Prostatitis has two forms - acute and chronic. If acute inflammation is quickly treated with antibiotics, chronic prostatitis becomes a serious problem in older men, which negatively affects the quality of life. Chronic prostatitis can be caused by infection and congestion in the pelvic organs. The disease requires long-term and complex treatment.
Classification of Diseases
Chronic prostatitis in men is divided into two types - congestive (abacterial, congestive) and infectious.
Chronic congestive 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. When analyzed, no infectious agents were found in the prostate secretion, so the disease is called abacterial.
Infectious chronic prostatitis is the result of untreated bacterial inflammation. The disease begins in an acute form due to a prostate infection. 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 usually 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, outflow of prostate secretions.
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 congestive prostatitis is physical inactivity.
Among the factors that predispose to the development of congestive prostatitis are:
- sedentary work;
- lack of regular sports;
- unbalanced diet;
- obesity;
- bad habits;
- varicose veins; hemorrhoids;
- irregular sex life.
The disease develops in the background of any condition, accompanied by circulatory disorders of the lower extremities. Prostatitis often occurs with obesity, when, as a result of increased load on the lumbar region and lower limbs, metabolic processes in this zone are disrupted.
If you have to sit all day due to the special nature of the profession, you must move at least in the evening.
Bad habits can trigger the development of 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 region.
Sexual activity plays an important role in prostate function. The optimal number of relationships per week for men over the age of 40 is 3-4. A smaller amount leads to a violation of the outflow of prostate secretions, a larger amount leads to organ depletion.
Another cause of congestive prostatitis is heart failure. This disease is characterized by impaired blood circulation, including the pelvic organs.
Reasons for the development of chronic infectious prostatitis
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is the result of untreated acute inflammation of the prostate. This form of the disease is characterized by severe symptoms and the presence of pathogenic agents found in prostate secretion.
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 in three ways: through the bloodstream, lymph, or through the urethra. The last time the penetration of pathogenic agents is valid in cases of infection with chlamydia, ureplasma or trichomonas.
Reasons for developing 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:
- presence of a chronic focus of infection;
- wrongly 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 occurs when the antibiotic therapy regimen is not properly formulated or self-medicates. Stopping antibiotics when you feel better means that the pathogen will not be completely destroyed. Any decrease in immunity or hypothermia in this case leads to the recurrence of the disease.
The most difficult to treat is fungal prostatitis caused by yeast-like fungi. This pathogen quickly 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, however, with a decrease in immunity or after stress, the disease worsens.
The most common symptoms of chronic prostatitis in men are:
- urination disorder;
- weight in prostate;
- weakening of potency;
- night urge to use the toilet.
With exacerbation of chronic prostatitis, bladder and perineal pain are noticed. The frequency of urination in the toilet can reach 10 per hour. At the same time, the flow of urine is weak, it is necessary to strain the muscles to urinate, but the process itself does not bring relief, and repeated urges appear after a few minutes.
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 prostate secretions.
In case of infectious inflammation of the prostate or chronic bacterial prostatitis, pain during urination and burning in the urethra after ejaculation may occur. Such symptoms are accompanied by irritation of the urethral mucosa with agents that cause diseases 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 manifestations, but relate to internal disorders. One of the characteristic symptoms of the disease is a weakening of the erection.
Erectile dysfunction in congestive prostatitis develops in several stages. The disease itself can last for a long time without pronounced symptoms, and the signs of prostatitis will appear only with a strong weakening of the immune system.
Abacterial inflammation of the prostate may suggest changes in erection. At the beginning of the development of the disease, an increase in potency was noted. The man gets aroused quickly, but ejaculation also comes quickly. This is due to a change in the viscosity of prostate secretion. Discomfort may be felt during ejaculation, but pain is characteristic of contagious 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 due to fear of a sexual partner, which can lead to the development of impotence in the background of prostatitis.
Urinary system disorder
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, which worsens at night. There is a weakening of urine pressure and the need to tighten the pelvic floor muscles to urinate. He feels heaviness and fullness in the bladder at the same time, and occasional cramps may occur. Frequent urges to use the toilet at night cause sleep problems and insomnia. All this affects the psychological state of a man and further exacerbates the course of the disease, because in the background of stress reduces immunity and slows down the metabolic process.
