Chronic prostatitis is the most common disease in men. Inflammation of the prostate reduces the quality of life, becoming the main cause of various psychosomatic and sexual disorders. Symptoms of prostatitis in men do not always occur, therefore, it is often possible to recognize the presence of the disease at later stages.
The lack of accurate information on the nature of the violation makes the treatment quite complicated, requiring a lot of patience from the patient and the doctor.
Disease feature
One of the most common and complex diseases of the genitourinary system in men is considered chronic prostatitis, the symptoms of which cause significant discomfort. It is characterized by the occurrence of intense inflammation in the tissues of the prostate. In a chronic form, the disease is often observed in men after 50 years. At an older age, prostate adenoma occurs.
If the disease in the acute form occurs quite sharply and proceeds quickly, with increasing symptoms, then the chronic form is characterized by a gradual course.
What are the types
There is a certain classification of the disease, and its types are distinguished, such as:
- bacterial;
- non-bacterial;
- asymptomatic.
Andrologists adhere strictly to this classification in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate inflammation. Knowing which form the disease belongs to, the doctor can choose the most effective treatment regimen.
Causes of occurrence
Symptoms of prostatitis largely depend on the form of the course of the disease, as well as the reason that provoked it. In general, inflammation occurs when pathogens enter the prostate. Bacteria enter the prostate tissue from the urine or rise up the urethra.
Chronic prostatitis can develop even after the complete destruction of the infection. This is because primary inflammation provokes a deterioration in immunity and the onset of an autoimmune process. This explains the occurrence in many patients of the abacterial form of the disease, when in the presence of obvious symptoms of prostatitis, infections cannot be detected.
Certain viruses and bacteria are present in the body of every man, but not everyone develops the inflammatory process. There are certain predisposing factors for the occurrence of the disease, which include:
- poor immunity;
- stagnation in the pelvic organs;
- irregular sex;
- the presence of STDs;
- prostate tissue injuries;
- bad habits.
Often one or more factors contribute to the occurrence of acute prostatitis, which in the absence of adequate timely treatment flows into a chronic form.
Since the disease can be infectious and non-infectious, for each type there are predisposing factors. Infectious form of prostatitis, the symptoms of which are quite pronounced, is provoked by various pathogens, including those that are sexually transmitted. It can be:
- streptococci and staphylococci;
- E. coli;
- chlamydia
- ureaplasmas;
- Trichomonas;
- various mushrooms and viruses.
The most common non-infectious type of disease. In this case, the symptoms of prostatitis are difficult to recognize, especially in the initial stages. In addition, the causes of its occurrence are still unknown, but in some cases it can also be triggered by an infection.
Pelvic pain syndrome also occurs . In this case, the symptoms of prostatitis are quite pronounced, because against the background of the inflammatory process, chronic pain in the perineum and genital area is additionally present.
Doctors also distinguish an asymptomatic form of the disease, in which the symptoms of prostatitis are completely absent, despite the presence of an inflammatory process. This form of the disease is most dangerous, as it threatens to cause complications.
Main symptoms
Chronic prostatitis develops as a result of a lack of timely treatment or with the use of ineffective therapy. It is a slowly ongoing inflammatory process in the tissues of the prostate gland. Often the symptoms of prostatitis (photos of men who have encountered this problem are presented in the article) are not sufficiently expressed, and the disease is detected only during the examination, therefore it is recommended to visit a specialist regularly.
However, the latent form of the course of the disease can change very sharply to acute after hypothermia, stress, and sexual dysfunction. In this case, the following symptoms of prostatitis appear:
- excessive sweating;
- discomfort in the perineum;
- frequent urination;
- secretion of prostate secretion;
- slight fever, sleep disturbance, weakness;
- violation of sexual function;
- pain in the perineum.
Together, these signs of the disease can lead to disorders of the nervous system, which is characterized by the occurrence of neurotic conditions and the concentration of the patient on his own health. When the first symptoms of prostatitis appear, you should immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Diagnostics
When the first symptoms of prostatitis occur, a thorough and comprehensive diagnosis is necessary, which implies:
- history taking;
- analysis of sexual function;
- life analysis;
- examination by a urologist;
- laboratory and instrumental studies.
Diagnosis begins with the collection of disease data and clarification of existing complaints. In addition, it is necessary to evaluate the peculiarity of sexual function and the existing violations in this area. In order to most accurately determine the symptoms and treatment of prostatitis, the doctor must have information about previously transferred STDs, performed operations on the genitals.
A urologist examines the external genitalia and a rectal examination. Symptoms of chronic prostatitis may be somewhat blurred, therefore, in order to accurately determine the presence of inflammation, a transrectal examination is necessary. This allows you to get an image of the prostate and evaluate the presence of changes in it.
A complete blood count helps identify signs of inflammation, blood disease, and allergies. Urinalysis, a microscopic examination of the secretion of the prostate and a urological smear will also be required.
If symptoms of prostatitis and adenoma are observed, then a biopsy of the prostate gland may be required to exclude the development of a malignant tumor.
