Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that is diagnosed mainly in people older than 35 to 45 years. Such a disease can develop only in men, because the prostate gland is absent in the female body. Why does the disease occur and what factors contribute to its development? How to treat prostatitis and what are the risks of complications?

Prostatitis in men

Given the disappointing statistics, the incidence of prostatitis is on the rise. Today, inflammation of the prostate affects almost half of the entire male population aged 30 to 70 years. It should be noted that prostatitis will progress whether it is treated incorrectly or not. Premature access to a doctor is fraught with negative consequences in the form of complications - an abscess of the gland or infertility.

The prostate gland is a rounded organ located below the bladder and is involved in the formation of sperm (seminal fluid). During ejaculation, the muscular parts of the prostate contract, preventing semen from entering the bladder and urine from entering the semen. Gland dysfunction can cause male infertility.

There are several classifications of prostatitis, distinguish:

• acute inflammation of the prostate gland;
• chronic bacterial and non-bacterial prostatitis;
• asymptomatic disease.

Inflammation of the prostate is often accompanied by vesiculitis or urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).

Acute prostatitis

The acute form of the disease usually appears spontaneously and is accompanied by numerous unpleasant symptoms. This condition requires urgent medical attention. Staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli and Enterobacter can cause an acute inflammatory process. Some microorganisms are part of the normal microflora, but upon entering the prostate gland, they can provoke the development of tissue inflammation.

There are several types of acute inflammation:

• catarrhal;
• parenchymal;
• follicular;
• Organ abscess.

Acute prostatitis is easily diagnosed by an experienced qualified physician using modern laboratory tests. Severe symptoms and a typical clinical picture will allow a quick and correct diagnosis. Treat the acute type of the disease comprehensively. Initially, an antibiotic is used, which will eliminate the pathogen infection. Also, effective therapy will include: drugs to strengthen the immune system, drugs to improve blood circulation in the gland, physiotherapy procedures if necessary. But the benefits of massage for prostatitis have not been proven.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis of bacterial etiology is a disease of the prostate gland that has characteristic symptoms. Among the signs of the disease, pain syndrome, urinary disorders and psychological discomfort can be distinguished. Inflammatory changes can also occur in biological fluids, including gland secretions, semen, and urine. Chronic bacterial prostatitis always has a pathogen, which is determined by multilevel laboratory tests.

Infectious prostatitis is most frequently associated with microorganisms of the genus Enterobacteriaceae. The main causative agents of prostatitis are Trichomonas, ureplasma, gonococcus, mycoplasma, chlamydia, gardnerella. The inflammation can be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or fungi of the genus Candida if a man is infected with HIV. Other pathogenic microorganisms, including Klebsiella, Proteus, and Enterococcus, cause the disease.

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis

Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis may have signs of inflammation or be almost asymptomatic. Only a competent urologist can identify the disease and make a diagnosis, based on the results of a full diagnosis of the patient's condition.

inflammatory prostatitis

Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis with signs of inflammation can be diagnosed by patient complaints and results of laboratory tests. In the secret of the gland after massage of the prostate, an increased content of leukocytes is found. Pathogenic microorganisms are not detected.

Non-inflammatory prostatitis syndrome and chronic pelvic pain

If during the diagnosis the urologist does not detect an infection, then the diagnosis may sound like non-inflammatory prostatitis. The main symptom of the disease in this case is constant / recurring and prolonged pain in the pelvic area. Such an unpleasant syndrome can disturb up to 2-4 months.

Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis

Asymptomatic chronic prostatitis has virtually no symptoms. Such inflammation of the gland proceeds without visible symptoms. The doctor can detect the problem due to periodic or constant discharge of white blood cells and bacteria in the urine. This form of the disease is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.

As practice shows, the symptoms of inflammation of the tissues of the prostate gland can easily be confused with other pathologies that affect the pelvic organs. Self-medication can cause complications, the development of additional diseases or critical conditions.

Causes of prostatitis in men

It is impossible to talk about the sole cause of inflammation of the prostate, because this disease is multifactorial and can appear against the background of various circumstances. Assign hormonal alterations, hypothermia, significant decreases in immune defenses, circulatory disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual abstinence.

Infectious

Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the prostate gland during inflammation that occurs in the bladder and urethra. The infection can also penetrate the prostate due to hematogenous pathways, for example, from purulent foci (during tonsillitis, pneumonia or furunculosis). The causative agents can be: Escherichia coli, staphylococci and enterococci.

