What is prostatitis? The first signs and symptoms, as well as the treatment of the acute and chronic stage

It's prostatitispurely male disease. It is one of the most common lesions of the genitourinary system and occurs in approximately 80% of men, with 4 of them appearing before the age of 40.

Disease is not an isolated process: itexposes nearby organs to trauma and also poisons the whole body.

How does prostatitis develop?

The essence of the process is inflammation of the prostate or prostate gland.

The prostate is located in the pelvis, close to the bottom of the bladder. It is an odd organ that looks like a chestnut. The urethra passes through it. Behind the gland is the rectum, and in front of it is the pubis.

The prostate gland is a rather elastic organ, as its base consists of muscle fibers and glandular cells. It consists of 2 lobes that are connected by an isthmus. This is the main source of problems related to urination. Thickening and increasing with age, the isthmus puts pressure on the urethra, disrupting the process of urine excretion.

The prostateperforms such functions for the body:

function	The essence
Secretarial	It produces a secretion that is part of the semen. It dilutes it, sets the necessary pH level and increases sperm motility.
Motor	The muscle fibers of the gland form the urinary sphincter, which helps to hold urine.
Barrier	It contains a zinc-peptide complex, lysozyme, factors of cellular immunity, spermine, which prevent the development of infection in an ascending way.

Prostatitis develops when an inflammatory process begins in the gland. At the same time, it increases in size, pressing the urethra. This causes difficulty urinating.

In addition, the enlarged prostate "invades" the bladder, pressing on it. Therefore, the evacuation of urine from it is disturbed, it stagnates, causing inflammation now in the bladder. Long-term stagnation of the urinary fluid in its "reservoir" leads to intoxication of the whole organismwith metabolic products in its composition.

Contributing factors

The main reason for the development of prostatitis isinfection. It can be staphylococci, enterococci, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, Proteus. Most often it is prostatitisa consequence of sexually transmitted diseases: syphilis or gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis.

Less often, the cause of the disease isinfectious processes of other systems: flu, tuberculosis, tonsillitis, etc. Bacteria and viruses enter the prostate through lymph and blood flow, as well as through sexual contact. Quite often, the pathogenic flora is introduced into the gland by an ascending route from the urethra or down from the bladder with infected urine.

Other factorsthat provoke inflammation of the gland include:

• circulatory disorders in the pelvis. This can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight and pelvic injuries. Drivers who are constantly in a sitting position and experience vibrations and pressure on the perineal area are a special risk group. Reduced blood circulation in the pelvis causes congestion and lack of oxygen in the prostate gland, which also provokes the development of infection,
• hypothermia,
• hormonal imbalance,
• problems urinating,
• irregular sexual activity - too "exuberant" sex life, abstinence, interruption of intercourse,
• chronic constipation,
• inflammation of the rectum,
• reduced immunity, as a result of which the body becomes susceptible to infectious agents.

There is an opinion that the risk of developing the disease increases with regular use of alcohol and drugs.

Typification and symptoms of the disease

In the modern world, the division of prostatitis into types is carried out according to the classification of the US National Institutes of Health since 1995.based on clinical data, as well as the presence of leukocytes and pathogenic flora in seminal fluid, prostatic secretions and urine:

1. Acute bacterial prostatitis.
2. Chronic bacterial prostatitis.
3. CPPS – chronic pelvic pain syndrome or chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.
4. Asymptomatic prostatitis.

Acute prostatitisis infectious in nature. There are several stages:

• catarrhalAccompanied by frequent and painful urination. The pain radiates to the sacrum and perineum,
• follicular.The intensity of the pain increases. It also occurs during defecation. Urination becomes difficult - urine comes out in a thin trickle or in drops. Hyperthermia up to 38 °,
• parenchyma.It is characterized by acute urinary retention and bowel movement problems. Severe pain in perineum, lower back and above pubis. Body temperature rises to 38-40°. Intoxication of the body develops, the symptoms of which are general weakness, nausea and increased heart rate.

During a digital examination by a urologist, an enlarged, dense prostate gland is palpated, hot and painful to the touch. A large number of leukocytes and bacteria are found in the urine.

Chronic prostatitisit can develop as a consequence of an acute illness or as an independent illness. The diagnosis is made if the process lasts 3 months or more.

