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

Prostatitis is today a leader in the group of male diseases that are transmitted primarily through sexual contact. Its complications threaten infertility, reduced libido and impotence.

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

Causes of inflammation

The risk of developing inflammation of the prostate increases due to various factors predisposing to the disease:

• Hypothermia, one-time or related to the nature of outdoor work.
• A sedentary lifestyle leads to disruption of the functioning of the digestive system.
• Chronic somatic diseases (diabetes, hypertension).
• Foci of focal, perifocal infection (rhinitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis, gastritis).
• Resistant UGI (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, herpes virus).
• Stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Reduced immunity due to illness, surgery, emotional stress.
• Bad habits leading to the development of intoxication: alcohol, smoking, strong coffee.
• Occupational injuries of the perineum of car drivers, athletes, workers in hazardous industries.
• Promiscuous sex life, interrupted intercourse, devoid of sensuality intercourse with incomplete ejaculation, prolonged lack of intimacy (the low need for sperm leads to stagnation in 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.

Symptoms of prostatitis

Prostatitis can be suspected based on the following disorders in the functioning of the genitourinary system:

• discomfort during urination, uncontrolled urination;
• violation of potency, weak erection, decreased libido;
• difficulty urinating, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
• pain in the perineum when sitting for a long time, for example while driving;
• 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, which is transmitted to the anus and increases during the act of defecation. As a result, difficult defecation;
• general intoxication of the body, feverish condition.

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;
• discomfort during urination and defecation;
• weakening of sexual function and resulting psycho-emotional depression.

Classification

In modern urology, there is no uniform classification of the disease. However, medical practitioners prefer this option for classifying the inflammatory process in the prostate

According to the course of the disease:

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

Due to the reason that caused the pathology:

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

According to 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 a prostatic adenoma.
• Calculous inflammation of the prostate gland occurs due to the formation of stones in the prostate. It is considered a harbinger of cancer.
• Congestive prostatitis, the result of a sedentary lifestyle, is diagnosed in every second patient.

Signs of the disease

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

• Disturbance of micturition, with an intermittent, feeble stream of urine, unusually short, causing splashing, difficulty, and pain before micturition. The frequent urge to empty the bladder occurs mostly at night.
• Pain that is localized in the lower abdomen, radiates to the scrotum, perineum and rectum.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Problems with ejaculation, changes in semen (consistency, quantity).

Acute prostatitis

The disease begins with a sharp rise 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 a constant urge to urinate.

Bladder emptying occurs with a delay and a burning sensation. The urine itself becomes cloudy and may contain blood. Irritability and fatigue appear.

The result of acute prostatitis can be a complete disappearance 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 the corresponding complications will arise:

• Vesiculitis is an inflammation of the seminal vesicles, the cause of the appearance of pus in the semen, which not only reduces the quality of the ejaculate, but also leads to loss of reproductive function.
• Coliculitis - inflammatory changes in seminal tuberculosis cause the development of severe pain during sex, interruption 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 leads to exacerbation of symptoms, severe intoxication of the body, even death.
• Stagnation in the tissues of the prostate leads to changes in their structure, disruption of innervation, blood supply, both to the gland itself and to nearby organs, with disruption of their functions. The erection becomes insufficient for full intercourse, premature ejaculation and prolonged intercourse without orgasm are observed.
• Cicatricial changes in the gland and spermatic cord lead to infertility, reduced sperm quality and sperm motility. Narrowing of the urethra interferes with the normal process of urination, blockage of the bladder can cause acute retention of urine, which requires urgent surgical assistance.

Chronic prostatitis

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

The main symptoms of chronic prostatitis are:

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

Inaction and improper treatment of chronic prostatitis can cause complications:

• Infertility results from 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.
• sepsis.
• Permanent 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 performed by a urologist on the basis of anamnesis, examination of the patient, laboratory minimum with the help of state-of-the-art medical equipment:

• Rectal examination of the gland, collection of secretions for examination (culture with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics).
• UAC, UAM, urine bacterial culture.
• Cytosmear for STD, UGI review.
• Daily monitoring of urination rhythm, measurement of urination rate (uroflowmetry).
• Ultrasound or TRUS is performed for differential diagnosis.
• 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 the 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 drugs, the form of the pathology and the presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account. The decision where to conduct the therapy (inpatient or outpatient) is made by the doctor. The course of treatment is carried out with careful laboratory monitoring 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 underlying cause of prostatitis is an infection, a course of antimicrobial agents is a priority, which relieves the manifestations of inflammation.
• The pain syndrome is relieved with analgesics, antispasmodics, rectal suppositories, micro-enemas with warm solutions of painkillers. NSAIDs may be used.
• Immunostimulants, immunomodulators, enzymes, vitamin complexes and a combination of trace elements have proven their effectiveness.
• Physiotherapy methods are possible only in the subacute stage of the disease. They improve microcirculation and increase immunity: UHF, microwave oven, electrophoresis, laser, magnetic therapy.
• Massage is another effective method of affecting the prostate. Opens the channels, 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.
• Consultations with a psychologist.

Therapy for acute inflammation of the prostate is complex.

