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

Inflammation of the prostate today is the leader in the group of male diseases that are mainly sexually transmitted. Its complications threaten infertility, decreased 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 pathological process diagnosed in time is easily stopped.

Causes of inflammation

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

• Hypothermia, once or related to the nature of work in the open air.
• A sedentary lifestyle leads to disruption of the functioning of the digestive system.
• Chronic somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension).
• Foci of focal, perifocal infection (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 intoxication: alcohol, smoking, strong coffee.
• Occupational injuries in the perineum of car drivers, athletes, workers in hazardous industries.
• Promiscuous sex life, interrupted sexual relations, intercourse without sensuality with incomplete ejaculation, prolonged lack of intimacy (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 lymphatic flow.

Symptoms of prostatitis

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

• discomfort during urination, uncontrolled urination;
• impotence disorder, weak erection, decreased sexual desire;
• difficulty urinating, feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
• pain in the perineum when sitting for a long time, for example while driving;
• infertility.

The acute phase of the disease causes considerable discomfort. This stage 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 intensifies during the act of defecation. As a result, difficulty in 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;
• the weakening of sexual function and the resulting psycho-emotional depression.

Distribution

In modern urology there is no uniform classification of the disease. However, practicing doctors prefer this option for the classification of 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 no older than 30-35 years old.
• Chronic option. It is considered a non-age category. It does not manifest 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, prevalent in men under 40 years of age, appears against the background of ultrasound and does not extend 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 prostate adenoma.
• Calculous inflammation of the prostate gland occurs due to the formation of stones within 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 illness

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

• Urinary disorder with the appearance of a constant, weak stream of urine, extremely short, causing splashing, difficulty and pain before urination. The frequent urge to empty the bladder occurs mainly at night.
• The pain, which is located 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 a 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 the complete resolution of the process (if treatment is started at the right time). Since changes occur in many organs of the pelvis, they cannot be left to chance, otherwise the corresponding complications will appear:

• Vesiculitis is an inflammation of the seminal vesicles, the cause of the appearance of pus in the sperm, which not only reduces the quality of the ejaculate, but leads to the loss of reproductive function.
• Coliculitis - inflammatory changes in the seminal tubercle cause the development of severe pain during sex, cessation 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 a worsening of symptoms, severe intoxication of the body, up to death.
• Stagnation in prostate tissue leads to changes in their structure, disruption of innervation, blood supply, both in the gland itself and in nearby organs, with disruption of their functions. Erection becomes insufficient for full sexual intercourse, premature ejaculation and prolonged sexual 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; Bladder obstruction can cause acute urinary retention, requiring urgent surgical care.

Chronic prostatitis

The main feature of the disease is the ambiguity of clinical symptoms with a long and continuous course of the process. More often, the chronic form appears 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 appears in the scrotum, perineum, anus, back;
• urinary discomfort;
• mucous or mucopurulent discharge from the rectum, urethra, even in the absence of urination or defecation;
• erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, interrupted sexual intercourse, prolonged intercourse without the feeling of satisfaction.

Inaction and improper treatment of chronic prostatitis can cause complications:

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

Diagnosing

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, the patient's examination, the laboratory minimum using the most modern medical equipment:

• Rectal examination of the gland, taking secretions for examination (culture with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics).
• UAC, UAM, urine bacterial culture.
• Smear test for STD, UGI examination.
• 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 ejaculate analysis 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 on where the therapy will be performed (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 diet, without salt and sexual rest.