The symptoms of prostatitis usually appear due to sexually transmitted diseases. The inflammation of the prostate gland occurs due to an infection that affects the tissues of the organ. Acute prostatitis can be caused by the herpes virus or by a mycoplasma infection, which affects not only the reproductive system. Chlamydia is also worth mentioning. Gram-negative intracellular organisms cause approximately 40-60% of all urogenital infections.

The secret of the gland contains bactericidal substances that prevent the development of infections within the organ. In order for the infection to spread and an inflammatory process to occur, additional factors are needed, including stagnation in the circulatory system of the small pelvis or stasis of the gland's secretion.

Hypothermia, which significantly reduces the activity of immune cells and the protective functions of mucous membranes, can be attributed to factors that contribute to the spread or activation of infection. This also includes physical and neuropsychic overwork, which negatively affects immunity.

Non-infectious

There are several non-infectious causes of tissue inflammation in the prostate gland. Signs of prostatitis may appear due to a violation of the mechanics of the entire process of excretion of urine, since urination occurs due to the periodic relaxation of the circular muscles of the prostate and bladder. Various violations of this process, including failures associated with variability of muscle function (tension and contraction of tissues), contribute to the entry of urine into the ducts of the prostate. This situation can adversely affect the organ, cause irritation and, as a result, symptoms of prostatitis.

Unnatural prolongation, interruption of sexual intercourse or prolonged abstinence can also cause symptoms or the development of prostatitis. Stagnation and swelling of the prostate gland can lead to a secret in the gland, which is fully formed, but is not excreted from the organ or is partially excreted.

Circulatory disorders and sedentary lifestyle

Tight underwear, too tight a belt, tight pants and shorts, and a sedentary lifestyle are often the causes of circulatory disorders in the pelvic area. The gland is overflowing with blood, there is compression of the blood vessels, delays appear in the transport of nutrients. Such changes lead to a malfunction of the gland.

Hormonal disorders

The amount of sex hormones plays a special role in the functioning of the prostate gland. They can influence the activity of prostate cells. And hormonal overload can increase the risk of signs of prostatitis.

The prostate gland participates in the stabilization of the hormonal balance in the genital area, and violations in the functioning of the organ lead to malfunction. In particular, in chronic prostatitis, the dihydrotestosterone index decreases and the estrogen saturation increases. The magnitude of the hormonal imbalance in prostatitis will depend on the characteristics and stage of the disease, which can only be determined by a specialist.

Prostatitis symptoms

All the obvious signs of prostatitis are a complex of various disorders. In addition, each type of said disease can have its own individual symptoms. So, for example, acute prostatitis can be accompanied by fever, a sharp increase in body temperature and other symptoms of severe intoxication of the body. And chronic poor ejaculation and decreased sex drive.

All symptoms of prostatitis can be divided into 3 separate categories:

• urinary disorders;
• problems with sexual function;
• mental disorders.

Urinary problems such as signs of prostatitis

All patient complaints related to urination may appear due to:

• irritation of nerve endings, which occurs against the background of the inflammatory process;
• narrowing of the lumen of the urethra.

In this case, the symptoms of prostatitis can be:

• slow stream;
• Difficulty starting to urinate and voiding drop by drop;
• feeling that the bladder is not completely empty;
• strong urge to urinate;
• urinary incontinence during the urge;
• increased urination.

Pain syndrome

Pain from prostatitis can be traced to the lower abdomen. Pain can spread to the lower back, groin, scrotum, and even the anus. Also, the patient may complain of pain in the groin after a prolonged stay in a sitting position. The pain can be sharp or dull.

Intimate life disorders

The symptoms of prostatitis include problems in the intimate area:

• decreased libido;
• ejaculation disorders (increased or decreased volume of semen);
• weakening of the erection, complete or partial sexual dysfunction;
• pain during ejaculation.

Among the signs of prostatitis, slow and slow orgasms can be distinguished, as well as discharge from the urethra of a mucous consistency.

Mental imbalance

Men often experience psychological difficulties when faced with diseases of the genitourinary system. Due to erection problems, pain or rapid ejaculation, the patient may isolate himself, become aggressive towards others, or simply feel anxiety, fear. Tensions appear that can negatively affect the immune system, significantly weakening it.

Along with the depressive state, psychological experiences appear, the expectation of failures in intimate life. Doctors often talk about the importance of paying attention to the psychological state of patients with chronic inflammation of the prostate.

Prostatitis diagnosis

A doctor prescribes a comprehensive diagnosis for a patient with urological problems. If you suspect prostatitis, lab tests, ultrasound, and digital rectal examination are done. If, after a prescribed course of therapy, the symptoms of the disease do not disappear, the urologist may refer the patient for additional diagnoses:

• blood culture;
• computerized or magnetic resonance imaging;
• bacteriological examination of semen.

