Prostatitis in men is a common inflammatory disease that, if left untreated, causes irreversible changes in the tissues of the prostate gland.The chronic form of the disease does not present clear symptoms, but they may appear during the exacerbation of the pathology.Symptoms and treatment largely depend on the severity of the disease, as well as the involvement of other organs of the genitourinary system in the inflammatory process.
A urologist must make a diagnosis, determine the form of the disease and prescribe treatment.
Signs of acute prostatitis
Acute prostatitis has similar symptoms in different forms.It can be catarrhal, parenchymal, follicular and abscessive.With the development of acute inflammation of the prostate, the general state of health deteriorates quite quickly.The first signs of prostatitis in men are characterized by the appearance of pain in the groin area.Body temperature can reach 40 degrees.During this period, the patient feels chills, headaches and muscle weakness.
A slight relief of the condition and a decrease in discomfort is noted when a man lies on his back and presses his knees to his stomach.
Many patients with acute prostatitis notice pain in the rectum, some feel as if there is a foreign object in it.An inflamed prostate can also manifest as problems with bowel movements.
Acute prostatitis can be accompanied by symptoms similar to intestinal infections and inflammatory diseases of the lower intestine.
This is explained by an enlargement of the prostate due to inflammation and increased swelling of its tissues, which put pressure on the intestines.Therefore, the symptoms of acute prostatitis are sometimes manifested by stool retention, flatulence and false urge to defecate.
In some cases, patients experience severe pain when defecating.The manifestation of the disease is also possible through an increase in unpleasant sensations in the central region of the abdomen.Often, acute prostatitis can present symptoms such as discharge from the anus in the form of mucus, which is associated with the appearance of inflammation in the rectum itself.Since acute prostatitis often presents symptoms associated with the involvement of the intestine in the pathological process, sometimes rectal palpation is not possible due to severe pain in the rectum.
The first symptoms of acute prostatitis may resemble inflammation of the urinary tract.Before a problem with the prostate becomes evident, difficulty emptying the bladder may appear.
Problems with urination of various types almost always accompany acute prostatitis.
A man may feel pressure in him, as well as a feeling of incomplete emptying.The flow of urine during inflammation of the prostate is often weakened.Some patients complain of complete inability to urinate.Such symptoms of prostatitis in men indicate the need for prompt medical intervention, since with acute retention of urine intoxication increases, which is manifested by severe headaches, lack of appetite, vomiting and jaundice of the skin.This condition is dangerous and requires immediate hospitalization.
Signs of chronic prostatitis
Chronic prostate problems do not always manifest themselves clearly;The symptoms may be so inexpressible that men attribute the onset of fatigue and weakness to other circumstances.Most often, the patient finds out about such a disease during a medical examination or when visiting a doctor for another illness.
Often, chronic prostatitis accompanies other genitourinary diseases, for which the patient consults a doctor.
What symptoms are characteristic of chronic inflammation of the prostate?It involves discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the perineum, burning and pressure in the urethra when emptying the bladder.Discharge from the urethral canal and purulent threads in the urine may appear.These signs and symptoms should alert you and be a reason to visit a urologist.
Very often, chronic diseases of the glands are accompanied by problems in the intimate area.
Prostatitis can cause accelerated ejaculation, slow orgasms and decreased potency.Sometimes a man completely loses interest in sexual relations, becomes more aggressive and develops depression.Some patients suffer from insomnia and general fatigue.Fears associated with sexual activity and failures during sexual relations also appear, which sometimes leads to a nervous breakdown.Its treatment is also necessary, so in some situations the treating doctor may refer the patient to a consultation with a psychotherapist.
Constant nervous stress reduces immunity, which further worsens the course of the disease.
Therapeutic measures
Before treating prostatitis, the urologist prescribes an examination for the patient.A man should donate blood to determine PSA levels, iron, and a general urine analysis.Prostate juice is also subject to examination.
It is impossible to cure prostatitis on your own.Some men try to improve the condition of the gland by resorting to folk or unconventional methods that can reduce the symptoms of the disease.As a rule, prostatitis worsens and, without additional treatment, the disease leads to complications: hardening of glandular tissue, difficulty urinating and loss of reproductive function.
Treatment prescribed at the initial stage of prostatitis is much more effective.An exclusively comprehensive approach contributes to a rapid improvement of the patient's condition.
It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner to prescribe treatment.
