Chronic prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate gland. According to the severity, functional changes in the gland, there are 3 stages: initial, moderate, severe.
The initial stage of prostatitis is characterized by primary changes in the prostate. Against the background of the development of the inflammatory process at this stage, tissue regeneration continues. The changes in the channels 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 general deterioration of well-being.
Causes
The causes of the initial stage of prostatitis, depending on the source of inflammation, can be:
- Infections (bacterial prostatitis): bacteria, streptococci, chlamydia.
- Stagnation, physiological structural features in the pelvic organs of a man (nonbacterial prostatitis).
Depending on the degree of damage, the duration of the course and the complexity of treatment, prostatitis occurs
- Sharp.
- Chronic.
Related causes for prostate congestion are:
- Age-related changes (decreased testosterone levels, narrowed ducts, enlarged prostate).
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Alcohol abuse that leads to swelling, narrowing of the ducts.
- Delayed chronic infectious diseases (tonsillitis, caries, bronchitis, urogenital infections).
- Irregular sex life.
- Trauma to the perineum, the effects of surgery on the pelvic organs.
- General hypothermia.
- Intestinal disorders (constipation).
- Weakening of the immune system associated with stress, improper lifestyle, smoking.
Symptoms
The initial stage of prostatitis is a signal for the beginning of an inflammatory process. Initial symptoms:
- Painting pains in the perineum with localization in the scrotum, rectum, radiating to the legs, abdomen, lower back.
- Acute pain, burning when urinating.
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Frequent urination.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Sexual dysfunctions: pain during intercourse, with ejaculation; decreased libido, weakening of the erection.
- Discharge from the urethra.
- The above symptoms lead to depression, sleep disturbance and a general decrease in quality of life.
In some cases, the disease is asymptomatic: the pain appears periodically, the clinical picture is not clear. As a result, the disease progresses to the next stage with more severe consequences.
Diagnostics
The difficulty in detecting the initial stage of chronic inflammation of the prostate gland is due to the similarity of its symptoms with the symptoms of other diseases. Fever, malaise, the patient may be associated with a cold; pulling pain in the perineal area - with cystitis; radiating low back pain - with osteochondrosis.
Do not rely on self-relieving symptoms, the disease will not "self-discharge". Only a qualified urologist can make a diagnosis based on a thorough examination.
Must be submitted:
- General urine analysis.
- Complete blood count.
- Bacterial culture of urine.
- Analysis of prostate secretion.
- Analysis of urethral secretion.
- Computed tomography of the pelvic organs.
- PCR (polymer chain reaction) - diagnostics.
In addition to general tests and examinations, if cancer is suspected, the doctor prescribes additional tests:
- Blood test for PSA (prostate specific antigen). Elevated levels of a specific protein indicate possible prostate cancer.
- TRUS (TransRectal Ultrasound) of the prostate, performed by inserting an electronic probe into the patient's rectum.
- Spermogram.
- Prostate tissue biopsy (if cancer is suspected).
Once an accurate diagnosis has been made based on medical history and test data, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive treatment.
Treatment methods
The initial stage of prostatitis includes drug therapy. The earlier treatment is started, the better the prognosis.
In case of bacterial infection the main treatment is with antibiotics, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory drugs, alpha-blockers.
- The groups of antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial prostatitis are penicillins, cephalosporins. Antibiotic treatment should last 5-7 days. Abrupt discontinuation of the pill may lead to loss of sensitivity of the microorganisms to this type of antibiotic.
- Alpha-blockersrelax the smooth muscles of the bladder, normalize the sensitivity of the mucosa and reduce the frequency of urges (tamsulosin hydrochloride, doxazosin). When using these drugs, side effects may occur: blurred vision, lowering of blood pressure.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsreduce pain, reduce swelling (diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen).
In addition to medications, we recommend:
- Physiotherapy procedures can relieve symptoms, relieve inflammation - magnetic, ultrasound, laser therapy.
- Prostate massage stimulates the blood supply, the secretion of glandular secretions.
Non-traditional methods of treating prostatitis include:
- Reflexology(acupuncture, acupuncture) allows you to act on 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 gland, gonads.
- Hirudotherapy(leech therapy).
- Balneotherapy(bathing in mineral springs) is a general tonic, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Traditional methods of treatment
In the initial stage of prostatitis it is useful to combine the use of drugs with alternative therapies. Herbal treatment includes the use of decoctions, tinctures, the use of microenemas. They are an adjunct treatment for chronic prostate disease. Their ability to maintain immunity, to have a bactericidal, sedative effect is known.
- Ginsengboosts immunity, relieves inflammation.
- St. John's worthas an antispasmodic effect, stimulates the production of male hormones.
- Pumpkin seedsstimulate the production of zinc, a vitamin needed to strengthen the genitourinary system.
- Wormwoodis an effective antimicrobial agent. Used as a decoction, microenema.
Prevention
Prevention of prostatitis involves taking care of men's health before the onset of the first symptoms of the disease.
- Healthy lifestyle.Good rest after work, fresh air, smoking and stopping alcohol strengthen the body's defenses, preventing infections.
- Physical activity.Sports activities, active rest help to improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs, the circulation of prostate secretions. Exercises to eliminate stagnation 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, incontinence, irregularities lead to premature depletion of the nervous system, infection of the male urogenital tract and as a result inflammation of the prostate gland.
The initial stage of prostatitis is a disease that must be taken seriously. Self-medication, a late visit to the doctor, can lead to serious problems: deterioration of well-being, growth of the initial form in the stage of moderate and then high severity.
If conservative drug treatment can be removed at an early stage, then severe disease requires surgical intervention with an unfavorable prognosis.
An important element of the male genital area is the prostate gland. Its function is the production of secretion (fluid), which ensures the motility of sperm in the sperm.
Narrowing of the ducts leads to congestion in the prostate. The consequence of impaired blood flow, reproduction of microorganisms is an inflammatory disease - prostatitis.