Prostatitis comes in two forms - acute and chronic. If acute inflammation is treated quickly with antibiotics, chronic prostatitis becomes a serious problem in older men, adversely affecting quality of life. Chronic prostatitis can be caused by both infection and pelvic congestion. The disease requires long-term and comprehensive treatment.
Classification of the disease
Chronic prostatitis in men is divided into two types - stagnant (abacterial, stagnant) and infectious.
Chronic stagnant prostatitis is a consequence of impaired prostate trophism. The disease develops with heart failure or lack of regular sex life.
Chronic abacterial prostatitis is characterized by moderate symptoms and the absence of acute pain syndrome. The analysis did not detect infectious agents in the secretion of the prostate, which is why the disease is called abacterial.
Infectious chronic prostatitis is a consequence of untreated bacterial inflammation. The disease begins with an acute form due to infection of the prostate gland. The disease becomes chronic due to the lack of adequate and timely therapy. Chronic infectious prostatitis is characterized by periodic exacerbations.
Causes of chronic non-infectious prostatitis
When we talk about chronic prostatitis, we most often mean a non-infectious disease caused by congestion in the pelvic organs. This is due to a violation of prostate trophism - blood circulation, lymph flow, leakage of prostate secretion.
This form of the disease is directly related to lifestyle and is considered a disease of office workers. The main reason for the development of stagnant prostatitis is physical inactivity.
Among the factors predisposing to the development of stagnant prostatitis are:
- sedentary work;
- lack of regular sports;
- unbalanced diet;
- obesity;
- bad habits;
- varicose veins;
- hemorrhoids;
- Irregular sex life.
The disease develops against the background of any condition accompanied by circulatory disorders of the lower extremities. Quite often prostatitis occurs with obesity, when as a result of increased load on the lumbar region and lower extremities metabolic processes in this area are disrupted.
If due to the peculiarities of your profession you have to sit all day, you should move at least in the evening.
Bad habits can cause prostatitis. Smoking destroys blood vessels and disrupts normal blood flow. Due to the physiological characteristics of a person, this primarily affects the blood circulation of the lower extremities and the pelvic area.
Sex plays an important role in the functioning of the prostate gland. The optimal number of intercourses per week for a man over 40 is 3-4. A smaller amount leads to impaired leakage of prostate secretion, a larger amount leads to depletion of organs.
Another cause of stagnant prostatitis is heart failure. This disease is characterized by impaired blood circulation, including in the pelvic organs.
The reasons for the development of chronic infectious prostatitis
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a consequence of untreated acute inflammation of the prostate gland. This form of the disease is characterized by severe symptoms and the presence of pathogenic agents found in the secretion of the prostate.
The most common causes of infectious prostatitis:
- E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
- staphylococci and streptococci;
- chlamydia;
- ureaplasma;
- Trichomonas;
- fungal flora.
The infection enters the prostate gland in three ways: through the bloodstream, lymph or through the urethra. The last route of penetration of pathogens is valid in cases of chlamydia, ureplasma or Trichomonas infection.
Causes of the disease:
- decreased immunity;
- severe hypothermia;
- stress;
- long-term antibiotic therapy.
Conditionally pathogenic bacteria are always present in the body and only strong immunity does not allow them to be activated.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis develops from an acute form in the following cases:
- the presence of a chronic focus of infection;
- incorrectly chosen antibiotic therapy;
- late cessation of treatment;
- weakened immunity.
In most cases, the chronic form of the disease develops precisely due to improper treatment. This happens when the antibiotic regimen is not drawn up properly or is self-medicating. Stopping antibiotics when you feel better means that the cause of the disease is not completely destroyed. Any decrease in immunity or hypothermia in this case leads to recurrence of the disease.
The most difficult to treat is fungal prostatitis caused by a yeast-like fungus. This pathogen rapidly develops resistance to antifungal drugs, which complicates treatment and increases the risk of developing a chronic form of the disease.
Symptoms of the disease
In chronic prostatitis, the symptoms are mild, but with reduced immunity or after suffering stress, the disease worsens.
The most common symptoms of chronic prostatitis in men are:
- urinary incontinence;
- weight in the prostate;
- weakening of potency;
- nocturnal desire to use the toilet.
In exacerbation of chronic prostatitis, pain in the bladder and perineum is noted. The frequency of calling to the toilet can be up to 10 per hour. At the same time, the stream of urine is weak, it is necessary to tense the muscles to urinate, but the process itself does not bring relief and after a few minutes there are recurrent urges.
