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

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

The symptoms of prostatitis are not just pain, urinary disorders and inflammation of the spermatic cord. The most dangerous consequence of advanced inflammation may be cancerous degeneration of the prostate. Whereas a pathological process diagnosed in a timely manner is easily stopped.

Causes of inflammation

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

• Hypothermia, unique or associated with the nature of outdoor work.
• A sedentary lifestyle leads to disruption of the functioning of the digestive system.
• Chronic somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension).
• Foci of focal and 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 to the perineum of car drivers, athletes, workers in hazardous industries.
• Promiscuous sexual life, interrupted sexual relations, sexual relations devoid of 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 occurrence of stagnation inside the organ against the background of impaired blood circulation and lymph flow.

Prostatitis symptoms

Prostatitis can be suspected based on the following disturbances 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;
• infertility.

The acute phase 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 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 the resulting 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

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 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 predominates in men under 40 years of age, occurs against the background of ultrasound and does not extend beyond the limits 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.

According to the nature of structural changes in the prostate:

• Fibrous prostatitis is characterized by rapid irreversible growth of the gland and requires radical intervention. Clinically it resembles prostate adenoma.
• Calculus inflammation of the prostate occurs due to the formation of stones within the prostate. 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 man discovers at least two of the following symptoms of prostatitis, he should immediately contact a qualified specialist:

• Urination disorder with the occurrence of a weak and intermittent stream of urine, abnormally short, causing splashing, difficulty and pain before urinating. The frequent need to empty the bladder occurs mainly at night.
• The pain, 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 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 occur.

The result of acute prostatitis can be a 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 ejaculation, but leads to the loss of reproductive function.
• Coliculitis - inflammatory changes in the seminal tubercle become the cause of the development of severe pain during sex, interruption of orgasm and impotence of a psychological nature.
• The formation of an abscess in the prostate body, its rupture and purulent damage to the rectum lead to an exacerbation of symptoms, severe intoxication of the body and even death.
• Stagnation of prostate tissues leads to changes in its structure, disruption of innervation, blood supply, both to the gland itself and to organs located nearby, with disruption of their functions. The 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, decreased sperm quality and motility. The 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), non-bacterial prostatitis.

The main symptoms of chronic prostatitis are:

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

Inaction and inadequate 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 a consequence of the hematogenous and mechanical spread of microbes.
• Sepsis.
• Persistent 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 carried out by a urologist based on medical history, patient examination, laboratory minimum using the most modern medical devices:

• Rectal examination of the gland, collection of secretions for examination (culture with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics).
• UAC, UAM, urine bacterial culture.
• Swab test for STDs, UGI exam.
• Daily monitoring of urinary 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 the pathology and the presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account. The decision about where to carry out the therapy (inpatient or outpatient) is up to 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.

Clear treatment methods:

• The most effective treatment for prostatitis is etiotropic therapy. If the basis of prostatitis is an infection, a series of antimicrobial agents are a priority, which alleviate the manifestations of inflammation.
• Pain syndrome is relieved with analgesics, antispasmodics, rectal suppositories, microenemas with warm analgesic solutions. NSAIDs can be used.
• Immunostimulants, immunomodulators, enzymes, vitamin complexes and a combination of microelements have proven their effectiveness.
• Physiotherapeutic methods are only possible in the subacute phase of the disease. Improve microcirculation and increase immunity: UHF, microwaves, electrophoresis, laser, magnetic therapy.
• 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 cystostomy with a trocar.
• The purulent process involves surgical intervention.
• Consultations with a psychologist.

Therapy for acute prostate inflammation is complex.