Urological examination

The urological examination by a doctor is the first important step, without which it is impossible to make a correct diagnosis. Thanks to a visual examination and a clinical picture, a specialist will determine a possible disease and prescribe a number of additional diagnostic procedures.

The digital gland examination is a mandatory method. This procedure is done through the anus. The examination is usually painless, although mild discomfort is usually observed. During a urological examination, the doctor will take into account complaints, the age of the patient and the presence of chronic pathologies.

Laboratory Research

There is a list of urological methods for laboratory examination of men, which includes a general urinalysis and blood test for HIV, hepatitis C and B markers, as well as RW. Patients with suspected inflammatory processes in the prostate gland are often prescribed:

• urinalysis, which determines the presence of pathogenic flora;
• examination of gland discharge;
• blood test to detect sexually transmitted infections and the presence of prostate specific antigen, to exclude cancer.

Ultrasound examination of the prostate, bladder and kidneys

For prostatitis, a single ultrasound examination of the gland, bladder, and kidneys is performed to make a diagnosis. With the help of such a diagnosis, a medical specialist will be able to identify almost any pathological change, including tumors and inflammation of the tissues. Ultrasound helps to assess not only the condition of the organs, but also the blood flow. If necessary, a transrectal examination is performed for a better visualization of the organ.

With an ultrasound examination of the prostate gland, the doctor evaluates the shape, size, structure, as well as the density and homogeneity of the organ. Signs of prostatitis diagnosed by ultrasound are easy to identify. Also, depending on the results of the study, adenomas and tumors, including cancer, can be detected.

In case of inflammation of the prostate gland, in order for the clinical picture to be complete, the urologist prescribes an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder. Effective diagnostics can identify:

• cystic inclusions;
• presence of calcifications;
• tissue densification;
• contour irregularities;
• changes in tissue echogenicity;
• organ sizes, extents, and echo densities.

Only a doctor can make a diagnosis based on the results of the ultrasound. Drawing conclusions or prescribing treatment on your own is dangerous and threatens serious consequences.

Uroflowmetry

Uroflowmetry is a medical diagnosis. This method records the speed of urine during urination, which makes it possible to identify violations associated with the permeability of the canal, the activity of muscle tissues and their tone. It is carried out on special equipment: using graphics and digital images, the uroflow will draw the results.

Prostatitis treatment

It is impossible to speak of the treatment of prostatitis as a specific list of manipulations and measures, because there are several types of diseases and each of them requires its own individual therapy.

Treating prostatitis with home remedies

Treatment of prostatitis at home can be carried out only after consultation with a doctor. A competent medical specialist will prescribe medications and possibly physical therapy and therapeutic exercises. Traditional medicine recipes can also be recommended, but should not be the main therapeutic method.

Treatment of prostatitis at home should be carried out with care and taking into account all the recommendations of the doctor. A urologist may recommend herbal teas and decoctions, candles with honey, and syrups. It is important to know that any alternative medicine prescription has its own contraindications. Don't self-medicate or buy questionable products, such as massagers, bracelets, prostatitis cast, special underwear, or pillows. The unreasonable purchase and use of drugs without the advice of a doctor can turn into a fatal mistake, due to the appearance of additional diseases or the patient's condition worsens.

Herbal home treatment for prostatitis

Herbal medications for prostatitis can help cushion the unpleasant symptoms of swollen glands. It is used as an adjunct to medical (pharmacological) therapy. The urologist, if necessary, will prescribe useful recipes, based on the characteristics of the patient's condition, her age and the presence of chronic pathologies.

Treating prostatitis at home requires a serious attitude towards your health. You can prepare a bath or enema based on herbal preparations at home, but the doctor must indicate the ingredients, the method of preparation and the dosage. In such cases, it is recommended to use more often: creeping cumin grass, pharmacy chamomile flowers, bog vine, sage, corn silk, ivan tea, marshmallow root, licorice rhizomes and linden inflorescences.

Also popular:

• Parsley. It has a strengthening effect on the blood vessels and has an anti-inflammatory effect. The seeds are especially useful, they are added in a crushed form to various recipes of alternative medicine.
• Ginseng. The root of this plant increases the tone of the blood vessels. It has a stimulating effect.
• St. John's Wort. The plant has antibacterial and soothing properties. The herb is indispensable for depressive disorders, for the prevention and treatment of stress, which, for example, can occur in the context of erectile dysfunction.

As long as all medical prescriptions are followed, certain traditional medicine recipes can enhance the effect of therapy.