Men often complain of cramps in the lower abdomen, which is explained by increased bladder muscle tone. Serious symptoms of prostatitis with decreased immunity are usually observed. Without exacerbation of the disease, the pain syndrome may be completely absent.
Congestive prostatitis is characterized by severe prostate edema. The contours of the organs become blurred, the prostate itself swells and increases in size. In this case, fullness in the rectum and increased discomfort during bowel movements may be felt. Problems with urination occur due to compression of the urethra by a swollen prostate.
Why is prostatitis dangerous?
The consequences of chronic prostatitis depend on several factors:
- patient age;
- severity of symptoms;
- current duration;
- efficacy 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 returns. 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 different nature are often diagnosed.
In chronic prostatitis, the consequences affect the psycho-emotional state of the man. Violation of potency, frequent urges to go to the toilet, discomfort in the bladder - all this leads to the development of stress. Prostatitis can be an indirect cause of neurosis and depression.
Disorder of the nervous system in the background of constant discomfort in the genitourinary organs leads to a decrease in immunity and worsening of all metabolic processes in the body. Thus, prostatitis causes nervous disorders, which in turn worsen the course of the disease, and the circle closes.
Constant discomfort, impaired potency, inability to sleep - all this greatly affects the quality of life.
Diagnosis of the disease
If prostate inflammation is suspected, a urologist or andrologist should be consulted. The following diagnostic methods are used to make the diagnosis:
- rectal palpation of the prostate;
- Ultrasound and TRUS organs;
- ultrasound of the kidneys;
- analysis of prostate secretion;
- PSA blood test.
The need for further examinations is determined after palpation of the rectal organs. 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 changes in organ structure, tissue heterogeneity, and prostate contour. During the massage, the organ is stimulated, and prostate secretion is secreted from the urethra. It is collected 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.
Ultrasound and TRUS are performed to exclude prostate stones rather than to diagnose prostatitis, because the method is not very informative, unlike the analysis of secretions.
A PSA blood test is prescribed to rule out prostate oncopathology. 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 characteristics
The treatment regimen for chronic prostatitis is a combination of medication, physiotherapy and folk methods. The treatment is supplemented by a change in lifestyle - adjusting the menu, giving up bad habits, regular sports and sex life.
It is important to understand that treatment for chronic prostatitis will take at least six months. In addition to medications to relieve inflammation, men are prescribed long-term rehabilitation therapy that is necessary to normalize prostate function.
Medications
How to cure chronic prostatitis depends on the form of the disease. Medications for chronic prostatitis include:
- antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs;
- rectal suppositories for normalization of 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 prescribed in most cases. 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 incorrect choice of drugs, the microorganisms that caused the inflammation quickly develop resistance to macrolides, which largely causes the disease to turn into a chronic form.
Fluoroquinolones are effective antibacterial agents for microbial prostatitis. They have a 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, so 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. Medications are prescribed in suppositories or injections. Treatment lasts on average a week, the drug is given rectally at night or intramuscularly once a day. In case of severe inflammation, the medicine can be used twice a day.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are not antibiotics. The tablets have been used successfully to relieve the inflammatory process with non-infectious or congestive prostatitis. On average, doctors prescribe two tablets a day for 5 days and then switch the patient to therapy with phytopreparations that improve prostate trophism.
In case of severe urination disorders, treatment is supplemented with drugs from the group of alpha-blockers. These drugs relax the bladder, reducing muscle tone, allowing urine to flow normally. Drugs from this group are taken one tablet daily in short courses, and treatment with alpha-blockers rarely exceeds one week.
After the inflammation subsides, congestive (cognitive) and infectious prostatitis are treated with drugs that normalize prostate trophism. Medications contribute:
- reduce inflammation;
- pain relief;
- normalization of urination;
- increase potency.
For chronic prostatitis, these drugs are used for at least two weeks. They come in the form of rectal suppositories. The recommended dose is one candle a day at night.
Propolis suppositories are recommended to restore local immunity. They alleviate inflammation, improve blood circulation and the outflow of prostate secretions, and also significantly increase immunity, preventing the worsening of prostatitis. The drugs are delivered in the form of small suppositories that are injected into the rectum at night.
In addition, your doctor may recommend ichthyol suppositories. They alleviate inflammation and reduce prostate swelling.