Chronic prostatitis manifests itself in 3 main syndromes:

• painfully.Interestingly, the prostate itself does not contain pain receptors. The pain occurs when the inflammatory process affects the nerve fibers of the small pelvis, in which there are quite a few. It is of a different nature. It can be insignificant or sharp and strong, disturbing even at night, fading and resuming. It is localized in the sacrum, scrotum, waist and perineum.
• dysuric.The urge to urinate becomes more frequent. He becomes sluggish and has a feeling of a heavy, incompletely emptied bladder. The process can then improve due to a compensatory increase in the muscles of the bladder, but it soon resumes again. A discharge from the urethra occurs during a bowel movement.
• sexual disorders- increase or decrease of nocturnal erections, blurred orgasm, pain during ejaculation and its acceleration. Aggravation of sexual disorders, which eventually leads to impotence. There is a concept of psychogenic dyspotence, when a person convinces himself that in his condition, violations in the intimate sphere are inevitable. And they are really developing. As sexual dysfunction develops, the man's mood also changes: he becomes irritable and depressed.

Often, the chronic form of prostatitis becomes a manifestation of hidden sexually transmitted infections.

Diagnosis of CPPSis placed if there are clinical manifestations of prostatitis, but no pathogens of the disease are detected in biological fluids (urine, ejaculate and prostatic secretion). Leukocytes are determined simultaneously.

The main criterion for diagnosis is pain that does not subside within 3 months.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is divided into 2 categories: inflammatory and non-inflammatory.

Inflammatory CPPSit is determined when a large number of leukocytes is detected in biological fluids. Bacteria are not detected.

Non-inflammatory CPPScharacterized by the absence of leukocytes and pathogenic flora in biological fluids.

In both cases, prostatitis symptoms persist.

Asymptomatic formThe disease is characterized by the absence of signs of inflammation of the prostate. It is found incidentally during the histology of the prostate tissue, if the patient is prescribed a prostate biopsy. A similar procedure is prescribed, for example, when PSA levels rise.

The disease, regardless of its type (with the exception of an asymptomatic form), manifests itself, first of all, urination disorders:

• pain when urinating,
• weak stream or trickle of urine,
• a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty.

If such symptoms appear, do not delay the visit to a urologist. This will help stop the process at the first stage.

How to recognize the disease

The main criterion for making a diagnosis is the patient's clinical picture and complaints.

But to confirm it finally,it is necessary to undergo a number of tests and examinations:

1. Examination by a urologist.The doctor should perform a rectal examination of the prostate. It is passed with a finger through the rectum. It is recommended to have a bowel movement before the examination. Through manipulation, the shape and size of the gland, as well as its consistency, are determined. The procedure helps to detect the presence of tumors and inflammations in the prostate. Digital examination allows you to collect prostate secretions.
2. Urinalysis.Two portions are examined: urine collected at the beginning of urination and urine collected at the end of the process. 1 portion shows the state of the urethra, 2 – the kidneys and bladder. The presence of leukocytes in the urine above the norm (15 per visual field) indicates inflammation.
3. After collecting urine, the prostate is massaged, as a result of which its secretion is obtained.If it is too small and does not leave the urethra, but remains on its walls, urine is collected after the massage. It is as informative as the prostate secretion itself. Leukocytes are also determined here (they should not be more than 10), and in addition - lecithin grains and amyloid bodies. If the first analysis of the secretion of the gland showed no abnormalities, this does not mean the absence of a process. The juice from the prostate can be too viscous and clog the lumen of the ducts of the affected glands. The secretory secretion will then be produced by healthy cells of the gland. Therefore, it is necessary to go through such an analysis several times. Cultures of urine and prostate secretions are also performed to identify the causative agent of the disease and determine sensitivity to antibiotics.
4. General blood analysis.
5. Analysis for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases.
6. Ultrasound of kidneys, bladder, TRUS, which allows you to thoroughly assess the state of the prostate,
7. Uroflowmetry.It is used to estimate the rate and time of urine output. It is performed with a special apparatus consisting of sensors and a container. All the patient has to do is urinate into it as usual.
8. Blood PSA– prostate specific antigen. It is an indicator of the presence of tumor formations in the prostate gland - adenoma or cancer,
9. Prostate biopsy.It is performed when cancer is suspected.

It is necessary to make a spermogram, which will help to confirm or refute infertility.

