Prostatitis (lat. prostatitis) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the prostate gland, which is diagnosed in 35-40% of men between 25 and 55 years old. The older the patient, the greater the risk of developing prostatitis.
When inflamed, the prostate increases in size and begins to compress the urethra. This process causes a narrowing of the lumen of the ureter, as a result of which the man begins to experience a frequent urge to urinate and has a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. In the initial stage, the symptoms of prostatitis may be mild. However, over time, prostatitis becomes the cause of sexual disorders. In addition, the pathology can cause a series of complications:
- prostate abscess;
- cystitis.
Prostatitis or prostate adenoma?
These two diseases are often confused or mistaken for the same thing. Meanwhile, they have different natures and flow patterns.
Peculiarities |
Prostatitis |
HPB |
Patient age |
20-45 years |
more than 45 years |
Nature of the disease |
inflammatory process |
tumor |
pain syndrome |
present in acute form |
It appears in stages 2-3 of the disease. |
Fever |
pronounced |
absent |
Urination disorder |
appears acutely |
always present |
Weakening of power |
observed in both cases |
|
Prostatitis mainly requires drug treatment, while prostate adenoma is a benign tumor that is removed by surgery. At the same time, prostate adenoma can cause prostatitis, so any inflammatory process in the pelvic organs requires timely examination and treatment.
Causes of prostatitis
Infectious
Prostatitis can be caused by:
- Staphylococcus aureus;
- enterococcus;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- chronic infectious diseases (tonsillitis, sinusitis, etc. );
- other opportunistic pathogens.
Stagnant
Prostatitis appears as a result of:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- sedentary work;
- long periods of abstinence;
- excessive sexual activity;
- interruption of sexual relations.
The listed factors contribute to the disruption of capillary blood flow and the formation of stagnant processes in the prostate tissue.
Prostatitis begins to develop more intensely when favorable factors appear, including:
- chronic constipation;
- hypothermia;
- unbalanced diet;
- urological diseases;
- frequent stress;
- intoxication of the body from smoking or drinking alcohol;
- perineal injuries.
Types and symptoms of prostatitis.
According to the form of appearance, prostatitis in men is divided into:
Acute prostatitis. One of the first signs of the course of the disease is a pronounced pain syndrome, which appears against the background of a rapidly developing inflammatory process. Swelling of the prostate occurs, caused by exposure to pathogenic microflora. The condition requires emergency medical attention. In turn, acute prostatitis can present the following forms:
- catarrhal (pain during frequent urination, pain in the sacrum and perineum, difficulty defecating);
- follicular (the pain intensifies and begins to radiate to the anus, when going to the toilet, urine comes out in a thin stream, body temperature rises to 37. 5 ºС);
- parenchyma (body temperature rises to 38-40 ºС, general intoxication of the body is observed, sharp stabbing pain is noted in the groin area, acute urinary retention occurs).
Chronic prostatitis is practically asymptomatic or presents mild symptoms. In men, from time to time the temperature rises to 37-37. 5 ºС, there is mild pain in the perineum, which intensifies when urinating or defecating. Additionally, you can experience:
- weakening of the erection;
- accelerated ejaculation;
- Decreased severity of sexual sensations.
In some cases, chronic prostatitis becomes the result of an acute process, when the patient notices the so-called false improvement and refuses to consult a urologist. As a rule, the result of self-medication at home is a number of complications: prostate abscess or adenoma, inflammation of the bladder, loss of fertility, etc.
Depending on the cause, prostatitis can be:
- herpetic,
- bacterial,
- infectious,
- fungus,
- purulent,
- chlamydia,
- gonorrhea,
- calculating,
- fibrous,
- stagnant.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Palpation allows you to determine the size, shape and tissue structure of the organ.
Laboratory research. Allows you to diagnose prostatitis and other prostate diseases in the early stages or in chronic cases in the absence of pronounced symptoms.
- general blood and urine tests;
- a biochemical blood test is performed to clarify the picture of the disease and determine the participation of other internal organs and systems in the inflammatory process;
- PSA blood test;
- Urine culture with antibiotic sensitivity test.
- smear for urogenital infections to detect STDs.
Ultrasound is performed to identify structural changes in the prostate tissue and detect neoplasms (cysts, tumors).
TRUS is performed through the rectum and allows you to obtain the most complete information about the condition of the gland and bladder.
MRI allows you to obtain detailed layer-by-layer images of the prostate and surrounding tissues in three different projections.