Preparations based on echinacea extract are recommended as a general tonic for prostatitis. They strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of worsening prostatitis. With the appearance of neurosis and insomnia in the background of prostatitis, the doctor may recommend sedatives.
Physiotherapy for chronic prostatitis
The causes of chronic prostatitis lie in poor circulation in the pelvic organs. To accelerate the recovery and restoration of prostate trophism, physiotherapy methods are widely used:
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- shock wave therapy;
- acupuncture.
Acupuncture (acupuncture) and leech therapy (chiropractic) differ from non-traditional methods.
There are many methods of home physiotherapy. The most popular are special devices. They create alternating magnetic fields that positively affect 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 remedies at any medical supply store, but it is recommended that you consult your doctor first.
Prostate massage is used to treat congestive prostatitis. It is performed by a specialist in a medical institution. Organ stimulation allows you to get rid of swelling and discomfort, and also relieves stagnation of prostate secretions. The course of treatment consists of 10-15 procedures.
Folk remedies
Whether chronic prostatitis is treated depends on the range of therapeutic measures taken. Traditional medicine will help supplement medication.
Homemade suppositories are used to relieve inflammation in the prostate. To prepare the candles you will need 200 g of any fat base, 40 ml of propolis extract. The base is melted in a water bath, propolis is slowly poured into it with constant stirring. When the product gets a uniform color, it is poured on a transparent foil and packed in the shape of a sausage. The mass should be cooled for an hour to cool. When the product has cooled, it is divided into equal pieces in the shape of a torpedo, approximately 5 cm long and 2 cm in diameter. These candles should be kept individually wrapped in the refrigerator. The recommended dose is one suppository into 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 oil and 3 tablespoons of honey. As a base you can take beeswax, lanolin, cocoa butter. Such suppositories alleviate inflammation, improve prostate function and increase immunity.
You can use various infusions and decoctions to treat chronic prostatitis at home. One of the most effective remedies is parsley juice. You must take 3 tablespoons a day.
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.
Another effective treatment is a mixture of pumpkin seeds, walnuts and honey. To prepare the medicine, you should take 100 peeled seeds and the same number of walnuts, put them in a suitable container and pour 500 ml of honey. The product is kept in the refrigerator for 4 days to be poured, and then 4 large spoons are taken daily.
Surgical treatment
Whether chronic prostatitis can be permanently cured depends on the severity of the disease and the age of the patient. With frequent exacerbations, you must take drugs constantly.
Surgical treatment of prostatitis in most cases is not performed. Perhaps the use of radical measures - complete removal of the prostate. Such surgery is performed only if the prostate does not fulfill its functions due to chronic inflammation, and drug treatment is ineffective. Also, prostate removal is performed with the risk of developing oncology.
Interestingly, the effects of prostatitis are usually noticed in the elderly, in men older than 65 years. In this case, there are many difficulties in treatment:
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- contraindications to taking medication;
- Lots of side effects.
Many men who suffer 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 surgery is the last resort, and with the right approach, prostatitis can be cured by conservative methods.
Prevention and prognosis
Discovering 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 testimonials indicate that chronic prostatitis can be cured, but it will take a long time. The course of treatment lasts an average of six months or more. Urologists agree that adequate therapy, lifestyle changes, and a balanced diet will help address the inflammation.
Exacerbations and recurrent episodes of inflammation after prolonged remission are most common in men who do not follow the doctor's recommendations, but are treated according to the advice of friends. It is important to understand that success in treatment therapy depends on the proper choice of drug therapy. It can lead to worsening or recurrence of signs of chronic prostatitis:
- unsystematic drug intake;
- non-compliance with doctor's recommendations;
- discontinuation of treatment after the first improvement;
- bad habits;
- lack of physical activity.
Self-medication often leads to worsening well-being. This is especially true in cases of infectious inflammation, when the patient independently 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 subsides for a while. With a decrease in 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 playing sports. Yoga, exercise and swimming are recommended for prostatitis. Any workout that involves the pelvis will benefit. Men with this condition, especially inactive work, should do 10-minute exercises daily and do a full workout several times a week. Also, during the treatment of chronic prostatitis, it is necessary to have sexual intercourse, because regular ejaculation helps reduce prostate edema.
The success of prostatitis treatment depends on a timely diagnosis, so if you notice problems with urination, consult a urologist as soon as possible.