Signs of prostatitis in men: symptoms, description and treatment

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.

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.

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.

Symptoms and treatment of chronic prostatitis

Many men suffer from chronic prostatitis, but attribute the symptoms to other diseases or waste time on ineffective treatment. From our article you will learn comprehensive information about this male problem: causes, exact symptoms and diagnostic methods, various methods of treatment.

Despite all the successes of modern medicine, diagnosing a disease such as chronic prostatitis causes certain difficulties. This also negatively affects the effectiveness of his treatment.

Causes of chronic prostatitis

The causes of chronic prostatitis are very different. From the variety of negative factors affecting human health, it is difficult to single out exactly those that provoked the development of the disease. Often it is a complex of situations and circumstances accompanying a person's life.

The main causes of chronic abacterial prostatitis are the following:

• dysrhythmia (irregularity) of intercourse;
• lack of physical activity, characteristic of overweight people;
• long-term stressful conditions;
• the predominance of foods rich in fat in the diet;
• negative impact on the body in hazardous productions.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is the result of incompletely healed bacterial prostatitis. Or the man ignored the ailments and did not seek help from a urologist. Therefore, no treatment was performed.

Chronic prostatitis of abacterial type develops due to exposure to infectious agents against the background of reduced immunity. As a rule, diseases of the endocrine system are diagnosed in such patients.

The factors that provoke the development of chronic bacterial prostatitis are:

• surgical operations on the prostate (if antibacterial therapy was not carried out before the operation);
• refusal to use contraception;
• lack of habit of keeping your body clean.

Symptoms of chronic prostatitis

Today there are many myths about chronic prostatitis. For this reason, all temporary disorders of sexual function are attributed to this disease. You can often hear the opinion that decreased libido and erectile dysfunction are due to prostatitis, and if it is an older man, then to chronic prostatitis.

This is not true, because sexual dysfunction has many other causes, and the main symptom of chronic prostatitis is pain. All other signs can be considered collateral and indirect.

Chronic prostatitis is often confused with pelvic pain syndrome, as the symptoms of these diseases are largely similar. This is due to the formation of myofascial trigger zones near the prostate, which appear as a result of injuries and surgical interventions. Pain in these areas can be mistaken for a symptom of prostate inflammation.

When diagnosing the disease, complaints of pain and discomfort in the perineum and pelvis, lasting at least 3 months, come to the fore. The pain is localized near the prostate, radiating to the sacrum, rectum and scrotum. With prolonged exposure to negative factors (carrying heavy objects, excessive physical activity, standing for a long time), the pain intensifies.

A characteristic sign of the disease is premature ejaculation. Patients experience decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction. These symptoms are also characteristic of other diseases of the genitourinary system. Therefore, it cannot be said that they are hallmarks of chronic prostate disease.

An important symptom is the fading of orgasm. If the patient begins to notice that the severity of the sensations during ejaculation has disappeared, this is a reason to pay more attention to his health and signal the need to visit a urologist.

The structure of the inflamed prostate becomes denser, the pressure on the urethra increases and the quality of urination deteriorates. Patients with chronic prostatitis note a frequent urge to urinate at night. The process of passing urine is accompanied by a burning sensation, tingling and pain. Urinary incontinence often occurs.

Signs of chronic prostatitis can be expressed in whole or in part. Much depends on the patient's state of health and the presence or absence of other diseases. Chronic prostatitis is characterized by an undulating course with waxing and waning of symptoms. In this disease, the inflammatory process is not acute.

Laboratory research methods

If chronic prostatitis is suspected, its nature is first determined: bacterial or abacterial. In the first case, it is necessary to identify the pathogen or pathogens and to find out which drugs they are sensitive to. For this purpose, laboratory tests of urine and prostatic secretion are carried out.

If, after 10 days after DRE, the PSA test shows that the level of prostate-specific antigen exceeds 4. 0 ng / ml, this is a reason for the patient to be referred for a biopsy to rule out an oncological process.

The following research methods are recommended:

• scraping from the urethra;
• general and biochemical analysis of urine;
• LHC culture of prostate secretion.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis

Treatment of chronic prostatitis requires an integrated approach. Taking medication alone is not enough. Physiotherapy procedures and therapeutic exercises are necessary. In general, chronic prostatitis is difficult to treat and requires a radical revision of lifestyle, changes in habits, and in some cases, a change of work. Urologists insist that only a set of measures will help to completely get rid of this disease or ensure long-term remission.

Regardless of whether the disease is bacterial or non-bacterial in nature, congestion in the prostate plays a major role in its formation. The viscous secretion deposited in the ducts of the gland is a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. That is why the main focus should be on removing stagnation.

The problem can be solved by changing the lifestyle and including physiotherapy courses in the daily schedule.

Complexes of exercises have been developed that are suitable for different life situations:

• for those men who are forced to sit most of the time (drivers, office workers, managers);
• for overweight people;
• for those who don't have time to exercise.

Having thought about how to treat chronic prostatitis, you should decide to seriously reconsider your attitude to your health.

Drug treatment

In case of chronic prostatitis, outpatient treatment is mainly carried out. If the pathological process continues and it is not possible to achieve remission with this method, hospitalization is recommended. In a hospital, under the supervision of medical personnel, there are many more opportunities to observe the regime and monitor changes in the patient's condition.