Prostatitis treatment
Treatment methods depend on the identified causative agent of prostatitis, so the patient must undergo a complete examination.
Treatment of acute prostatitis
Antibacterial therapy. Before prescribing antibiotics, the doctor will refer the patient for tests to identify the causative agent of the infection. After that, drugs are selected that will help suppress the activity of pathogenic microorganisms and eliminate the inflammatory process.
symptomatic treatment. Additionally, the urologist can prescribe antipyretics, analgesics, diuretics, laxatives, vitamins, immunomodulators and other drugs.
Surgery. Carried out in case of complications. For example, if an abscess develops, the doctor may perform a transurethral or transrectal opening of the abscess; in case of acute urinary retention, a cystoma may be necessary.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis.
Antibacterial therapy. The course of treatment is 14 to 28 days and should be completed even if signs of prostatitis have disappeared after a week. Antibiotics are used to eliminate infections and suppress inflammatory processes in the body.
symptomatic treatment. Depending on the indications, the urologist can prescribe the patient analgesics, antispasmodics, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, vascular and other drugs.
Manual or hardware massage. One of the most effective methods to treat prostatitis in men. Prostate massage helps eliminate stagnant secretions, improve blood and lymph flow, and restore metabolism in the affected organ.
Physiotherapy treatment. Depending on the indications, the urologist may prescribe electrical stimulation, laser or magnetotherapy. The procedures help improve blood circulation, have an anti-inflammatory effect and help restore reproductive function.
Prostatitis prevention
Preventing prostatitis is much easier than treating it later. To do this, simply follow the following recommendations:
Annual exam. It is necessary to visit a urologist every year, even if there are no complaints about her health.
Sport activities. Regular physical activity helps improve metabolic processes throughout the body, including the prostate.
Rejection of promiscuous sexual relations. Sex is very important for men's health, but frequent changes in sexual partners can cause bacterial prostatitis and related complications.
Balance diet. You need to eat at least 3 times a day. The diet should include lean fish and meat, cereals, fermented dairy products, fresh vegetables and fruits. It is advisable to limit consumption or completely avoid carbonated drinks, fatty and smoked foods, baked goods and spices.
Rejection of bad habits. Drinking alcohol and smoking reduce immunity and place additional stress on the body, creating favorable conditions for the development of many diseases.
Questions and answers
Question: How to distinguish acute from chronic prostatitis?
Answer: We must start with the fact that in its acute form the disease usually occurs in people under 30 to 35 years of age. Chronic prostatitis is considered non-aging. The disease in its acute form usually manifests itself quickly with the following symptoms:
- a sharp increase in body temperature (up to 40 degrees);
- a severe headache appears;
- fever begins.
Acute prostatitis is also characterized by constant pain in the groin, back, and perineum.
In its chronic form, prostatitis, on the other hand, may not present symptoms for a long time. Over time, a person develops a fever and periodic pain appears in the anus, scrotum, back, and perineum.
Urination is impaired, purulent discharge from the anus and urethra begins. Chronic prostatitis also leads to erectile dysfunction. Ejaculation begins to be painful and sexual relations are not pleasant.
Question: What happens if prostatitis is not treated?
Answer: If a person does not receive treatment for diagnosed prostatitis, complications and concomitant pathologies may develop.
- Vesiculitis. This disease is characterized by inflammatory processes in the seminal vesicles. As a result, pus enters the ejaculate and the quality of sperm decreases. Vesiculitis often leads to complete loss of reproductive functions.
- Coliculitis. Disease in which inflammatory processes affect the seminal tubercle. As a result, during sexual intercourse, the man experiences intense pain that causes interruption of orgasm. Without therapy, a person develops helplessness of a psychological nature.
- Abscess. It is formed in the prostate and causes intoxication of the body. Its rupture can cause increased symptoms and, in some cases, lead to death.
- Sterility. It occurs against the background of a deterioration in sperm quality and inflammatory processes in the testicles, spermatic cord and vesicles.
- Against the background of prostatitis, immunity often deteriorates. About a third of all cases of the disease without treatment end in the development of oncology. Prostatitis should be treated in a specialized andrology clinic.
Question: Where should I go for prostatitis treatment?
Answer: The diagnosis is usually made by a urologist based on a study of the symptoms. To confirm prostatitis, several studies are usually prescribed:
- general blood and urine tests;
- swabs for sexually transmitted diseases;
- secret investigation;
- uroflowmetry;
- ultrasonography.
In some cases, a biopsy and spermogram are also prescribed.