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

• antibiotics.Medicines with a broad spectrum of action are used, which 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. In the case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed, in the case of a viral infection, antiviral drugs are prescribed, and when protozoa are detected, antitrichomonas drugs are prescribed. The choice of antimicrobial agents is made empirically or based on the results of PCR, bacterioscopy and bacterial culture. The choice of antimicrobial agents, determination of their dose, 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 system.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs.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 drugs– reduces tissue swelling, removes congestion in the prostate, thereby helping to reduce pain, improves blood circulation and local metabolic processes in the tissues.
• Enzymes- dilution of prostatic secretion and promotion of drainage of pus. In addition, enzyme drugs increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment by improving the absorption of their active substances by the affected tissues.
• Diuretics (diuretics).They increase the excretion of urine, which contributes to the mechanical "washing out" of the infection.
• While taking antibiotics, patients are prescribed hepatoprotectors, 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 the acute inflammatory phenomena in the prostate gland have subsided, patients are prescribed a course of physiotherapeutic treatment - medicinal electrophoresis, galvanization, magnetic, laser, mud therapy, etc. Such procedures improve local microcirculation and lymphatic drainage, metabolic processes and tissue nutrition, stimulate tissue recovery, accelerate the final resolution of the inflammatory process, promote tissue recovery and normalize the functional state of the prostate.

Common activities must be carried out.

A diet for acute prostatitis in men is indicated, including a sufficient amount of easily digestible proteins and vitamins.

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

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

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

During the illness, a person needs functional rest.

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

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

Treatment of chronic prostatitis

With long-term, course (at least one month) effect on the prostate, there is no 100% guarantee of cure. Priority is given to herbal medicines, immunocorrection, change of daily habits:

• Herbal preparations are widely 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.
• Medicines that increase immunity not only help to cope with prostatitis, but also correct the negative effects of antibiotics that disrupt the function 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 the "extra" secretion of the gland through the urethra, improve blood circulation and minimize congestion.
• Physiotherapy: laser, magnet, ultrasound, iontophoresis, warm sitz baths or micro enemas with herbs.
• In severe cases, intravenous fluids with diuretics are indicated. This stimulates the copious excretion of urine, prevents the symptoms of intoxication, the development of ascending cystitis and pyelonephritis.
• Herbal laxatives are used for constipation.
• Together with the patient, the urologist and the psychologist develop an individual long-term program for 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 tissue (prostatectomy). It is practiced in exceptional cases, it is fraught with impotence and urinary incontinence. Young people do not undergo surgery because it can cause infertility.

Drug treatment

The treatment of prostatitis by antibacterial therapy should begin with a bacterial culture, the purpose of which is to assess the sensitivity of the body to this type of antibiotic. If urination is disturbed, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs gives a good result.

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

Blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs have also been shown to be effective.

Antibacterial therapy

Antibiotics are an effective means of combating bacterial prostatitis. In order to achieve the desired effect and not to harm the body, the choice of the drug, the dosage and the treatment regimen should be carried out by a doctor. In order to correctly choose the most effective drugs, he will need to find out what type of pathogen caused prostatitis, as well as test the patient for tolerance to antibiotics of a certain group.

Antibiotics from the fluoroquinolone group have proven to be effective in the treatment of chronic prostatitis. Their action is aimed at suppressing bacterial infection and strengthening the body's own 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 additionally 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 from 2 to 4 weeks. With positive dynamics, the course can be extended.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy techniques in the treatment of prostatitis are aimed at activating blood circulation in the pelvic area, improving metabolic processes in the prostate gland and cleaning the channels. If physiotherapy is combined with taking antibiotics, the effect of the latter is enhanced.

The main methods include:

• magnetic therapy;
• laser therapy;
• electrophoresis;
• warm up;
• ultrasound;
• mud therapy;
• high frequency radiation;
• physiotherapy.

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

Non-specific treatments

Non-specific methods of treating prostatitis include:

• hirudotherapy;
• therapeutic fasting;
• acupuncture;
• diet according to the Ostrovsky method;
• alkalinization of the body according to the Neumivakin method.

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

surgery

Surgical methods are used in complex and urgent cases:

• for draining purulent abscesses, which are removed laparoscopically by puncture;
• with 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 lesion or multiple stones, resection of the prostate is resorted to.

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

People's funds

Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies is unlikely to be effective by itself, but in combination with medication and physical therapy methods may be applicable. These include: bee products, decoctions of herbs and seeds, tinctures of garlic, ginger, beaver jet, fresh vegetables, pumpkin seeds.

In acute cases of the disease, you should consult a doctor and in no case self-medicate! If a purulent abscess bursts, death is possible.

Suppositories for prostatitis

Treatment of prostatitis with rectal suppositories is much more effective than tablets, if only because the rectum is much closer to the prostate, which means that the medicine will work 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 in prostatitis caused by chlamydia.
2. Painkillers are used for symptomatic treatment, they relieve pain well.
3. Immunostimulants help 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. Compositions based on ichthyol stimulate blood flow in the area of the intestinal mucosa, which accelerates the weakening of inflammatory processes and slightly improves immunity.
6. Products based on special enzymes prevent the formation of scars. It is recommended to be taken as part of complex therapy with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and pain relievers.

Auxiliary drugs

For symptomatic treatment of prostatitis in men, for example, relief of pain during urination, you can additionally take antispasmodics, which relax smooth muscles and thus quickly relieve pain.

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

Diet and lifestyle

Proper, balanced nutrition 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.

Food should contain enough fiber to prevent constipation. 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, it is necessary to regularly undergo an examination by a urologist. Incompletely cured prostatitis can be accompanied by the formation of calcifications, which must then be removed together 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, causing inflammation. Advanced prostatitis can cause the development of prostate adenoma and cancer.

Prevention

To prevent the appearance of a disease that is unpleasant for men, you need to eliminate the 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 a day.
• Strengthen your immune system, walk a lot, toughen up.
• Engage in physical education and sports, visit fitness clubs.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Practice a regular sex life with a regular partner.