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

Today, prostatitis plays a leading role in the group of male diseases that are mainly sexually transmitted. Its complications threaten infertility, reduced libido and impotence.

The symptoms of prostatitis are not only pain, urination disorders and inflammation of the sperm cell. The most dangerous consequence of advanced inflammation can be the cancerous degeneration of prostate cancer. While the pathological process diagnosed in time can be easily stopped.

Causes of inflammation

The risk of developing prostatitis increases due to several predisposing factors:

• Hypothermia, one-time or related to the nature of the work performed outdoors.
• A sedentary lifestyle leads to disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system.
• Chronic somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure).
• Foci of focal and perifocal infection (colds, tonsillitis, stomatitis, gastritis).
• Permanent UGI (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, herpes virus).
• Stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Reduced immunity due to illness, surgery, emotional stress.
• Bad habits leading to poisoning: alcohol, smoking, strong coffee.
• Occupational injuries of the perineum of drivers, athletes, workers in hazardous industries.
• Promiscuous sex life, interrupted sex, lack of sensual contact, incomplete ejaculation, prolonged lack of intimacy (low sperm demand leads to stagnation in the gland).
• Venereal diseases.

Despite quite a lot of provocative moments, the essence of prostatitis is stagnation within the organ against the background of impaired blood circulation and lymph outflow.

Symptoms of prostatitis

Suspicion of prostatitis is possible based on the following dysfunctions of the urinary tract system:

• discomfort during urination, uncontrolled urination;
• potency disorder, 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 passes into the anus and increases during stool. As a result, difficulty in defecation;
• general poisoning of the body, febrile state.

The chronic form of prostatitis is accompanied by other symptoms:

• slight rise in body temperature;
• constant fatigue;
• slight pain in the perineum, burning sensation in the urethra;
• discomfort during urination and defecation;
• weakening of sexual function and resulting psycho-emotional depression.

Classification

There is no unified classification of the disease in modern urology. However, practitioners prefer this option to classify the inflammatory process of the prostate

Depending on 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.
• A chronic possibility. It is not considered an age category. It does not appear for a long time, the stimulus for its development is a cold or infection.

Due to the cause of the pathology:

• Bacterial inflammation of the prostate predominates in men under 40, occurs in the background of the ultrasound examination, and does not spread beyond the boundaries 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.

Depending on the nature of the 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.
• Inflammation of the prostate occurs due to the formation of stones within the prostate. It is considered a harbinger of cancer.
• Stagnant prostatitis, which is the result of a sedentary lifestyle, is diagnosed in every second patient.

Signs of the disease

If a man notices at least two of the following symptoms of prostatitis, he should immediately consult a qualified professional:

• Dysuria with an intermittent, weak stream of urine that is unusually short, causing splashing, difficulty, and pain before urination. The frequent urge to empty the bladder occurs mainly at night.
• The pain, which is localized in the lower abdomen, radiates to the scrotum, perineum and rectum.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Ejaculation problems, 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 groin, perineal, back pain, urethral discharge, frequent urination and a constant urge to urinate.

Bladder emptying is delayed and with 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 the treatment is started in time). Since changes occur in many pelvic organs, they cannot be left to chance, otherwise the corresponding complications will occur:

• Vesiculitis is an inflammation of the seminal vesicles, the cause of the appearance of pus in the sperm, which not only deteriorates the quality of the ejaculate, but also leads to the loss of reproductive functions.
• Colliculitis - inflammatory changes in the testes are the cause of severe pain during sex, interruption of orgasm and psychological impotence.
• An abscess forming in the body of the prostate, its rupture, and purulent damage to the rectum lead to aggravation of symptoms, serious poisoning of the body, or even death.
• Stagnation of the tissues of the prostate leads to changes in its structure, disruption of innervation and blood supply, both in the gland and in nearby organs, disrupting their functioning. 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 sperm motility. The narrowing of the urethra disrupts the normal urination process; bladder obstruction can cause acute urinary retention, requiring urgent surgical care.