The symptoms and treatment of chronic prostatitis largely depend on the form of inflammation. With congestive prostatitis, erection problems are common. This is due to impaired blood circulation. Ejaculation can occur quickly or not at all due to thickening of the prostate secretion.
In case of infectious inflammation of the prostate gland or chronic bacterial prostatitis, pain may occur during urination and burning in the urethra after ejaculation. Such symptoms are accompanied by irritation of the mucous membrane of the urethra by disease-causing agents contained in the secretion of the prostate.
Prostatitis and erectile dysfunction
Inflammation of the prostate is not visible to the eye, the symptoms of chronic prostatitis have no visible manifestation, but refer to internal disorders. One of the characteristic symptoms of the disease is a weakening of the erection.
Erectile dysfunction in stagnant prostatitis develops in several stages. The disease itself can last a long time without severe symptoms, and signs of prostatitis will appear only with a strong weakening of the immune system.
Abacterial inflammation of the prostate may be suspected by changes in erection. At the beginning of the development of the disease there is an increase in potency. The man gets aroused quickly, but ejaculation also comes quickly. This is due to a change in the viscosity of the secretion of the prostate gland. Discomfort may be felt during ejaculation, but the pain is characteristic of infectious but not congestive prostatitis.
This causes a number of psychological problems that worsen the course of the disease. Erectile dysfunction due to problems with blood flow is exacerbated by fear of a sexual partner, which can lead to the development of impotence on the background of prostatitis.
Urinary disorders
Problems with urodynamics are observed in all forms of prostatitis.
Chronic abacterial inflammation is characterized by a nocturnal urge to urinate. It is caused by swelling of the prostate gland, which intensifies at night. There is a weakening of urine pressure and the need to tighten the pelvic floor muscles to urinate. At the same time, he feels heaviness and fullness in the bladder and sometimes spasms may occur. Due to frequent urges to use the toilet at night, sleep problems and insomnia occur. All this affects the psychological state of the man and further aggravates the course of the disease, as against the background of stress there is a decrease in immunity and slowing of metabolic processes.
Men often complain of cramps in the lower abdomen, which is explained by the increased tone of the muscles of the bladder. Severe symptoms of prostatitis with decreased immunity are usually noted. Without exacerbation of the disease, the pain syndrome may be completely absent.
Congestive prostatitis is characterized by severe swelling of the prostate. The contours of the organ become blurred, the prostate itself swells and increases in size. In this case, there may be a feeling of fullness in the rectum and increased discomfort during defecation. Problems with urination are due to the compression of the urethra by the swollen prostate gland.
Why is prostatitis dangerous?
The consequences of chronic prostatitis depend on several factors:
- age of the patient;
- severity of symptoms;
- current duration;
- the effectiveness of drug therapy.
The longer a man lives with chronic prostatitis, the more severe the consequences of the disease. In most cases, the urinary system is affected. In bacterial prostatitis, a kidney infection is possible when the urine comes back. This is due to the entry of pathogens into the urethra during ejaculation.
Constant irritation of the bladder and urethra can lead to inflammation. Against the background of prostatitis, cystitis and urethritis of various natures are often diagnosed.
In chronic prostatitis, the consequences affect the psycho-emotional state of the man. Impaired potency, frequent urges to use the toilet, discomfort in the bladder - all this leads to the development of stress. Prostatitis can be an indirect cause of neurosis and depression.
Disruption of the nervous system against the background of constant discomfort in the genitourinary organs leads to a decrease in immunity and deterioration of all metabolic processes in the body. Thus, prostatitis provokes nervous disorders, which in turn aggravate the course of the disease and the circle closes.
Constant discomfort, impaired potency, inability to get enough sleep - all this greatly affects the quality of life.
Diagnosis of diseases
If you suspect inflammation of the prostate, you should consult a urologist or andrologist. The following diagnostic methods are used to make a diagnosis:
- rectal palpation of the prostate;
- Ultrasound and TRUS of an organ;
- ultrasound of the kidneys;
- analysis of prostate secretion;
- PSA blood test.
The need for additional examinations is determined after palpation of the rectal organ. This procedure is also known as prostate massage. The doctor inserts two fingers into the rectal opening and feels the prostate. Inflammation is evidenced by a change in the structure of the organ, the heterogeneity of the tissues and the contours of the prostate. During the massage, the organ is stimulated and the prostate secretion is released from the urethra. Gathers for further analysis. Analysis of prostate secretion shows:
- amount of lecithin grains;
- number of leukocytes and erythrocytes;
- presence of pathogenic microorganisms;
- presence of fungal microflora.