Treatment of acute and chronic prostatitis

Acute prostatitis without complications is usually treated on an outpatient basis. Hospitalization is indicated in case of severe intoxication or development of complications.

Treatment of acute prostatitisstart antibiotics. If the condition is sharply disturbed, they are applied without waiting for the results of the analysis. They use groups of antibacterial drugs that can penetrate deep into the tissues of the prostate gland. They act on those types of bacteria that most often cause inflammation in it. These antibiotics include fluoroquinolones.

When receiving testsantibiotic therapy can be adjusted differently. It all depends on the cause of the disease and its sensitivity to the drug. Therapy is also changed if no effect is observed after 2 days.

In case of acute inflammation of the prostate gland, the use of pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is indicated. In addition to oral drugs, suppositories are also used, which also have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect: based on prostate extract, suppositories with propolis.

In severe intoxicationcarry out detoxification therapy. To do this, use a glucose solution.

Prescribed drugs that improve blood circulation in the prostate. They ensure the drainage of lymph from the gland, relieve swelling and promote the elimination of toxins.

In acute prostatitis, it is forbidden to massage the gland, as this can provoke the development of sepsis.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis depends on the stage of the disease.

In acute form, antibiotics are used. In the stage of remission, therapy is aimed at maintaining the normal functioning of the gland:

1. Medicines that normalize the microcirculation of organs.
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs.
3. It is important to maintain the body's immune function, which decreases under the influence of courses of antibiotics. For this, patients are prescribed immunostimulants.
4. Antidepressants and sedatives may be prescribed for sexual dysfunction.
5. Prostate massage.
6. Physiotherapy:
   • laser,
   • ultrasound,
   • rectal electrophoresis,
   • transrectal microwave hyperthermia.
7. Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy for prostatitis helps to increase the tone of the pelvic floor muscles and reduce pain.

Prostate massage: purpose and technique

Finger prostate massage has several purposes.

It is used for diagnosis, to obtain glandular secretion, and also as a method of treatment of chronic prostatitis.

Most of themA common method for this procedure is transrectal. In this case, the patient is placed on the right side with bent knees. The doctor inserts the index finger into the anus, moving it along the rectum. Then a massage is performed: gently stroking each lobe of the gland around it and along the ducts. At the end of the procedure, the groove between the lobes is kneaded to release the secretory fluid.

It is necessary to focus on the patient's sensations: during the manipulation there should be no pain. The procedure lasts 1 minute, the full course is 15 sessions.

An indicator of a high-quality massage is the release of a few drops of secretion from the gland.

Such manipulation, first of all,increases blood circulation in the prostate. This accelerates the recovery of tissues and improves the passage of drugs, removes congestion and relieves inflammation.

Massage helps to strengthen the muscles of the gland and perineum. The procedure allows you to remove stagnant seminal fluid from the organ, due to which the prostate is cleaned of bacteria and toxins. Compression of the urethra is eliminated and urination is improved. Massage increases potency by increasing the circulation of seminal fluid.

In addition to the transrectal method, there is an infusion method and bougie massage.

Infusion methodbegins with the introduction of a medicinal solution through the urethra. Then it is pressed and the prostate is massaged using the finger method. In this case, the medicinal solution penetrates the gland, enhancing the effect of the procedure. At the end, the urethra is unblocked, it is recommended to wait some time before urinating. The drug is re-introduced into the urethra.

Boogie massageit is carried out through the urethra with the help of buggies - special tools for expanding and examining tubular organs. The patient is in the right lateral position. The probe is inserted into the urethra and held with one hand. With the other hand, stroke and press the penis from top to bottom. The duration of the procedure is 1 minute, after which the drugs are administered intraurethrally. This massage is supported by antibiotic therapy.

Finger prostate massage– medical manipulation, which is performed by a specialist according to clear indications.

A self-massage option is possible: to do this, rhythmically tense and relax the muscles around the anus. This procedure will be invisible to others and will help strengthen the gland.

Like any manipulation,Prostate massage has its contraindications:

• acute inflammation of the prostate,
• cancer or adenoma of the gland,
• hemorrhoids,
• stones, cystic formations in the prostate organ.

The professionally performed procedure will help to restore the structure of the prostate and its function, and the stimulation of sensitive points will eliminate sexual dysfunction.

Prostatitis and traditional medicine

Along with medicines, traditional methods will also help to deal with inflammation of the prostate.Combining these 2 types of treatment, you will speed up the healing process and get rid of unpleasant sensations.