Treatment features
Symptoms and treatment of chronic prostatitis can be very different, it all depends on the characteristics of the disease. Often, therapy is a rather complex and time-consuming process, a successful outcome of which is possible only if the doctor has high professionalism and a responsible approach to solving the problem. Modern medicine offers an integrated approach, consisting in:
- conducting antibiotic therapy;
- the appointment of physiotherapeutic procedures;
- prostate massage;
- lifestyle correction and diet;
- the use of folk remedies and techniques;
- surgical intervention.
First of all, the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotic therapy. The effects of drugs are aimed at weakening the infection. The duration of treatment is determined by the attending doctor individually. To improve secretion drainage and normalize blood circulation in the prostate, prostate massage is indicated . This procedure is quite painful and unpleasant, but it provides a very good result.
Depending on the symptoms of prostatitis, treatment is selected individually, however, physiotherapy procedures are often additionally performed to improve tissue trophism and accelerate the healing process. In particular, electrophoresis, ultrasonic phonophoresis, and laser therapy give a good result. With the occurrence of a chronic form of inflammation, mud therapy, healing warm baths, and special enemas are prescribed.
If symptoms of prostatitis and prostate adenoma are observed, then surgery may be prescribed.
Drug therapy
Symptoms and treatment of prostatitis can be very different, since it all depends on the particular course of the disease and the reasons that provoked it. The main goal of therapy is to eliminate the inflammatory process, improve the nutrition of the organ, as well as activate the general blood flow. If pathogens are detected, antibiotic use is indicated.
If there are symptoms of prostatitis, treatment is carried out with the use of such drugs as:
- antibacterial drugs;
- means to facilitate urination;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- drugs that enhance blood circulation in the pelvic organs.
The choice of antibacterial agent largely depends on the pathogen detected. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the ability to penetrate drugs into the body and accumulate in the tissues of the prostate gland. Preparations from the group of fluoroquinolones correspond to all these conditions. For the treatment of chronic prostatitis, the symptoms and characteristics of the body are taken into account first. Basically, tetracyclines and macrolides are prescribed for this. The course of treatment with antibacterial drugs should be at least 2 weeks after diagnosis. This will not only get rid of the causative agent of the disease, but also prevent the occurrence of relapse.
However, antibiotic therapy is by no means always effective. Many bacteria are in the secretion of the prostate for a long time and become resistant to antibiotics. Therapy must be started immediately after the first symptoms of the disease appear, otherwise the inflammatory process can provoke serious complications on the body.
Non-drug therapy
Symptoms of prostatitis in men and its treatment largely depend on the complexity of the course of inflammation and the presence of concomitant diseases. Widely used are not only antibacterial agents, but also non-drug methods of treatment. Particular attention is paid to prostate massage. The procedure stimulates the blood circulation of the prostate gland, eliminates stagnation and stimulates the secretion.
The combination of massage and prolonged use of antibacterial drugs is considered the main way to save a man from the unpleasant symptoms of chronic prostatitis.
When symptoms of prostatitis occur, treatment is carried out using physiotherapeutic techniques. This gives a very good effect along with the drug. In particular, therapy is carried out using:
- laser therapy;
- ultrasound;
- radio waves;
- electromyostimulation.
Particular attention in the treatment process is given to the diet. From your usual diet you need to exclude:
- alcoholic drinks;
- spicy or spicy food;
- fried and fatty dishes.
Symptoms of prostatitis in men can be very dangerous, so it is important to recognize the course of the disease and conduct complex therapy in a timely manner.
The use of folk remedies
Since the onset of the first symptoms of prostatitis, treatment can be carried out using alternative therapies, which provide a very good result, especially with an integrated approach to solving the problem. However, it is worth noting that the rejection of antibacterial drugs can lead to complications and poor health.
To eliminate the symptoms of chronic prostatitis, folk remedies such as:
- pumpkin seed oil;
- parsley;
- liquorice root;
- St. John's wort
- echinacea.
Each component individually or in combination helps to stimulate blood circulation in the pelvic organs and increase immunity. Phytotherapy will relieve pathogens and eliminate the symptoms of prostatitis in men. In addition, folk remedies help to normalize well-being and speed up the healing process.
Possible complications
With inflammation of the prostate in men, the symptoms of prostatitis can not be observed in all cases, which is why it is not always possible to recognize the presence of inflammation in the body in a timely manner and conduct treatment. And this leads to various complications.
A neglected disease can lead to conditions such as:
- prostate abscess;
- pyelonephritis and cystitis;
- violation of erection;
- vesiculitis;
- infertility.
That is why it is imperative to know the main symptoms of prostatitis in men and treat it as soon as possible.
Prophylaxis
In order to prevent the onset of symptoms of prostatitis in men, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive prevention of the onset of the disease. As preventive measures, you need:
- to live an active lifestyle;
- avoid hypothermia;
- apply laxatives for constipation;
- normalize sex life;
- timely treatment of STDs.
In addition, it is recommended to periodically visit a urologist to exclude the likelihood of developing the disease. Symptoms of prostatitis in men can be obvious, or the disease is hidden, but only the right comprehensive treatment will help to avoid complications and frequent relapses.