Chronic prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate. According to the severity, functional changes in the gland, there are 3 stages: initial, medium, severe.
The initial stage of prostatitis is characterized by primary changes in the prostate. Against the background of the development of the inflammatory process, tissue regeneration continues at this stage. The changes in the canals are not very pronounced, which often allows the patient a fulfilled life. However, the development of the disease leads to the formation of adhesions, impaired blood circulation and a general deterioration in well-being.
Reasons
The causes of the initial stage of prostatitis, depending on the source of inflammation, can be:
- Infections (bacterial prostatitis): bacteria, streptococci, chlamydia.
- Congestion, physiological structural characteristics in the male pelvic organs (nonbacterial prostatitis).
According to the degree of damage, duration of the course and complexity of treatment, prostatitis occurs
- Sharp.
- Chronic.
Related causes of prostate congestion are:
- Age changes (decreased testosterone levels, narrowing of the ducts, enlarged prostate).
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Alcohol abuse, leading to swelling and narrowing of the canal.
- Delayed chronic infectious diseases (tonsillitis, caries, bronchitis, infections of the genitourinary system).
- Improper sex life.
- Perineal trauma, consequences of pelvic surgery.
- General hypothermia.
- Bowel disorders (constipation).
- Weakening of the immune system associated with stress, improper lifestyle, smoking.
Symptoms
The initial stage of prostatitis is a signal of the beginning of the inflammatory process. Initial symptoms:
- Drawings in the perineum with localization in the scrotum, rectum, radiating to the leg, abdomen, lower back.
- Sharp pains, burning sensation when urinating.
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Frequent urination.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Sexual dysfunctions: pain during intercourse with ejaculation; decreased libido, erectile dysfunction.
- Urethral discharge.
- These symptoms result in depression, sleep disorders and a general decrease in quality of life.
In some cases, the disease is asymptomatic: pain occurs occasionally, 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 is due to the similarity of its symptoms with the symptoms of other diseases. Fever, malaise, the patient may be associated with a cold; withdrawal pain in the perineal region - with cystitis; radiating pain in the lower back - with osteochondrosis.
Don’t rely on self-relieving symptoms, the disease won’t “get rid” on its own. Only a qualified urologist can make a diagnosis based on an in-depth examination.
Must be passed:
- General urine analysis.
- Complete blood count.
- Bacterial culture of urine.
- Analysis of prostate secretion.
- Analysis of urethral secretions.
- Computed tomography of the pelvic organs.
- PCR (polymer chain reaction) - diagnostics.
In addition to general tests and studies, if cancer is suspected, the doctor prescribes additional studies:
- Blood test for PSA (prostate specific antigen). An increased content of a certain protein indicates 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).
After establishing an accurate diagnosis based on the anamnesis and research 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 antibiotics, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory drugs, alpha-blockers.
- Groups of antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial prostatitis are penicillins, cephalosporins. Antibiotic treatment should be continued for 5-7 days. Abrupt discontinuation of tablets may lead to loss of susceptibility of microorganisms to this type of antibiotic.
- Alpha-blockersrelax bladder smooth muscle, normalize mucosal sensitivity and reduce the frequency of urges (tamsulosin hydrochloride, doxazosin). When these drugs are used, side effects can occur: impaired vision, lowering blood pressure.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsreduce pain, reduce swelling (diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen).
In addition to medications, we recommend:
- Physiotherapy procedures can alleviate symptoms, relieve inflammation - magnetic, ultrasound, laser therapy.
- Prostate massage stimulates the blood supply and secretion of glandular secretions.
Non-traditional methods of treating prostatitis include:
- Reflexology(acupuncture, acupuncture) allows you to influence the 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, gonads.
- Hirudotherapy(leech therapy).
- Balneotherapy(bathing in mineral springs) is a general tonic, it 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 methods of treatment. Herbal medicine includes the use of decoctions, tinctures, the use of microclysters. They are a complementary treatment for chronic prostate disease. Their ability to maintain immunity is known, which have a bactericidal, sedative effect.
- Ginsengstrengthens 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, microclyster.
Prevention
Prostatitis prophylaxis involves taking care of a man’s health before the first symptoms of the disease appear.
- Healthy lifestyle.Good rest after work, fresh air, smoking and cessation of 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 remove congestion 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.Healthy prostate function is inextricably linked to regular sexual activity. Frequent change of sexual partners, intemperance, irregularities lead to premature exhaustion of the nervous system, infection of the male genitourinary sphere and, as a result, inflammation of the prostate
The initial stage of prostatitis is a disease that should be taken seriously. Self-medication, a late visit to the doctor, can lead to serious problems: worsening of well-being, escalation of the initial form to the stage of medium, and then a high degree of severity.
If conservative drug treatment can be stopped at an early stage, then a severe degree of the disease requires surgical intervention with an unfavorable prognosis.
An important element of the male genitalia is the prostate. Its function is to create a secretion (fluid) that ensures the motility of sperm in the semen.
Narrowing of the ducts leads to prostate congestion. The consequence of weakened blood flow, reproduction of microorganisms is an inflammatory disease - prostatitis.