Hirudoterapia

Hirudotherapy for the treatment of prostatitis at home raises many doubts among experts around the world. Therapy with medicinal leeches grown especially in bio-factories is to some extent curative, and the saliva of the annelid worm also has healing properties. It contains several useful active substances, among which hirudin is noteworthy. With prostatitis, leeches are applied to the skin just above the pubis, in the groin, and in the anus. Therapy has its own nuances, which the doctor will tell you about. Self-medication is dangerous.

In which cases cannot prostatitis be treated at home?

There are a number of alarming symptoms in acute or chronic prostatitis, in which it is important to urgently seek the help of a competent physician:

• sharp pain in lower abdomen;
• bloody discharge when urinating;
• blood in the stool;
• increased body temperature, dizziness, chills, vomiting.

Treatment of prostatitis at home is important to carry out under the strict supervision of a urologist. Any alternative medicine or prescription should be discussed with your physician prior to use. Do not take your own medicine on the advice of, for example, friends or pharmacists at the pharmacy. You run the risk of damaging your body and causing a series of negative reactions to appear.

Treating prostatitis with home remedies without consulting a specialist can end in failure. Be attentive to your health.

Treatment of prostatitis in men: medications

What should be the medical treatment for prostatitis in men, what kind of drugs does the doctor prescribe? Typically, therapy for acute and chronic prostatitis includes antibiotics. It is advisable to select such drugs taking into account the culture, which determines the sensitivity to a particular antibiotic.

Remedies for prostatitis: antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs

Remedies for prostatitis can only be prescribed by a doctor, based on the results of the patient's diagnosis, including responses from laboratory texts. It is important to know that the remedies for prostatitis of the beta-lactam and nitrafuran groups are ineffective, since they cannot penetrate into the prostate tissue. It is not necessary to expect good results from such prostatitis treatment.

Currently, the best results in the treatment of prostatitis in man are shown with drugs from the groups of fluoroquinolones and macrolides. To eliminate the symptoms associated with urination disorders, the urologist may prescribe a remedy for prostatitis in the form of alpha-blockers, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. Herbal medicines, hormonal drugs, and immune-correcting drugs are popular.

The traditional medical treatment of prostatitis in men can be complemented with physical therapy. Such a therapeutic technique is used as a remedy for prostatitis in the absence of symptoms of an acute form of the disease.

Plaster for prostatitis

Nowadays, men with an enlarged prostate often hear about prostatitis patches. Manufacturers of the questionable product offer quality prevention or rapid recovery.

This therapy can not be called the treatment of prostatitis with folk remedies. It is not related to alternative medicine, but is not applied in practice by licensed physicians. The prostatitis patch has no evidence base. Neither doctors nor real customer reviews confirm the effectiveness of the Chinese universal prostatitis patch.

Prostatitis suppositories

Suppositories for prostatitis are most often prescribed in combination with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Rectal suppositories can eliminate the causes of prostatitis, have a healing effect, and relieve tissue inflammation. Suppositories for prostatitis are similar in principle to microclysters. Only suppositories are made up of fats and oils, and enemas are predominantly water.

Coconut oil is usually the base of suppositories for prostatitis. It is this component that contributes to the almost instantaneous absorption of medicinal substances in the intestinal walls. Also, suppositories for prostatitis often contain vitamins.

Physiotherapy as complementary medicine for prostatitis

If we consider the entire complex treatment of prostatitis in men, drugs are the main part of therapy. Physical therapy is an additional method to help treat prostatitis in men. Prescribe procedures for inflammation of the prostate, provided there are no acute symptoms.

If you don't know what and how prostatitis is treated in men with physical therapy, then you should write down the most common ones:

• drug electrophoresis;
• UHF therapy (treatment with an electric field using capacitor plates);
• magnetotherapy (therapeutic effect of a magnetic field on the patient's body);
• mud therapy;
• microclysters with herbal infusions and decoctions (such physiotherapy is the treatment of chronic acute prostatitis with folk remedies);
• general and local toilets that use different liquids and temperature conditions;
• galvanization (exposure to low voltage direct current in the human body).

How to treat prostatitis, gland massage

A popular method of treating prostatitis: massage today (according to several studies) has no evidence of its effectiveness. If a man has prostatitis, massage can be used to stimulate the drainage of secretions from the prostate gland. Such manipulation is carried out through the anus with the help of fingers only in a medical institution under the guidance of a specialist.

It is strictly prohibited, if there is prostatitis, to massage with adenoma and cysts of the gland, cracks in the anus, with urinary retention and elevated body temperature. Acute infectious processes in the bladder or kidneys are also contraindications.