Much importance is given to the reasons that caused prostate dysfunction.If the provoking factors are not identified, the probability of relapse of the disease is very high.
The urologist selects the types of treatment depending on the form and stage of prostatitis.The doctor takes into account the presence of concomitant diseases, some of which may become a contraindication to prescribing certain medications to the patient.
For bacterial prostatitis
The basis of treatment of the acute form of the disease is antibacterial agents.It is very important that the patient remains in bed during treatment.With this type of prostatitis, under no circumstances should the prostate gland be massaged.It is even prohibited to collect prostate juice in this way.This is due to the high probability of septic complications.
In case of acute inflammation of the prostate caused by an infection, it is necessary to limit physical activity as much as possible.
For bacterial prostatitis, agents are indicated to improve microcirculation in the gland tissues.
The effectiveness of the drugs is due to the fact that they restore the outflow of lymphatic fluid and blood from the prostate, which helps reduce the symptoms of poisoning.
Since bacterial prostatitis is almost always accompanied by acute pain, patients are prescribed VRN and pain relievers that reduce discomfort and pressure in both the perineum and rectum.Patients are shown analgesics that not only reduce pain, but also help reduce the severity of the inflammatory process.
Rectal suppositories have a good effect, they work quite effectively due to the proximity of the rectum and prostate.Suppositories may contain natural ingredients, for example, honey, propolis, bovine prostate extract.All of these components are safe, but at the same time very effective.
In case of significant poisoning, solutions are administered to patients.If the examination reveals a prostatic abscess or the patient has urinary retention, surgical treatment is indicated.
The treatment of bacterial prostatitis is based on the use of antibacterial drugs that belong to the group of fluoroquinolones.This type of medication is effective in activating gram-negative pathogenic flora.
To more accurately prescribe treatment, it is necessary to perform a culture test to detect antibiotic sensitivity.
Doctors say that these medications should be prescribed only after identifying the type of microorganisms that caused the prostate disease.Fluoroquinolones may cause side effects if the patient has liver or kidney dysfunction.Sometimes patients develop changes in the digestive tract and nervous system.Possible low blood sugar, heart problems.
If pathogenic microorganisms are identified that are insensitive to fluoroquinolones, the patient is prescribed macrolides or cephalosporins.These medications are also indicated when the patient experiences side effects from previous medications.If there is no improvement after two weeks, the urologist should reconsider the treatment regimen.
For chronic diseases
Therapeutic methods for chronic prostatitis largely depend on its stage.In case of exacerbation of the disease, treatment is carried out in exactly the same way as for the acute bacterial form.
For chronic prostatitis, antibiotics are usually prescribed in tablet form.
For symptoms characteristic of a state of remission, antibiotics, herbal, non-steroidal antiseptics, as well as medications that help improve the outflow of lymph from the gland, may be indicated.
Great importance is also given to medications that help improve the function of the immune system.Natural herbal preparations help reduce swelling of prostate tissue.These same medications reduce pain, which sometimes occurs with chronic prostatitis.
Since the disease is often accompanied by depression and nervousness, the patient may be prescribed sedatives and antidepressants.
Physiotherapy has a good effect.Special exercises help restore blood supply to the gland, increase muscle tone and improve mood.
Exercise therapy classes are best conducted under the guidance of a trainer with medical education.
As additional measures, patients undergo a course of physiotherapy procedures that restore microcirculation, relieve tension in the pelvic area and relieve pain.Laser therapy, electrophoresis and magnet treatment have good effect.
Massage performed rectally has a positive effect on prostate health.This procedure can be performed both in the clinic and at home.If such treatment is prescribed for the first time, it is best to perform the first treatment with a professional.Massage is very effective for gland congestion.Prostate massage may cause some discomfort, but only in the first days of treatment.In the future, there should be no pain and patients experience a feeling of relief, since after the procedure the heaviness that is often observed in chronic prostatitis disappears.
There are special devices that replace rectal prostate massage.The action of acoustic waves guarantees the improvement of microcirculation, relief of swelling and stagnation.The sensor of such a device acts through the skin, so it is not necessary to insert a massager into the rectum.These devices can be purchased in special medical stores.You should first consult with a urologist and also study the instructions.
Massagers can be used for preventive purposes;the duration of the course of procedures is determined by the doctor.
Any treatment prescribed by a urologist must be accompanied by proper nutrition and alcohol abstinence.It is important to remember that hypothermia can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.