Bacterial prostatitis is understood as an inflammatory process in the tissues of the prostate, which can be acute or chronic. The disease is manifested by intense pain in the groin area, fever, signs of intoxication and therefore requires great attention of medical staff.
We will tell you what causes prostatitis, how it manifests and how it is treated.
Why does bacterial prostatitis occur?
According to research institutes, bacterial prostatitis affects sexually active men aged 25-50. 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:
- staphylococci;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli;
- enterococcus.
These organisms are considered opportunistic. They constantly inhabit the skin and mucous membranes of a person and cause inflammation only under certain factors. According to the observations of urologists, the causes of the disease with a high degree of probability can be:
- Failure to follow the rules of personal hygiene.
- Male 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.
- Certain diseases (including AIDS and diabetes mellitus).
- Violations of urine outflow.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
Under the influence of the vital activity of microorganisms, the consistency of prostate secretion is disturbed. Stagnant processes begin in the organ, which become the causes of unpleasant symptoms. Also, this situation causes an extensive inflammatory process, increase in prostate size and other disorders.
The main symptoms of the disease
Bacterial prostatitis often has an acute course, because the symptoms start unexpectedly for men, develop quickly and have various manifestations. Depending on the type of pathogen, the age of the pathological process and the state of the immune system, a man may complain of the following problems:
- Increase in body temperature to 39 degrees, fever and chills.
- Acute pain in the groin or lower abdomen. It can be given to the scrotum, hip joints, anus.
- Frequent urination, especially at night. Almost always a man pays attention to the burning sensation in the head of the penis. As the disease progresses or an adenoma develops, acute urinary retention may begin.
- Painful sensations in the anal area, often constipation.
- Flu-like symptoms - muscle and joint pain, general weakness.
If bacterial prostatitis is caused by STIs, a discharge of a different color from the penis can occur, 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. Thus, in the parenchymal form, the temperature can rise up to 40 degrees, and the pain becomes paroxysmal, while painkillers may not help.
Methods for diagnosing diseases
The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis based on the man's complaints and anamnesis data - data on lifestyle, existing chronic diseases, date and circumstances of the first symptoms. To clarify the type of pathogen, the patient is sent for urine delivery for bacteriological analysis. If the disease is chronic, it is possible to collect prostate secretions for research.
The following types of laboratory diagnostics can also be used:
- PCR research;
- general and biochemical blood test;
- blood test for PSA.
In the acute form, rectal palpation of the prostate is not performed. If there is no temperature, and the man is not suffering from severe pain, the doctor can touch the prostate through the wall of the rectum with his finger, determine its approximate size, shape, consistency.
The diagnosis is confirmed or denied by TRUS results. This is an ultrasound examination in which a probe is inserted into the patient's rectum. As a result, they get a clear picture of the changes in the tissues of the organs, the localization of the inflammatory process. To rule out cancer, I can send for an MRI or CT scan, in particularly suspicious cases, for a prostate biopsy.
How to treat bacterial prostatitis
Bacterial prostatitis is impossible to cure without antibiotics. Folk remedies will give only a short-term effect, the pathogen will remain in the body and can cause various complications. Also, there is no best antibiotic, a man should 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 dose, course duration and frequency of administration are selected individually, taking into account different health indicators.
In addition to antibiotic therapy, doctors provide strengthening treatments. For these purposes, vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are selected, and in some cases immunomodulators are prescribed. Antipyretics and painkillers are also prescribed. If you have trouble urinating due to bacterial prostatitis, doctors may install a catheter for you.
Throughout the course you need to adhere to bed rest, take care of yourself from stress and anxiety.
Use suppositories for bacterial prostatitis
Various rectal suppositories may be prescribed to treat prostatitis locally. They cannot cure bacterial prostatitis, but they will significantly alleviate the patient's condition.
Urologists usually prescribe:
- papaverine suppositories - relieve pain and improve blood microcirculation;
- candles with propolis - improve the work of the immune system, eliminate edema, help reduce pain;
There is no information on the effectiveness of magnetic candles with barium ferrite. In traditional medicine, this method of treatment is practically not used.
In acute bacterial prostatitis, prostate massage and any warming-based activities are prohibited.
If the treatment tactics are chosen correctly and the person has not engaged in self-healing, the prognosis is favorable. Otherwise, the transition of the disease into a chronic form or the development of certain diseases is possible.
What complications can there be
Complications of bacterial prostatitis can occur if a man has not consulted a doctor for a long time or if he has been provided with unqualified help. The consequences are different, up to sepsis and death.
Most often, on the background of untreated disease, the following diseases occur:
- 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 an inpatient unit.
Sex with bacterial prostatitis
The possibility of sexual intercourse with this form of prostatitis depends on which pathogen is caused by the pathology and at what stage. If the cause is STIs, intimate communication is prohibited.
In the acute phase, a man has no time for love pleasures. Unbearable pain, difficulty urinating, fever are often accompanied by poor erections, because 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 a woman, bacterial prostatitis can be dangerous - there is a risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. A sick man must remember this.
Conclusion
Bacterial prostatitis can be cured if it has a chronic form, and the man consults a doctor in time and does not rely on dubious methods, pills and prescriptions. The chronic form is more difficult to respond to therapeutic effects, so a clinical examination will be needed to monitor health.