions of analgesics. NSAIDs can be used.
• Immunostimulants, immunomodulators, enzymes, vitamin complexes and a combination of microelements have proven effective.
• Physiotherapeutic methods are possible only in the subacute stage of the disease. They improve microcirculation and increase immunity: UHF, microwaves, electrophoresis, laser, magnetotherapy.
• Massage is another effective method of influencing the prostate. Opens the ducts, normalizes 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 consultations.

Therapy for acute inflammation of the prostate is complex.

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

• Antibiotics.Drugs with a broad spectrum of activity are used that have a bactericidal effect on most pathogens. Most often, antimicrobial treatment is an etiotropic measure, since in most cases the cause of prostate inflammation is microbial pathogens. For a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed, for a viral infection, antiviral drugs are prescribed, and if protozoa are detected, anti-trichomonas drugs are prescribed. The choice of antimicrobial agents is made empirically or based on the results of PCR, bacterioscopy and bacterial culture. The selection of antimicrobial agents, determination of their dosage, frequency and duration of administration can be carried out exclusively by the attending physician. Together with antibiotics, uroseptics can be prescribed, which have a disinfecting effect on the mucous membrane of the genitourinary tract.
• Anti-inflammatory medications.It allows you to reduce the severity of tissue swelling and the intensity of pain. As a rule, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for this.
• Vascular medications– reduce tissue inflammation, eliminate congestion in the prostate, thereby helping to reduce pain, improve blood circulation and local metabolic processes in tissues.
• enzymes– dilute prostate secretion and promote drainage of pus. In addition, enzymatic drugs increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment by improving the absorption of their active ingredients by the affected tissues.
• Diuretics (diuretics).They increase urine production, which contributes to the mechanical "elimination" of the infection.
• While taking antibiotics, patients are prescribed hepaprotectors that protect the liver parenchyma from toxic damage and improve its functional status.
• To eliminate and prevent the development of intestinal dysbiosis during antibiotic therapy, patients are prescribed probiotics.
• Once the acute inflammatory phenomena in the prostate gland subside, patients are prescribed physiotherapy treatment: medicinal electrophoresis, galvanization, magnetic therapy, laser, mud, etc. Such procedures improve local microcirculation and lymphatic drainage, metabolic processes and tissue nutrition, stimulate tissue repair, accelerate the final resolution of the inflammatory process, promote tissue restoration and normalization of the functional state of the prostate.

General activities must be carried out.

A diet is indicated for acute prostatitis in men, which includes a sufficient supply of proteins and easily digestible vitamins.

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

Alcohol consumption is excluded, smoking cessation, abstinence from sexual relations and intense physical activity, including sports, are recommended.

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

During the period of illness, a person needs functional rest.

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

If acute prostatitis develops, immediately consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis.

With a long-term effect (at least one month) on the prostate, there is no 100% guarantee of cure. Priority is given to herbal medicines, immunocorrection and changing household 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, eliminate free radicals and prevent the proliferation of glandular tissue.
• Antibiotic therapy is selected individually, depending on the sensitivity of microbes to drugs.
• Immunity-enhancing drugs not only help fight prostatitis, but also correct the negative effects of antibiotics that disrupt the functioning of the immune system.
• The pain syndrome is relieved by the administration of alpha-blockers and muscle relaxants.
• Prostate massage allows you to mechanically remove "extra" secretion from the gland through the urethra, improve blood circulation and minimize 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.
• For constipation, herbal laxatives are used.
• The urologist and psychologist, 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 resection of the prostate) or complete removal of the gland with surrounding tissues (prostatectomy). Practiced in exceptional cases, it is plagued by impotence and urinary incontinence. Young people do not undergo surgery because it can cause infertility.

Drug treatment

Treatment of prostatitis using antibacterial therapy should begin with a bacterial culture, the objective of which is to evaluate the sensitivity of the organism to this type of antibiotics. If there are problems with urination, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs gives a good result.