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

• Antibiotics.Medicines with a wide 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 are prescribed, and if protozoa are detected, anti-trichomonas drugs are prescribed. The choice of antimicrobials is made empirically or based on the results of PCR, bacterioscopy and bacterial culture. The selection of antimicrobials, determination of dose, frequency and duration of administration can be carried out exclusively by the attending physician. Along 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, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for this.
• Vascular drugs– reduce tissue swelling, eliminate prostate congestion, thereby helping to reduce pain, improve blood circulation and local metabolic processes in tissues.
• Enzymes– thins prostate secretion and promotes pus drainage. Furthermore, enzyme medicines increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment by improving the absorption of its active substances by the affected tissues.
• Diuretics (diuretics).They increase urine production, which contributes to the mechanical "elimination" of the infection.
• While taking antibiotics, patients receive hepaprotectors 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 acute inflammatory phenomena in the prostate subside, 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 carried out.

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 relations and intense physical activity, including sports, are recommended.

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

During the period of illness, the 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 occurs, consult a doctor immediately and do not self-medicate!

Treatment of chronic prostatitis

With a long-term (at least a month) effect on the prostate, there is no 100% guarantee of a cure. Priority goes to herbal medicines, immunocorrection, changing domestic 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.
• Immunity-enhancing drugs not only help to cope with 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, hot sitz baths or microenemas with herbs.
• In severe cases, intravenous fluids with diuretics are indicated. This stimulates abundant urine production, prevents symptoms of intoxication, 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 fraught with impotence and urinary incontinence. Young people do not undergo surgery because it can cause infertility.

Drug treatment

The treatment of prostatitis through antibiotic therapy must begin with bacterial culture, the objective of which is to assess the organism's sensitivity 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 - droppers or intramuscularly. Rectal suppositories are effective in treating chronic forms of prostatitis: with their help, medications reach their goals faster and have minimal effect on other organs.

Blood-thinning medications and anti-inflammatories have also proven to be effective.

Antibacterial therapy

Antibiotics are an effective remedy in the fight against bacterial prostatitis. To obtain the desired effect and not harm the body, the choice of medication, dosage and treatment regimen must be made by the doctor. To correctly select the most effective drugs, he will have to find out what kind 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 is aimed at suppressing bacterial infections 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 also be carried out with drugs from the group of macrolides and tetracyclines, which slow 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 region, improve metabolic processes in the prostate and clean the ducts. If physiotherapy is combined with the use of antibiotics, their effect is enhanced.

The main methods include:

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

One of the oldest methods, transrectal prostate massage, according to modern research, has no proven 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 discuss all non-traditional methods of treating prostatitis with your doctor.

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 the case of a large affected area or multiple stones, prostate resection is used.

Transurethral resection is also effective for bacterial prostatitis. 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 medications and physiotherapeutic methods it may be applicable. These include: beekeeping products, decoctions of herbs and seeds, tinctures of garlic, ginger, beaver stream, fresh vegetables, 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

Treating prostatitis with rectal suppositories is much more effective than with pills, especially because the rectum is much closer to the prostate, which means the medicine will act more quickly.

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 especially effective for prostatitis caused by chlamydia.
2. Analgesics are used for symptomatic treatment and relieve pain well.
3. Immunostimulants help improve blood circulation, relieve swelling and are used in complex therapies.
4. Herbal medicines have a moderate effect. They, like candles in beekeeping products, are used as a supplement to the main treatment.
5. Compositions based on ichthyol promote blood flow in 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-inflammatory drugs and analgesics.

Auxiliary medicines

For the symptomatic treatment of prostatitis in men, for example by relieving pain when urinating, you can also take antispasmodics, which relax smooth muscles and thus quickly relieve pain.

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

Diet and lifestyle

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

Food should contain enough fiber to prevent constipation. The protein content must 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, regular examinations by a urologist are necessary. Incompletely cured prostatitis may be accompanied by the formation of calcifications, which will have to be removed along with the gland. Experts are confident that there are no other ways to remove or dissolve stones.

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

Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of a disease unpleasant for humans, it is necessary to eliminate 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, strengthen yourself.
• Do physical education and sports, visit fitness centers.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Have a regular sex life with a regular partner.