This allows not only to determine the nature of the inflammatory process, but also to identify the cause of infectious prostatitis.
Ultrasound and TRUS are performed to rule out prostate stones rather than to diagnose prostatitis, as the method is not very informative, unlike the analysis of secretions.
A blood test for PSA is ordered to rule out prostate cancer. It also detects inflammation or adenoma of the prostate. How to treat chronic prostatitis depends on the test results and the type of inflammation.
Treatment Functions
The treatment regimen for chronic prostatitis is a combination of medication, physiotherapy and folk methods. The treatment is complemented by a change in lifestyle - adjusting the menu, giving up bad habits, regular sports and sex life.
It is important to understand that in the case of chronic prostatitis, treatment will take at least six months. In addition to medications to relieve inflammation, men are prescribed long-term rehabilitation therapy, which is needed to normalize prostate function.
Medicine
How to cure chronic prostatitis depends on the form of the disease. The drug for chronic prostatitis includes:
- antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs;
- rectal suppositories to normalize trophism;
- Immunostimulants and restorative agents.
Antibiotics are used to treat chronic prostatitis in men, but only if it is an infectious inflammation of the prostate. How to treat infectious prostatitis in men depends on the pathogen and the success of the previous course of therapy. In acute bacterial inflammation, macrolide antibiotics are usually prescribed. They effectively suppress the activity of pathogenic agents and have a wide range of action. In case of non-compliance with the treatment regimen or improper selection of drugs, the microorganisms that caused the inflammation quickly develop resistance to macrolides, which largely determines the transition of the disease to a chronic form.
Fluoroquinolones are effective antibacterial agents for microbial prostatitis. They have pronounced anti-inflammatory activity against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms.
Despite the fact that fluoroquinolones have no natural analogues, which is the reason for the lack of resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to the action of the drug, it is necessary to carefully follow the treatment regimen chosen by the doctor. Otherwise, the drug will be ineffective and antibiotic therapy will have to be repeated.
Antibacterial drugs and tablets are not used to treat chronic non-infectious prostatitis. In congestive prostatitis, the inflammation is not caused by microbes, but by a violation of trophism, which is why it is inappropriate to use antibiotics for treatment. Instead, they use anti-inflammatory drugs. They are applied in short courses to reduce inflammation and swelling. The drugs are prescribed in suppositories or injections. The treatment takes an average of one week, the drug is administered rectally at night or intramuscularly once a day. In severe inflammation, it is possible to use the drug twice a day.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are not antibiotics. The tablets are successfully used to relieve the inflammatory process with non-infectious or congestive prostatitis. On average, doctors prescribe two tablets a day for 5 days and then transfer the patient to therapy with phytopreparations that improve prostate trophism.
In case of severe urinary incontinence, treatment is supplemented with drugs from the group of alpha-blockers. These drugs relax the bladder, reducing muscle tone, thus allowing urine to flow normally. Drugs in this group are taken one tablet a day in short courses, treatment with alpha-blockers rarely exceeds one week.
After cessation of inflammation, congestive (cognitive) and infectious prostatitis are treated with drugs that normalize prostate trophism. Medications contribute to:
- reduction of inflammation;
- pain relief;
- normalization of urination;
- increase potency.
In chronic prostatitis, these drugs are used for at least two weeks. They are available in the form of rectal suppositories. The recommended dose is one candle daily at night.
Propolis suppositories are recommended to restore local immunity. They relieve inflammation, improve blood circulation and leakage of prostate secretion, and also significantly increase immunity, preventing exacerbation of prostatitis. The drugs are available in the form of small suppositories that are injected into the rectum at night.
In addition, your doctor may recommend ichthyol suppositories. They relieve inflammation and reduce swelling of the prostate gland.
Preparations based on echinacea extract are recommended as a general tonic for prostatitis. They strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of exacerbations of prostatitis. With the onset of neurosis and insomnia on the background of prostatitis, the doctor may recommend sedatives.
Physiotherapy for chronic prostatitis
The causes of chronic prostatitis lie in the poor circulation in the pelvic organs. Physiotherapeutic methods are widely used to accelerate the recovery and recovery of prostate trophism:
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- shock wave therapy;
- acupuncture.
Acupuncture (acupuncture) and leech therapy (hirudotherapy) differ from non-traditional methods.
There are many methods of home physiotherapy. The most popular are special devices. They create alternating magnetic fields that have a positive effect on metabolic processes, removing congestion in the pelvic organs.
