Prostatitis in men is a common inflammatory disease that, if left untreated, causes irreversible changes to prostate tissue.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.Body temperature can reach 40 degrees.During this period, the patient experiences chills, headaches and muscle weakness.
A slight relief from the disease and a decrease in 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.Inflammation of the prostate can also manifest as problems with bowel movements.
Acute prostatitis can be accompanied by symptoms similar to those of intestinal infections and inflammatory diseases of the lower intestine.
This is due to an enlarged prostate due to inflammation and increasing swelling of its tissues, which puts pressure on the intestines.Therefore, the symptoms of acute prostatitis sometimes manifest as stool retention, flatulence and a 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 region of the abdomen.Often, acute prostatitis can present with symptoms such as discharge from the anus in the form of mucus, combined with the appearance of inflammation in the rectum itself.Since acute prostatitis very often presents symptoms associated with the involvement of the intestine in the pathological process, sometimes it is not possible to carry out rectal palpation due to severe pain in the rectum.
The first symptoms of acute prostatitis may resemble inflammation of the urinary tract.Before a problem with the prostate becomes apparent, difficulty emptying the bladder may occur.
Urination problems of various types almost always accompany acute prostatitis.
A man may feel pressure there, as well as a feeling of incomplete emptiness.The flow of urine during prostate inflammation is often weakened.Some patients complain of a complete inability to urinate.Such symptoms of prostatitis in men indicate the need for timely medical intervention, because with acute urinary retention, intoxication increases, which is manifested by severe headaches, poor appetite, vomiting and skin jaundice.This condition is dangerous and requires immediate hospitalization.
Signs of chronic prostatitis
Chronic prostate problems do not always manifest themselves clearly;the symptoms may be so unexpressed that men attribute the appearance of fatigue and weakness to other circumstances.The patient most often learns that such a disease exists during a medical examination or during a visit to the doctor about another disease.
Chronic prostatitis often accompanies other genitourinary diseases for which the patient consults a doctor.
What symptoms are characteristic of chronic inflammation of the prostate?This is 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 appear.Such signs and symptoms should alert you and be a reason to consult 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 decreased potency.Sometimes a man completely loses interest in sex, becomes more aggressive and develops depression.Some patients experience insomnia and general fatigue.Fears related to sexual activity and failures during sexual intercourse also appear, which sometimes leads to a nervous breakdown.Its treatment is also necessary, which is why in certain situations the attending physician 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 must donate blood to check PSA levels, iron and a general urine test.Prostate juice is also subject to examination.
It is impossible to cure prostatitis yourself.Some men try to improve the condition of the gland by resorting to unconventional or traditional methods that can reduce the symptoms of the disease.As a rule, prostatitis then worsens, and without additional treatment, the disease leads to complications - hardening of the glandular tissue, impaired urination and loss of reproductive function.
Treatment prescribed at the initial stage of prostatitis is much more effective.Rapid improvement in the patient's condition is facilitated by an exclusively global approach.
It is important to consult a doctor in time to prescribe treatment.
Very great importance is given to the reasons that caused prostate dysfunction.If the provoking factors are not identified, the probability of relapse of the disease is very high.
The urologist selects types 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 to prescribing certain medications to the patient.
For bacterial prostatitis
The basis of treatment of 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, in no case should you massage the prostate.Even collecting prostate juice in this way is prohibited.This is due to the high probability of septic complications.
In case of acute inflammation of the prostate caused by an infection, it is necessary to limit physical activity as much as possible.
For bacterial prostatitis, agents are indicated to improve microcirculation in the tissues of the gland.
The effectiveness of the drugs is due to the fact that they restore the flow of lymphatic fluid and blood from the prostate, thereby helping to reduce the symptoms of intoxication.
Since bacterial prostatitis is almost always accompanied by sharp pain, patients are prescribed VNRs and painkillers that reduce discomfort and pressure both in the perineum and rectum.Patients are given analgesic drugs 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 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 poisoning, solutions are administered to patients.If the examination reveals a prostate abscess or if the patient has urinary retention, surgical treatment is indicated.
Treatment of bacterial prostatitis is based on the use of antibacterial drugs belonging to the fluoroquinolone group.This type of medication is effective in activating Gram-negative pathogenic flora.
For the most accurate prescription of treatment, it is necessary to carry out a culture test for antibiotic sensitivity.
Doctors say that these drugs should be prescribed only after identifying the type of microorganisms causing prostate disease.Fluoroquinolones may cause side effects if the patient has liver or kidney dysfunction.Sometimes patients develop changes in the digestive tract and nervous system.Possible decrease 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 when the patient experiences side effects related to previous medications.If there is no improvement after two weeks, the urologist should reconsider the treatment regimen.
For chronic diseases
Therapeutic methods for chronic prostatitis largely depend on its stage.In case of exacerbation of the disease, treatment is carried out in exactly the same way 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 help improve the outflow of lymph from the gland may be indicated.
Great importance is also given to drugs that help improve the functioning of the immune system.Natural herbal preparations help reduce swelling of prostate tissue.These same medications reduce pain, sometimes present in chronic prostatitis.
Since the disease is often accompanied by depression and nervousness, the patient may 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 classes are best conducted under the guidance of a trainer with a medical background.
As additional measures, patients undergo a series of physiotherapeutic procedures that restore microcirculation, relieve tension in the pelvic region and relieve pain.Laser therapy, electrophoresis and treatment with magnets have a good effect.
Massage performed rectally has a positive effect on prostate health.This procedure can be performed both in the clinic and at home.If such treatment is prescribed for the first time, it is best to carry out the first treatment with a professional.Massage is very effective in cases of gland congestion.Prostate massage may cause some discomfort, but only in the first few days of treatment.In the future, there should be no pain, and patients feel a sense of relief, because after the procedure the heaviness, often observed in chronic prostatitis, disappears.
There are special devices that replace rectal prostate massage.Improvement of microcirculation, relief of swelling and stagnation are ensured by the action of acoustic waves.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 specialized medical stores.You must first consult a urologist and also study the instructions.
Massagers can be used for preventive purposes;the duration of the procedures is determined by the doctor.
Any treatment prescribed by a urologist must be accompanied by a good diet and abstinence from alcohol.It is important to remember that hypothermia can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.