Bacterial prostatitis is an inflammatory process in the tissues of the prostate gland, which can be acute or chronic. The disease is manifested by intense pain in the groin, fever, signs of intoxication and therefore requires careful attention from medical staff.
We will tell you what causes prostatitis, how it manifests itself and how it is treated.
Why does bacterial prostatitis occur?
According to research institutes, bacterial prostatitis affects sexually active men aged 25-50 years. The reason is the introduction of pathogenic microflora into the genitourinary system through the mouth of the urethra.
The following types of pathogens are most commonly found in the prostate gland:
- staphylococci;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli;
- enterococci.
These organisms are considered opportunistic. They constantly inhabit the skin and mucous membranes of a person and cause inflammation only in certain factors. According to the observations of urologists, the causes of the disease with a high probability may be:
- Ignoring the rules of personal hygiene.
- The man's passion for anal sex (in 80% of cases, acute bacterial prostatitis is caused by E. coli, which lives in the rectum of a potential sexual partner).
- Improper or too frequent catheterization.
- Infiltration of infection from the bladder, urethra or testicles.
- Some diseases (including AIDS and diabetes).
- Urinary incontinence.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
Under the influence of the vital activity of microorganisms, the consistency of prostate secretion is disturbed. Stagnant processes begin in the body, which cause unpleasant symptoms. Also, this situation provokes an extensive inflammatory process, an increase in the size of the prostate and other disorders.
The main symptoms of the disease
Bacterial prostatitis often has an acute course, as the symptoms start unexpectedly for men, develop rapidly and have different manifestations. Depending on the type of pathogen, the age of the pathological process and the state of the immune system, the man may complain of the following problems:
- Rise in body temperature to 39 degrees, fever and chills.
- Acute pain in the groin or lower abdomen. It can be given to the scrotum, hips, anus.
- Frequent urination, especially at night. The man almost always pays attention to the burning sensation in the head of the penis. As the disease progresses or the adenoma develops, acute urinary retention may begin.
- Painful sensations in the anal area, often constipation.
- Influenza-like symptoms - muscle and joint pain, general weakness.
If bacterial prostatitis is caused by STIs, there may be a different colored discharge from the penis, most often with an unpleasant odor. In this case, we may be talking about urethroprostatitis.
The intensity of the symptoms largely depends on the stage of the inflammatory process. So, in the parenchymal form, the temperature can rise to 40 degrees and the pain becomes paroxysmal, while painkillers may not help.
Methods for diagnosing the disease
The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis based on the man's complaints and medical history - information about lifestyle, existing chronic diseases, the date and circumstances of the first symptoms. To clarify the type of pathogen, the patient is sent for delivery of urine for bacteriological analysis. If the disease is chronic, it is possible to collect prostate secretions for examination.
The following types of laboratory diagnostics can also be used:
- PCR examination;
- general and biochemical blood test;
- blood test for PSA.
In the acute form, rectal palpation of the prostate gland is not performed. If there is no fever and the man is not worried about severe pain, the doctor can touch the prostate with his finger through the wall of the rectum, to determine its approximate size, shape, consistency.
The diagnosis is confirmed or denied by the TRUS results. This is an ultrasound scan in which a transducer is inserted into the patient's rectum. As a result, they get a clear picture of changes in the tissues of the body, the localization of the inflammatory process. To rule out cancer, they may send for an MRI or CT scan, especially in suspicious cases, for a prostate biopsy.
How to treat bacterial prostatitis
It is impossible to cure bacterial prostatitis without antibiotics. Folk remedies will give only a short-term effect, the pathogen will remain in the body and can cause various complications. Besides, there is no best antibiotic, a man must remember this. The choice of drug depends on the type of pathogen, as well as the work of the patient's organs and systems.
Antibiotics can be taken for up to two months according to standard treatment regimens. However, the exact dosage, duration of the course and frequency of administration are chosen individually, taking into account various indicators of health.
In addition to antibiotic therapy, doctors provide strengthening treatments. Vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed for these purposes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are chosen, and in some cases immunomodulators are prescribed. Antipyretic and analgesic drugs are also prescribed. If you have trouble urinating with bacterial prostatitis, doctors may insert a catheter.
During the course you should observe bed rest, take care of yourself from stress and anxiety.
The use of suppositories for bacterial prostatitis
Various rectal suppositories may be prescribed to control prostatitis locally. They cannot cure bacterial prostatitis, but will significantly alleviate the patient's condition.
Most often urologists prescribe:
- suppositories with papaverine - relieve pain and improve blood microcirculation;
- candles with propolis - improve the functioning of the immune system, eliminate edema, help reduce pain;
There is no information on the effectiveness of barium ferrite magnetic spark plugs. In traditional medicine this method of treatment is practically not used.
Prostate massage and all activities based on heating are prohibited in acute bacterial prostatitis.
If the tactics of treatment are chosen correctly and the man has not engaged in self-medication, the prognosis is favorable. Otherwise, the disease may become chronic or develop certain diseases.
What complications can be
Complications of bacterial prostatitis can occur if the man has not consulted a doctor for a long time or if he has received unqualified help. The consequences are different, up to sepsis and death.
The following diseases most often occur against the background of untreated disease:
- pyelonephritis;
- cystitis;
- prostate abscess.
In some cases, erectile dysfunction or infertility may develop. To prevent side effects, a person with bacterial prostatitis should be treated in a hospital.
Sex with bacterial prostatitis
The possibility of sexual intercourse with this form of inflammation of the prostate gland depends on what pathogen is caused by the pathology and at what stage it is. If the cause is STIs, intimate communication is prohibited.
In the acute stage, the man has no time for love pleasures. Unbearable pain, urinary disorders, fever are often accompanied by poor erections, as libido disappears. In the case of the chronic form, intimate life is possible, but with the use of barrier contraception and after consulting a doctor.
For women, bacterial prostatitis can be dangerous - there is a risk of infecting her with sexually transmitted diseases. A sick person must remember this.
Conclusion
Bacterial prostatitis can be cured if it has a chronic form, and the man has consulted a doctor in time and does not rely on dubious methods, pills and prescriptions. The chronic form is more difficult to influence the therapeutic effects, so a clinical examination will be needed to control the health condition.