Prostatitis in men is a common inflammatory disease that, if left untreated, leads to irreversible changes in the tissues of the prostate.The chronic form of the disease does not have clear symptoms, but they may appear during an 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 experiences chills, headaches and muscle weakness.
A slight relief of the condition and a reduction in discomfort is observed when a man lies on his back and presses his knees to his stomach.
Many patients with acute prostatitis note pain in the rectum, and some feel as if there is a foreign body in it.An inflamed prostate can also manifest itself in problems with bowel movements.
Acute prostatitis can present with symptoms similar to intestinal infections and inflammatory diseases of the lower intestine.
This is explained by an enlargement of the prostate gland due to inflammation and increasing swelling of its tissues, which puts pressure on the intestines.Therefore, the symptoms of acute prostatitis are sometimes expressed in stool retention, flatulence and false urge to defecate.
In some cases, patients experience severe pain during bowel movements.The manifestation of the disease is also possible by an increase in unpleasant sensations in the central area of the abdomen.With acute prostatitis, symptoms such as mucous discharge from the anus can often occur, which is accompanied by the appearance of inflammation in the rectum itself.Since in acute prostatitis very often there are symptoms associated with the involvement of the intestine in the pathological process, rectal palpation is sometimes not possible due to severe pain in the rectum.
The first symptoms of acute prostatitis may look like inflammation of the urinary tract.Before a prostate problem becomes noticeable, there may be difficulty emptying the bladder.
Problems with urination of various kinds are almost always accompanied by acute prostatitis.
A man may feel pressure in it, but also a feeling of incomplete emptying.When the prostate is inflamed, the urine stream is often weakened.Some patients complain of a complete inability to urinate.Such symptoms of prostatitis in men indicate the need for rapid medical intervention, since with acute urine retention, intoxication increases, which is manifested by severe headaches, loss of appetite, vomiting and jaundice of the skin.This condition is dangerous and requires immediate hospitalization.
Signs of chronic prostatitis
Chronic problems with the prostate are not always clearly noticeable;The symptoms can be so unspoken that men attribute the onset of fatigue and weakness to other circumstances.The patient most often finds out that such an illness exists during a medical examination or when visiting a doctor for another illness.
Chronic prostatitis is often accompanied by other genitourinary diseases, in which the patient consults a doctor.
What symptoms are characteristic of chronic inflammation of the prostate?These are discomfort and heaviness in the perineum, burning and pressure in the urethra when emptying the bladder.There may be discharge from the urethral canal and purulent threads in the urine.Such signs and symptoms should alert you and be a reason to see a urologist.
Chronic gland diseases are very often accompanied by problems in the intimate area.
Prostatitis can lead to accelerated ejaculation, sluggish orgasms and reduced potency.Sometimes a man completely loses interest in sexual intercourse, becomes more aggressive and develops depression.Some patients experience insomnia and general fatigue.There are also fears associated with sexual activity and failure during intercourse, sometimes leading to a nervous breakdown.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 aggravates the course of the disease.
Therapeutic measures
Before treating prostatitis, the urologist prescribes an examination to the patient.A man needs to donate blood to measure PSA levels, iron and have a general urine test.Prostate juice is also examined.
It is impossible to cure prostatitis on your own.Some men try to improve the condition of the gland by resorting to unconventional or folk methods that can relieve the symptoms of the disease.As a rule, prostatitis then worsens and, without further treatment, the disease leads to complications - hardening of the glandular tissue, impaired urination and loss of reproductive function.
Treatment prescribed in the initial stages of prostatitis is much more effective.Rapid improvement in the patient's condition is made possible by an exclusively comprehensive approach.
It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner to prescribe treatment.
Great importance is attached to the reasons that led to prostate dysfunction.If provoking factors are not identified, the likelihood of a relapse of the disease is very high.
Depending on the form and stage of prostatitis, the urologist selects the types of treatment.The doctor takes into account the presence of concomitant diseases, some of which may constitute a contraindication to prescribing certain medications to the patient.
For bacterial prostatitis
The basis of therapy for 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, you should definitely not massage the prostate.Collecting prostate juice in this way is also prohibited.This is due to the high likelihood of septic complications.
If there is acute inflammation of the prostate due to an infection, it is necessary to limit physical activity as much as possible.
In bacterial prostatitis, means to improve microcirculation in the glandular tissue are indicated.
The effectiveness of the drugs is due to the fact that they restore the outflow of lymphatic fluid and blood from the prostate, thereby helping to relieve the symptoms of intoxication.
Since bacterial prostatitis is almost always accompanied by acute pain, patients are prescribed NRVS and analgesics that reduce discomfort and pressure in both the perineum and rectum.Patients are shown painkilling drugs that not only relieve 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 prostate abscess or the patient has urinary retention, surgical treatment is indicated.
Therapy for bacterial prostatitis is based on the use of antibacterial drugs from the group of fluoroquinolones.This type of medicine is effective in activating the gram-negative pathogenic flora.
In order to prescribe treatment as accurately as possible, it is necessary to conduct a culture test for antibiotic susceptibility.
Doctors say that such drugs should be prescribed only after identifying the type of microorganisms that caused prostate disease.Fluoroquinolones can cause side effects if the patient has liver or kidney dysfunction.Sometimes patients develop changes in the digestive tract and nervous system.Possible drop in blood sugar, heart problems.
If pathogenic microorganisms insensitive to fluoroquinolones are identified, the patient is prescribed macrolides or cephalosporins.These medications are also indicated if 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 illnesses
Treatment methods for chronic prostatitis largely depend on the stage.If the disease worsens, treatment is the same as for the acute bacterial form.
For chronic prostatitis, antibiotics are often prescribed in tablet form.
For symptoms characteristic of a state of remission, antibiotics, herbal antiseptics, non-steroids, as well as drugs that improve lymphatic drainage from the gland may be indicated.
Medications that help improve the function of the immune system are also very important.Herbal natural preparations help reduce the swelling of prostate tissue.The same medications relieve the pain that sometimes occurs with chronic prostatitis.
Since the disease is often accompanied by depression and nervousness, the patient can 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 courses are best conducted under the guidance of a trainer with medical training.
As additional measures, patients undergo physiotherapy treatment, which restores microcirculation, relieves tension in the pelvic area and relieves pain.Laser therapy, electrophoresis and treatment with magnets have a good effect.
A massage performed rectally has a positive effect on prostate health.This procedure can be carried out both in the clinic and at home.If such treatment is prescribed for the first time, it is best to take the first course with a professional.If the gland is blocked, massage is very effective.Prostate massage can cause discomfort, but only in the first few days of treatment.In the future, pain should no longer occur and patients feel a feeling of relief, since after the procedure the feeling of heaviness, which is often observed in chronic prostatitis, disappears.
There are special devices that replace rectal massage of the prostate.Through the action of sound waves, microcirculation is improved and swelling and stagnation are relieved.The sensor of such a device acts through the skin, so inserting a massager into the rectum is not necessary.Such devices can be purchased in special medical supply stores.You should first consult a urologist and also read the instructions.
Massagers can be used for prevention;The duration of the procedure is determined by the doctor.
Any treatment prescribed by a urologist must be accompanied by a proper diet and avoidance of alcohol.It is important to remember that hypothermia can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.