Chronic prostatitis

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

The main symptoms of chronic prostatitis are:

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

Inactivity and inadequate treatment of chronic prostatitis can cause complications:

• Infertility is the result of chronic inflammation of the bladder, bladder, testicles and their appendages.
• Cystitis, pyelonephritis (other diseases of the urinary system) are the result of hematogenous and mechanical spread of microbes.
• Blood poisoning.
• Permanent decrease in immunity.
• Untreated prostatitis can cause cancer in 35-40% of cases.

Diagnostics

The clinical picture of the disease is typical, so the diagnosis is not difficult. Based on the medical history, examination of the patient, laboratory minimum, the urologist performs the following with the most modern medical devices:

• Rectal examination of the gland, collection of secretions for examination (culture with determination of antibiotic sensitivity).
• UAC, UAM, urine bacterial culture.
• Smear test for STDs, UGI test.
• Daily control of urination rhythm, measurement of urination frequency (uroflowmetry).
• Ultrasound or TRUS is performed for differential diagnosis.
• If it is necessary to rule out 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 male fertility.

Based on the results of the patient's examination, an individual scheme is prepared for the complex treatment of prostatitis. When prescribing drugs, the form of the pathology and the presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account. The doctor decides where the therapy will be performed (inpatient or outpatient). The treatment process is carried out with careful laboratory control of the results.

Treatment of acute prostatitis

Acute prostatitis requires bed rest, a special salt-free diet and sexual rest.

Course management methods:

• The most effective treatment for prostatitis is etiotropic therapy. If the prostatitis is based on an infection, the priority is a course of antimicrobial agents, which relieves the manifestations of the inflammation.
• The pain syndrome is alleviated with painkillers, antispasmodics, rectal suppositories, and microenjections with warm solutions of painkillers. NSAIDs can be used.
• The combination of immunostimulants, immunomodulators, enzymes, vitamin complexes and microelements has proven its 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 way to influence the prostate. It 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 means surgical intervention.
• Psychologist consultations.

The therapy of acute inflammation of the prostate is complex.

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

• Antibiotics.They use broad-spectrum drugs that have a bactericidal effect on most pathogens. Most often, antimicrobial treatment is an etiotropic measure, since in most cases the cause of prostatitis is a microbial pathogen. Antibiotics are prescribed in case of bacterial infection, antiviral drugs in case of viral infection, anti-trichomonas drugs are prescribed in case of detection of protozoa. Antimicrobial agents are selected 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 use can only be performed by the attending physician. Together with antibiotics, uroseptics can be prescribed, which have an antiseptic effect on the mucous membrane of the urogenital tract.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs.It makes it possible to reduce the severity of tissue swelling and the intensity of pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually used for this purpose.
• Vascular drugs– reduces tissue swelling, eliminates prostate congestion, thus helps to reduce pain, improves blood circulation and local metabolic processes in the tissues.
• Enzymes– dilutes prostate secretions and promotes the drainage of pus. In addition, enzymatic drugs increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment by improving the absorption of their active ingredients in the affected tissues.
• Diuretics.They increase urine output, which contributes to the mechanical "washing out" of the infection.
• When taking antibiotics, patients are prescribed hepatoprotectors, which protect the liver parenchyma from toxic damage and improve its functional state.
• During antibiotic therapy, patients are prescribed probiotics to eliminate and prevent intestinal dysbiosis.
• After the acute inflammatory phenomena of the prostate gland have subsided, patients are prescribed physiotherapy treatment - medicated 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 normalization of the functional state of the prostate.

General activities should be performed.

A diet for acute prostatitis in men is recommended, including sufficient amounts 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 prohibited, smoking cessation, sexual intercourse and intensive physical activity, including sports, are recommended.

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

During the period of illness, a person needs functional rest.

With timely, correct 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

In addition to the long-term (at least one month) effect on the prostate, there is no 100% cure guarantee. Priority is given to herbal medicines, immune correction, changing 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 enhance immunity not only help in the treatment of prostatitis, but also correct the negative effects of antibiotics, which interfere with the functioning of the immune system.
• The pain syndrome can be alleviated by administering alpha-blockers and muscle relaxants.
• Prostate massage enables the mechanical removal of "extra" secretions from the gland through the urethra, improves blood circulation and minimizes congestion.
• Physiotherapy: laser, magnet, ultrasound, iontophoresis, warm sitz bath or microenema with herbs.
• In severe cases, intravenous fluids with diuretics are recommended. This stimulates abundant urine production, prevents the symptoms of poisoning, the development of ascending cystitis and pyelonephritis.
• In case of constipation, herbal laxatives are used.
• Together with the patient, the urologist and the psychologist work out an individual long-term program of the daily routine, the 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 tissues (transurethral resection of the prostate) or complete removal of the gland with surrounding tissues (prostatectomy). In exceptional cases, it is common, full of impotence and urinary incontinence. Young people are not operated on because it can cause infertility.