Darsonvalization can also be used at home. This is a microcurrent effect that improves metabolic processes. You can buy home treatment devices at any medical equipment store, but it is advisable to consult your doctor first.
Prostate massage is used to treat congestive prostatitis. It is performed by a specialist in a medical institution. Stimulating the body allows you to get rid of swelling and discomfort, and also relieves stagnant prostate secretion. The course of treatment consists of 10-15 procedures.
Folk remedies
Whether the treatment of chronic prostatitis depends on the scope of therapeutic measures taken. Traditional medicine will help to supplement drug treatment.
Homemade suppositories are used to relieve inflammation in the prostate. To prepare candles, you will need 200 g of each oily base, 40 ml of propolis extract. The base is melted in a water bath, propolis is slowly poured into it, stirring constantly. When the product acquires a uniform color, it is poured on a transparent foil and wrapped in the form of sausage. The mass should be stored in the refrigerator for one hour to cool. When the product has cooled, it is divided with a knife into equal torpedo-shaped pieces, approximately 5 cm long and 2 cm in diameter. These candles should be stored individually packaged in the refrigerator. The recommended dose is one suppository in the rectal opening before bedtime. The duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks.
You can also make candles with pumpkin oil and honey. The proportions are 200 g of base, 50 ml of butter and 3 tablespoons of honey. As a base you can take beeswax, lanolin, cocoa butter. Such suppositories relieve inflammation, improve prostate function and increase immunity.
To cure chronic prostatitis at home, you can use various infusions and decoctions. One of the most effective remedies is parsley juice. You should take 3 tablespoons daily.
Traditional medicine recommends consuming 30 g of pumpkin seeds a day. They contain many nutrients that are necessary for the normal functioning of the prostate gland.
Another effective treatment is a mixture of pumpkin seeds, walnuts and honey. To prepare the medicine, you need to take 100 peeled seeds and the same number of walnuts, put them in a convenient container and pour 500 ml of honey. The product is kept in the refrigerator for 4 days to infuse, then take 4 tablespoons daily.
Surgical treatment
Whether chronic prostatitis can be cured permanently depends on the severity of the disease and the age of the patient. In case of frequent exacerbations, you should constantly take medication.
Surgical treatment of prostatitis in most cases is not performed. Perhaps the use of radical measures - complete removal of the prostate gland. Such an operation is performed only if the prostate does not perform its functions due to chronic inflammation and medical treatment is ineffective. Prostate removal is also practiced with a risk of developing oncology.
Interestingly, the effects of prostatitis are usually seen in the elderly, in men over 65 years of age. In this case there are a number of difficulties in treatment:
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- contraindications to medication;
- many side effects.
Many men suffering from prostatitis for more than 10 years insist on surgery. This is usually associated with poor drug tolerance and a large number of side effects. Doctors say that surgery is a last resort and with the right approach, prostatitis can be cured with conservative methods.
Prevention and prognosis
Once we understand what chronic prostatitis is in men and how dangerous it is, the question immediately arises as to whether the disease can be completely cured.
Patient feedback indicates that chronic prostatitis can be cured, but it will take a long time. The course of treatment takes an average of six months or more. Urologists agree that adequate therapy, lifestyle changes and a balanced diet will help get rid of inflammation.
Most often exacerbations and recurrent episodes of inflammation after prolonged remission are found in those men who do not follow the doctor's recommendations, but are treated according to the advice of friends. It is important to understand that the success of treatment therapy depends on properly selected drug therapy. May lead to exacerbation or recurrence of signs of chronic prostatitis:
- unsystematic medication;
- non-compliance with the doctor's recommendations;
- stopping treatment after the first improvements;
- bad habits;
- lack of physical activity.
Self-medication often leads to a deterioration in well-being. This is especially true in cases of infectious inflammation, when the patient chooses antibiotics without testing.
A common mistake men make is to stop treatment when the first improvements appear. In this case, the inflammation does not go away, but only decreases for a while. With decreased immunity or hypothermia, the disease will be felt again.
In addition to medication, prostatitis requires lifestyle changes. It is important to give up bad habits, normalize your diet and start exercising. In prostatitis it is recommended to do yoga, exercise, swimming. Any workout that involves the pelvis will be beneficial. Men with this condition, especially during sedentary work, should do 10-minute exercises every day and do a full workout several times a week. Also, during the treatment of chronic prostatitis it is necessary to have sex, as regular ejaculation helps to reduce prostate swelling.
The success of the treatment of prostatitis depends on the timely diagnosis, therefore, if you notice problems with urination, you should consult a urologist as soon as possible.