Course treatment methods:

• The most effective treatment for prostatitis is etiotropic therapy. If the basis 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, microclyses with warm sedative solutions. NSAIDs may be used.
• Immunostimulants, immunomodulators, enzymes, vitamin complexes and a combination of microelements have proven their effectiveness.
• Physiotherapy methods are possible only in the subacute phase of the disease. They improve microcirculation and increase immunity: UHF, microwaves, electrophoresis, laser, magnetic therapy.
• Massage is another effective method to influence the prostate. It opens the channels, normalizes blood circulation in the scrotum and pelvis.
• Acute retention of renal filtrate can be corrected with trocar catheterization and 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.Drugs with a broad spectrum of activity 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. For a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed, for a viral infection, antiviral drugs, and if protozoa are detected, anti-trichomonas drugs are prescribed. The choice of antimicrobial agents is carried out 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 made exclusively by the attending physician. Together with antibiotics, uroseptics can be prescribed, which have a disinfecting effect on the mucosa 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 drugs- reduces tissue swelling, eliminates congestion in the prostate, helping to reduce pain, improve blood circulation and local metabolic processes in tissues.
• enzymes- dilute prostate secretions and promote pus drainage. In addition, enzymatic drugs increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment by improving the absorption of their active substances by the affected tissues.
• Diuretics (diuretics).They increase the production of urine, which contributes to the mechanical "washing" of the infection.
• When taking antibiotics, patients are prescribed hepatoprotectors that 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 disappearance of acute inflammatory phenomena in the prostate gland, 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 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 performed.

A diet for acute prostatitis in men is indicated, including a sufficient supply of easily digestible proteins and 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 intercourse 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, accurate diagnosis and treatment of acute prostatitis in a medical institution, the prognosis is favorable - complete recovery occurs.

If acute prostatitis develops, consult a doctor immediately 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 recovery. Priority goes to herbal medicines, correction of immunity, change of household 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, they 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 herbal microclymas.
• In severe cases, intravenous fluids with diuretics are indicated. This stimulates the abundant production of urine, prevents the symptoms of intoxication, the development of growing 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 urine output 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). Practiced in exceptional cases, it is fraught with impotence and urinary incontinence. Young people do not undergo the operation because it can cause infertility.

Drug treatment

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

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

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

Antibacterial therapy

Antibiotics are an effective drug in the fight against bacterial prostatitis. In order to achieve the desired effect and not harm the body, the choice of drugs, dosage and treatment regimen should be made by a doctor. In order to correctly choose the most effective drugs, he will have to find out what kind of pathogen caused prostatitis, and also test the patient for tolerance to antibiotics of a certain group.

Antibiotics from the fluoroquinolone group have proven themselves to be effective in the treatment of chronic prostatitis. Their action is aimed at suppressing bacterial infection and strengthening the body's 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 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 from 2 to 4 weeks. In case of 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 increases.

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 prostatitis treatment include:

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

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

Surgery

Surgical methods are used in complex and urgent cases:

• for the drainage of purulent abscesses, which are removed by laparoscopic methods through 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 using 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.

Folk remedies

Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies is unlikely to be effective on its own, but in combination with medication and physiotherapeutic methods may be applicable. These include: beekeeping products, decoctions of plants and seeds, tinctures of garlic, ginger, beaver stem, fresh vegetables, pumpkin seeds.

In acute cases of the disease, you should consult a doctor and in no case should you 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, 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 particular problem.

1. Antibacterial agents are particularly effective for 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 in bee products, are used as an addition to the main treatment.
5. Ichthyol-based compounds promote blood flow in the area of the intestinal mucosa, which accelerates the mitigation 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 complex therapy with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.

Auxiliary drugs

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

Overall health is promoted by blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory dietary supplements based on bee products, pumpkin seed oil and palm fruit extracts.

Diet and lifestyle

For the treatment of prostatitis, a proper, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are very important. 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 undergo regular examination by a urologist. Incompletely healed prostatitis can be accompanied by the formation of calcifications, which will then have to be removed together with the gland. Experts are convinced that there are no other ways to remove or disperse stones.

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

Preventing

To prevent the occurrence 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 per day.
• Strengthen your immune system, walk a lot, get stronger.
• Engage in physical education and sports, visit fitness clubs.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Practice regular sex life with a regular partner.