Chronic prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate gland. Depending on the severity, functional changes in the gland, there are 3 stages: initial, medium, severe.
The early stage of prostatitis is characterized by primary changes in the prostate. Against the background of the development of the inflammatory process, tissue regeneration continues at this stage. The changes in the ducts are not very pronounced, which often allows the patient to lead a full life. However, the development of the disease leads to the formation of adhesions, impaired blood circulation and a general deterioration of well-being.
Reasons
The causes of the initial stage of prostatitis, depending on the origin of the inflammation, can be:
- Infections (bacterial prostatitis): bacteria, streptococci, chlamydia.
- Congestion, physiological structural features in the male pelvic organs (non-bacterial prostatitis).
Depending on the degree of damage, the duration of the course and the complexity of the treatment, prostatitis occurs
- Sharpening.
- Chronic.
The associated causes of the appearance of congestion in the prostate gland are:
- Age-related changes (decreased testosterone levels, narrowing of the ducts, enlargement of the prostate gland).
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Alcohol abuse, causing swelling and narrowing of the ducts.
- Postponed chronic infectious diseases (tonsillitis, cavities, bronchitis, infections of the genitourinary system).
- Irregular sex life.
- Perineal trauma, the consequences of surgical interventions on the pelvic organs.
- General hypothermia.
- Bowel function disorders (constipation).
- Weakening of the immune system associated with stress, improper lifestyle, smoking.
Symptoms
The initial stage of prostatitis is a sign of the beginning of an inflammatory process. Initial symptoms:
- Drawing pains in the perineum located in the scrotum, rectum, radiating to the leg, abdomen, lower back.
- Sharp pains, burning sensation when urinating.
- Sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating.
- Sexual dysfunctions: pain during intercourse, with ejaculation; decreased libido, weakening of erection.
- Discharge from the urethra.
- The aforementioned symptoms result in depression, sleep disturbances, and a general decrease in quality of life.
In some cases, the disease is asymptomatic: pain occurs periodically, the clinical picture is not clearly expressed. As a result, the disease progresses to the next stage, with more serious consequences.
Diagnosis
The difficulty in identifying the initial stage of chronic inflammation of the prostate is due to the similarity of its symptoms to those of other diseases. Fever, malaise, the patient may be associated with a cold; drawing pains in the perineal region, with cystitis; radiating lumbar pain, with osteochondrosis.
Do not rely on symptoms to relieve themselves, the disease will not "resolve" on its own. Only a qualified urologist can make a diagnosis based on an in-depth examination.
Must be passed:
- General urine analysis.
- Complete blood count.
- Bacterial urine culture.
- Analysis of prostate secretion.
- Analysis of urethral secretions.
- Computed tomography of the pelvic organs.
- PCR (polymer chain reaction): diagnosis.
In addition to general tests and studies, if cancer is suspected, the doctor prescribes additional tests:
- PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test. A higher content of a specific protein indicates a possible prostate cancer.
- TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) of the prostate, which is performed by inserting an electronic probe into the rectum of the patient.
- Spermogram.
- Biopsy of prostate tissue (if cancer is suspected).
Having established an accurate diagnosis based on anamnesis and research data, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive treatment.
Treatment methods
The initial stage of prostatitis includes drug therapy. The earlier treatment begins, the more favorable the prognosis.
In case of bacterial infection, such as the main one, treatment with antibiotics, antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, alpha-blockers is prescribed.
- The groups of antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial prostatitis are penicillins, cephalosporins. Antibiotic treatment should be continued for 5-7 days. The sudden cessation of the pills can cause the loss of sensitivity of microorganisms to this type of antibiotic.
- Alpha-blockersrelax the smooth muscles of the bladder, normalize the sensitivity of the mucous membrane, reduce the frequency of impulses (tamsulosin hydrochloride, doxazosin). When using these drugs, side effects may occur: visual impairment, lowering of blood pressure.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsreduce pain, reduce swelling (diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen).
In addition to medication, we recommend:
- Physiotherapy procedures can relieve symptoms, relieve inflammation: magnetic therapy, ultrasound, laser.
- Prostate massage stimulates blood flow and the secretion of glandular secretions.
Non-traditional methods of treating prostatitis include:
- Reflexotherapy(acupuncture, acupuncture) allows you to influence biologically active points. As a result, blood circulation, metabolism are normalized, the general condition of the patient improves.
- Apitherapy(treatment with bee venom and bee waste products) stimulates the endocrine glands: adrenal glands, thyroid glands, gonads.
- Hirudoterapia(leech therapy).
- Balneotherapy(bath in mineral springs) is a general tonic, it has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Traditional treatment methods
In the early stage of prostatitis, it is helpful to combine the use of medications with alternative methods of treatment. Herbal medicine involves the use of decoctions, tinctures, the use of microclysters. They are a complementary treatment for chronic prostate disease. Known for their ability to maintain immunity, they have a bactericidal and sedative effect.
- Ginsengincreases immunity and relieves inflammation.
- St. John's worthas an antispasmodic effect, stimulates the production of male hormones.
- Pumpkin seedsstimulate the production of zinc, a vitamin necessary to strengthen the genitourinary system.
- Wormwoodis an effective antimicrobial agent. It is used as a decoction, microclysters.
Prevention
Prostatitis prophylaxis involves taking care of men's health before the first symptoms of the disease appear.
- Healthy lifestyle.A good rest after work, the fresh air, smoking cessation and alcohol strengthen the body's defenses, preventing the onset of infections.
- Physical activity.Sports activities, active rest help improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs, the circulation of prostate secretions. Exercises to eliminate congestion are useful: squats, "scissors", abdominal exercises, walking.
- Proper nutrition.Eating foods rich in fiber, lean meat, fish helps eliminate constipation as a risk factor for prostatitis.
- Regular sex life.The healthy functioning of the prostate gland is inextricably linked to the regularity of sexual activity. Frequent change of sexual partners, immoderation, irregularity lead to premature exhaustion of the nervous system, infection of the male genitourinary system and, as a result, inflammation of the prostate gland.
The early stage of prostatitis is a disease that must be taken seriously. Self-medication, a late visit to a doctor, can lead to serious problems - a deterioration in well-being, a consequence of the initial form in the stage of moderate and then high severity.
If, at the initial stage, conservative drug treatment can be dispensed with, then a severe degree of the disease requires surgical intervention with an unfavorable prognosis.
An important element of the male genital area is the prostate gland. Its function is to produce a secretion (liquid) that ensures the mobility of the sperm in the seminal fluid.
Narrowing of the ducts causes congestion in the prostate. The consequence of impaired blood flow, the reproduction of microorganisms is an inflammatory disease - prostatitis.