Prostatitis in men is a common inflammatory disease that, if left untreated, causes irreversible changes in the prostate tissues.The chronic form of the disease does not have clear symptoms, but they may appear during the worsening 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 abscess.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 pain in the groin area.Body temperature can reach 40 degrees.During this period, the patient feels chills, headache and muscle weakness.
Slight relief of the condition and reduction of discomfort is observed when a man lies on his back and presses his knees to his stomach.
Many patients with acute prostatitis notice pain in the rectum, some of them feel as if there is a foreign body in it.An inflamed prostate can also manifest itself as problems with bowel movements.
Acute prostatitis can be accompanied by symptoms similar to intestinal infections and inflammatory diseases of the lower intestine.
This is explained by the enlargement of the prostate due to inflammation and the increasing swelling of its tissues, which puts pressure on the intestines.Therefore, the symptoms of acute prostatitis are sometimes manifested by stool retention, flatulence and a false urge to defecate.
In some cases, patients feel severe pain during bowel movements.Manifestation of the disease is also possible with an increase in unpleasant sensations in the central part of the abdomen.Often, acute prostatitis can have symptoms such as discharge from the anus in the form of mucus, which is associated with the appearance of inflammation in the rectum itself.Since acute prostatitis very often has symptoms related to the involvement of the intestines in the pathological process, it is sometimes not possible to perform a rectal palpation 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 apparent, there may be difficulty emptying the bladder.
Problems with urination of various kinds almost always accompany acute prostatitis.
A person can feel pressure in it, as well as a feeling of incomplete emptying.The stream of urine during inflammation of the prostate is often weakened.Some patients complain of a complete inability to urinate.Such symptoms of prostatitis in men indicate the need for quick medical intervention, because acute retention of urine increases intoxication, which is manifested by severe headaches, lack 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 expressed;symptoms can be so subtle that men attribute the appearance of fatigue and weakness to other circumstances.The patient usually finds out that such a disease exists during a medical examination or a visit to the doctor for another disease.
Chronic prostatitis is often accompanied by other genitourinary diseases, for which the patient consults a doctor.
What symptoms are characteristic of chronic inflammation of the prostate?These are discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the perineum, burning and pressure in the urethra when emptying the bladder.Discharge from the urethral canal and purulent threads in the urine may occur.Such signs and symptoms should alert you and be a reason to visit a urologist.
Very often, chronic diseases of the glands are accompanied by problems in the intimate area.
Prostatitis can cause accelerated ejaculation, slow orgasms and reduced potency.Sometimes a man completely loses interest in sexual intercourse, becomes more aggressive and develops depression.Some patients suffer from insomnia and general fatigue.There are also fears associated with sexual activity and failures during intercourse, which sometimes leads to a nervous breakdown.Its treatment is also necessary, so in some situations the doctor may refer the patient to a consultation with a psychotherapist.
Constant nervous stress reduces immunity, which further worsens the course of the disease.
Therapeutic measures
Before treating prostatitis, the urologist prescribes an examination for the patient.The man must give blood to measure PSA levels, iron and a general urine test.Prostate juice is also tested.
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 reduce the symptoms of the disease.As a rule, prostatitis then worsens, and without further treatment, the disease leads to complications - hardening of the gland tissue, urination disorders and loss of reproductive function.
Treatment prescribed in the initial stage of prostatitis is much more effective.Rapid improvement of the patient's condition is possible only with a comprehensive approach.
It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner in order to prescribe treatment.
Very great importance is attached to the reasons that caused prostate dysfunction.If the provoking factors are not identified, the probability of disease relapse is very high.
The urologist chooses the type of treatment depending on the form and stage of prostatitis.The doctor takes into account the presence of concomitant diseases, some of which may become a contraindication for prescribing certain drugs 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 stays in bed during the treatment.With this type of prostatitis, the prostate should not be massaged under any circumstances.Even collecting prostate juice in this way is prohibited.This is due to the high probability of septic complications.
In the case of acute inflammation of the prostate caused by an infection, it is necessary to limit physical activity as much as possible.
Means for improving microcirculation in the gland tissues are indicated for bacterial prostatitis.
The effectiveness of the drugs is due to the fact that they restore the outflow of lymph fluid and blood from the prostate, helping to reduce 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 both in the perineum and in the rectum.Patients are shown analgesics that not only reduce 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 the prostate.Suppositories may contain natural ingredients, for example, honey, propolis, bovine prostate extract.All these components are safe, but at the same time very effective.
In case of significant intoxication, patients are given solutions.If the examination reveals a prostate abscess or the patient has urinary retention, surgical treatment is indicated.
The therapy of bacterial prostatitis is based on the use of antibacterial drugs that belong to the group of fluoroquinolones.This type of drug is effective in activating gram-negative pathogenic flora.
For the most accurate prescription of treatment, it is necessary to conduct a culture test for sensitivity to antibiotics.
Doctors say that such drugs should be prescribed only after determining the type of microorganisms that caused prostate disease.Fluoroquinolones can cause side effects if the patient has liver or kidney dysfunction.Sometimes patients experience changes in the digestive tract and nervous system.Possible decrease in blood sugar, heart problems.
If pathogenic microorganisms are identified that are insensitive to fluoroquinolones, the patient is prescribed macrolides or cephalosporins.These drugs are also indicated when the patient experiences side effects from previous drugs.If there is no improvement after two weeks, the urologist should review the treatment regimen.
For chronic diseases
Therapeutic methods of chronic prostatitis largely depend on its stage.In case of worsening of the disease, the treatment is carried out in exactly the same way as for the acute bacterial form.
For chronic prostatitis, antibiotics are often prescribed in pill form.
Antibiotics, herbal antiseptics, non-steroids, as well as drugs that help improve the outflow of lymph from the gland can be indicated for symptoms characteristic of a state of remission.
Great importance is also attached to drugs that help improve the function of the immune system.Natural herbal preparations help reduce the swelling of the prostate tissue.These same drugs reduce pain, which is sometimes present in chronic prostatitis.
Since the disease is often accompanied by depression and nervousness, the patient may be prescribed sedatives and antidepressants.
Physical therapy has a good effect.Special exercises help restore blood supply to the gland, increase muscle tone and improve mood.
Physical therapy classes are best conducted under the guidance of a trainer with medical education.
As additional measures, patients undergo a course of physiotherapeutic procedures that restore microcirculation, relieve tension in the pelvic area, and relieve pain.Laser therapy, electrophoresis and magnet treatment have a good effect.
Rectal massage has a positive effect on prostate health.This procedure can be carried out both in the clinic and at home.If such a treatment is prescribed for the first time, it is best to spend the first course with a professional.Massage is very effective for congestion in the gland.Prostate massage can lead to certain discomfort, but only in the first days of treatment.In the future, there should be no pain, and patients experience a sense of relief, because after the procedure, the heaviness, which is often observed in chronic prostatitis, disappears.
There are special devices that replace rectal prostate massage.Improvement of microcirculation, relief of swelling and stagnation is ensured by the effect of acoustic waves.The sensor of such a device works through the skin, so inserting the massager into the rectum is not necessary.Such devices can be purchased in special medical stores.You should first consult with a urologist and also study the instructions.
Massagers can be used for preventive purposes;the duration of the procedure is determined by the doctor.
Any treatment prescribed by a urologist must be accompanied by proper nutrition and abstinence from alcohol.It is important to remember that hypothermia can lead to worsening of the disease.