Drug treatment

Treatment of prostatitis with antibacterial therapy should begin with a bacterial culture, the purpose of which is to assess the body's sensitivity to this type of antibiotic. If urination is impaired, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs gives good results.

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

Blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs have also worked.

Antibacterial therapy

Antibiotics are effective treatments for bacterial prostatitis. In order to achieve the desired effect and harm the body, the medicine, the dosage and the treatment regimen must be chosen by a doctor. In order to correctly choose the most effective drugs, you need to find out what type of pathogen caused prostatitis and examine the patient for tolerance to antibiotics of a particular group.

Antibiotics belonging to the fluoroquinolone group have been shown to be effective in the treatment of chronic prostatitis. The purpose of their activity is to suppress bacterial infection and strengthen the body's own immunity. In addition, the bacteriostatic antibiotic trimethoprim is recommended for the prevention and treatment of simultaneous diseases of the urinary system.

Prostatitis caused by mycoplasma and chlamydia can also be treated with drugs belonging to the group of macrolides and tetracyclines, which slow down the spread of the infection.

The duration of taking antibacterial drugs is 2-4 weeks. In case of positive dynamics, the course can be extended.

Physiotherapy

In the treatment of prostatitis, the aim of physiotherapy techniques is to activate the blood circulation in the pelvis, improve the metabolic processes of the prostate gland and clean the channels. If physiotherapy is combined with antibiotics, the effect of the latter is enhanced.

The main methods are:

• magnet therapy;
• laser therapy;
• electrophoresis;
• warming up;
• ultrasound;
• mud therapy;
• high frequency irradiation;
• physiotherapy.

One of the oldest methods, transrectal massage of the prostate gland, is not proven effective according to modern research.

Non-specific treatments

Non-specific methods of treating prostatitis 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 any non-traditional methods of treating prostatitis with your doctor.

Surgery

Surgical methods are used in complex and urgent cases:

• for drainage of purulent abscesses, which are removed by puncture using laparoscopic methods;
• in case of urinary difficulties due to damage to the urinary tract;
• with the large amount 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. Prostate resection is used in case of a larger affected area or more stones.

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

Folk remedies

Treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies alone is unlikely to be effective, but it can be used in combination with medication and physiotherapy methods. These include: beekeeping products, decoctions of herbs and seeds, garlic, ginger tinctures, beaver stream, fresh vegetables, pumpkin seeds.

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

Suppositories for prostatitis

Treatment of prostatitis with rectal suppositories is much more effective than pills, 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. Analgesics are used for symptomatic treatment, which relieve pain well.
3. Immunostimulants improve blood circulation, relieve swelling, and are used in complex therapy.
4. Herbal medicines have a mild effect. They, like candles from beekeeping products, are used as a supplement to the main treatment.
5. Ichthyol-based preparations promote blood flow in the area of the intestinal mucosa, which accelerates the reduction 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 pain relievers.

Complementary medicines

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

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

Diet and lifestyle

A proper, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are very important in the treatment of prostatitis. The food must not contain spicy, fried, salty or pickled foods. Alcohol is strictly prohibited in acute cases.

Food should contain enough fiber to avoid constipation. The protein content should be reduced. It is worth supplementing the diet with herbs, ginger, and pumpkin seeds.

Consequences of untreated prostatitis

Even if the symptoms of prostatitis do not appear for a long time, a regular examination by a urologist should be performed. Incompletely healed prostatitis can form calcifications, which must then be removed together with the gland. Experts are sure that there is no other way to remove or dissolve stones.

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

Prevention

In order to prevent the occurrence of an unpleasant disease for men, you need 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, exercise.
• Participate in physical education and sports, visit fitness clubs.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Practice regular sex with a regular partner.