Medicines are taken in tablets, in acute cases - in the form of a dropper or intramuscularly. Rectal suppositories are effective in treating chronic forms of prostatitis: with their help, drugs reach their goals faster and have minimal effect on other organs.

Anticoagulants and anti-inflammatories have also been shown to be effective.

Antibacterial therapy

Antibiotics are an effective remedy in the fight against bacterial prostatitis. To achieve the desired effect and not harm the body, the choice of drug, dosage and treatment regimen must be made by a doctor. To correctly select the most effective drugs, you will need to find out what type of pathogen caused prostatitis, and also test the patient's tolerance to antibiotics of a particular group.

Antibiotics from the fluoroquinolone group have proven to be effective in the treatment of chronic prostatitis. Its action aims to suppress bacterial infections and strengthen the body's own immunity. Additionally, 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 2-4 weeks. In case of positive dynamics, the course may be extended.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic techniques in the treatment of prostatitis aim to activate blood circulation in the pelvic area, improve metabolic processes in the prostate and cleanse the ducts. If physiotherapy is combined with taking antibiotics, the effect of the latter is enhanced.

The main methods include:

• magnetic therapy;
• laser therapy;
• electrophoresis;
• warming up;
• ultrasound;
• mud therapy;
• high frequency irradiation;
• physiotherapy.

One of the oldest methods, transrectal prostate massage, according to modern research, has not proven its effectiveness.

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 talk to your doctor about all non-traditional methods of treating prostatitis.

Surgery

Surgical methods are used in complex and emergency cases:

• for drainage of purulent abscesses, which are removed by laparoscopic methods using a puncture;
• in case of 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 body of the gland.

Stones and sclerotic tissue are removed by endoscopic methods. In case of a large affected area or multiple stones, prostate resection is used.

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

Home remedies

Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies is unlikely to be effective on its own, but it may be applicable in combination with medications and physiotherapy methods. These include: beekeeping products, decoctions of herbs and seeds, tinctures of garlic, ginger, castor, fresh greens, pumpkin seeds.

In acute cases of the disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor and in no case self-medicate. If a purulent abscess ruptures, death is possible.

Suppositories for prostatitis

Treatment of prostatitis with rectal suppositories is much more effective than pills, if only because the rectum is much closer to the prostate, which means that the medicine will act faster.

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

1. Antibacterial agents are especially effective for prostatitis caused by chlamydia.
2. Analgesics are used for symptomatic treatment, they relieve pain well.
3. Immunostimulants help improve blood circulation, relieve swelling and are used in complex therapies.
4. Herbal medicines have a mild effect. They, like candles from bee products, are used as a complement to the main treatment.
5. Compositions based on ichthyol promote blood flow in the intestinal mucosa, which accelerates the attenuation of inflammatory processes and slightly improves immunity.
6. Products based on special enzymes prevent the formation of scar tissue. It is recommended to take it as part of a complex therapy with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and analgesics.

Auxiliary medications

For the symptomatic treatment of prostatitis in men, for example, to relieve pain when urinating, antispasmodics can also be taken, which relax smooth muscles and thus quickly relieve pain.

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

Diet and lifestyle

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

Foods should contain enough fiber to prevent constipation. The protein content should be reduced. It is advisable 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, it is necessary to undergo regular examination by a urologist. Not completely cured prostatitis may be accompanied by the formation of calcifications, which will then have to be removed along with the gland. Experts are confident that there are no other ways to remove or dissolve stones.

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

Prevention

To prevent the appearance of an unpleasant disease for men, it is necessary to eliminate provoking factors and follow simple rules:

• Lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits.
• Don't be too cold.
• Drink at least 1. 5-2 liters of water daily.
• Strengthen your immune system, walk a lot, toughen up.
• Participate in physical education and sports, visit gyms.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Practice a regular sex life with a regular partner.