Chronic prostatitis in men develops against the background of endocrine disorders. In this regard, drugs 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and alpha 1-blockers are recommended. They help to normalize hormonal levels and eliminate the symptoms of pathology.

The integrated approach includes taking drugs such as:

Methods of treatment of bacterial chronic prostatitis

Bacterial chronic prostatitis is treated with antibiotics. The most effective drug for a specific patient is determined using a preliminary laboratory examination of the prostate secretion.

There is no universal drug to suppress and destroy the pathogenic microflora. What works for one patient may not work for another. For this reason, there are many negative reviews of advertised drugs for the treatment of chronic prostatitis.

The recommended drugs for antibacterial therapy are fluoroquinolones. Most bacteria are sensitive to them.

Treatment with herbal preparations

Many people doubt whether chronic prostatitis can be cured with the help of herbal medicines. The answer to this question was obtained through the long-term use of these remedies in urological practice.

Today, the following treatment complexes are recommended:

All these drugs have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the male genitourinary system. Effective treatment of chronic prostatitis is possible when urinary function is normalized. The components included in herbal medicines perform this task. They help reduce the frequency of urges and eliminate slow jet syndrome.

For patients with chronic prostatitis, herbal mixtures containing pumpkin extract or pumpkin seeds are recommended. The latter have a unique chemical composition and act simultaneously in three directions:

• normalizes metabolism;
• strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
• activation of blood circulation in the pelvic organs.

Taking herbal medicines cannot be considered as the main method of treatment. These health-enhancing agents are considered adjunctive to drug therapy.

Non-drug treatment

Non-drug therapy methods allow you to act directly on the prostate, increase the concentration of drugs in its tissues and help eliminate congestion.

Today, non-drug treatment focuses on laser therapy. The possibilities of this technique are wide. Under the influence of a laser in the prostate gland, the following processes take place:

• activation of redox reactions;
• blood microcirculation improves;
• new capillaries are formed;
• pathogenic microflora is suppressed;
• The process of cell division is activated, which promotes tissue regeneration.

In the period of research on the effects of laser therapy in patients with prostatitis, a side effect was noted, but positive for the purposes of treatment. Those who have completed the course increase potency, eliminate erectile dysfunction and restore vitality. To achieve this result, it is necessary to use a beam of a certain wavelength. Generally, low-intensity laser radiation is used to treat chronic prostatitis.

This technique can have several positive effects:

Patients can, on their own initiative, undergo a course of laser therapy, if this is not prescribed by the attending physician.

Surgical treatment of chronic prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis does not pose a threat to the patient's life, but it can significantly reduce its quality. The most serious complication of this disease is the formation of stones in the tissues of the gland. To get rid of prostatoliths, transurethral resection is used.

The operative intervention is performed under the control of TRUS.

If complications such as prostatic sclerosis occur, transurethral electrosurgery is performed. If sclerosis of the bladder neck is observed in combination with this pathology, a partial resection of the prostate is performed.

In the case of obstruction of the seminal and excretory ducts, endoscopic operations are indicated to remove the obstruction of the passage of the secretion. For this purpose, an incision is made on the seminal vesicles and excretory ducts. In the case of an abscess, complete removal of the gland is possible.

Exercises for the treatment of chronic prostatitis

There are a number of exercises that are effective in stimulating the prostate, which helps relieve congestion. This complex was developed for patients with problems with the hip joint. Practice shows that these exercises are also useful for people diagnosed with prostatitis. Classes can be held at a convenient time, the complex will take no more than 15 minutes to complete.

Exercise No. 1

1. Lie on an exercise mat, stretch both arms up.
2. Bend your knees and pull them towards you, spreading them in different directions at the same time.
3. Lift the pelvis as high as they can. Repeat 10-12 times.

Exercise No. 2

Standing on the mat, do deep squats.

Repeat 10-12 times.

Exercise No. 3

1. Lie on your stomach.
2. Lift one leg up, then the other. Repeat 10-12 times.

Exercise #4

They lie on one side.

When performing this set of exercises, all movements should be smooth. This is the main condition for obtaining a high therapeutic effect.

Treatment prognosis

Few men can completely cure chronic prostatitis. Prostatitis often goes into a stage of long-term remission. But when conditions arise to activate the pathology, a relapse occurs. Exacerbation begins with the appearance of pain in the prostate. Often they are accompanied by urination disorders. At the first symptoms of a relapse, you should seek help from a specialist.

Patients are advised to visit a urologist regularly, at least once every six months. With the same frequency, they conduct examinations of the state of the prostate and do a PSA test. Through systematic monitoring of the state of the gland, processes that provoke a relapse of the disease can be identified in a timely manner. But even with long-term remission, there is no guarantee that it will not be disturbed.

The patient should follow the recommendations to prevent exacerbation of the disease. It is recommended to balance your diet by excluding fatty and spicy foods. The use of herbal medicines and traditional medicine should be agreed with the attending physician. With this approach, you can minimize the risk of exacerbation of chronic prostatitis.

Is it possible to cure prostatitis yourself?

If there are severe symptoms, it is better to be treated by a specialist, the time factor plays a big role in the treatment, because the longer the inflammation lasts, the greater the probability of irreversible changes in the organ.

But it is better to do prevention yourself, no doctor will do it for you.

Avoid hypothermia, stagnation with prolonged sitting, sexually transmitted infections, irregular sex life - all this is the way to effectively prevent prostatitis.