There are many home remedies that help in the fight against prostatitis. Here are some of them:

• Grind 500 grams of peeled raw pumpkin seeds through a meat grinder and mix with 200 grams of honey. Make small balls from the resulting mass. Take before meals 2 times a day, slowly, chewing and dissolving well. Pumpkin seeds contain a large amount of zinc, which is essential for men's health.
• blueberries have an anti-inflammatory effect. By eating 200 grams of this berry a day, you will maintain the health of your men,
• Parsley first became famous as a culinary spice. But in addition, it also contains many useful substances, including those that the male body needs. Take parsley juice 1 tablespoon 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. This will help relieve inflammation and improve sex life,
• take the green skin of the chestnuts together with the spines, cut them and pour boiling water over them. Use as a tea
• Grind 300 grams of onion to a paste consistency, add 100 grams of honey, 600 ml of dry wine. It stays for 1 week in a dark and cool place, stirring occasionally. Strain. Use 2 tablespoons 3 times a day before meals. Effective in the treatment of chronic prostatitis.

Some will help speed recoveryphysical exercises. They stimulate blood circulation in the pelvic area and, accordingly, in the prostate.

1. Deep squats below the level of the knees. The optimal number of times is 100. Perform 3 times a week. If you cannot do such a number at once, perform squats in several approaches with rests.
2. scissors. Sit on the floor with your hands on the floor behind you. Stretch your legs in front of you, lift them off the floor. Cross them on top of each other. The movements resemble the work of scissors.
3. Lie on your back, bend your knees and bring them to your chest. Wrap your arms around them. Hold the pose for up to 20 minutes.
4. Regular walking is also a great way to relieve congestion.

You cancomplement this complex with other exercises, which activate and warm up the muscles.

Juvenile prostatitis

It is hard to believe, but prostatitis, which was considered the province of middle and old age, is now significantly younger and occurs even among teenagers. It negatively affects the condition of the entire organism, as well as the reproductive ability of young people.

that's whyit is important to understand the reasonswhich lead to juvenile prostatitis:

• early sexual activity and sexual illiteracy.Unprotected intercourse contributes to the flourishing of sexually transmitted infections, which can cause bacterial inflammation of the prostate,
• hypothermia- a contributing factor to the development of prostatitis. Temperature imbalance reduces immunity and exposes the body to infectious attack,
• fashion tendencies– wearing tight clothes and underwear disrupts blood circulation in the pelvis and leads to stagnation in this area,
• sedentary way of life- the work on the computer of the modern youth replaces sports, walks and other active pastimes,
• excessive sexual activityliterally exhausts the gland. Its functions are reduced, and the small amount of secretion and the deterioration of its quality make it more susceptible to infections.

Prostatitis manifests itself in young people in different ways. Some are concerned about obvious symptoms: hyperthermia, severe pain in the groin with radiation to neighboring organs and when urinating. In others, the symptoms are mild. General weakness, reduced activity, low-grade fever and urethral discharge appear.

A lotIt is important not to ignore the signs of the disease, but to start treatment on time. The neglected pathological process will leave its mark on the state of the organ and the life of young men.

Preventive actions

It is better to prevent any disease than to cure it. The measures to prevent prostatitis are quite simple and not difficult to follow.

1. Primarily,rethink your daily routine. If you have a sedentary job, do not forget to introduce five minutes of sports exercises into your routine. Stretch your body, move more. This is necessary to make the blood "flow" faster through the vessels. At the same time, avoid excessive physical activity that exhausts the body.
2. Stop smoking. Tobacco smoke spasms blood vessels and disrupts blood circulation, reducing the supply of oxygen to the prostate gland. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages.
3. Avoid hypothermia and nervous tension.
4. It is worth eating pickled dishes, as well as spices and pickles, and hot sauces in doses.
5. The regularity of sexual activity and the adequacy of intercourse must be observed.

Untreated prostatitis threatens with a number of complications: transition to a chronic form, development of infertility, spread of the process in the kidneys and bladder. More serious consequences include prostate adenoma and cancer. It is possible for purulent foci to appear in the gland - abscesses that become septic.

As you can see, the disease is quite insidious. And despite the delicacy of the matter, you should not delay its treatment. Block the process in the early stages of its development: only in this case will you preserve your health and masculinity.