Prostatitis in men is a common inflammatory disease that, if left untreated, causes irreversible changes in the tissues of the prostate gland.The chronic form of the disease does not have clear symptoms, but they can appear during 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 health condition 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 feels chills, headaches, and muscle weakness.
A slight relief of the condition 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 note pain in the rectum, some of them feel as if there is a foreign object in it.An inflamed prostate can also manifest itself as problems with bowel movements.
Acute prostatitis may be accompanied by 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 put pressure on the intestines.Therefore, the symptoms of acute prostatitis are sometimes manifested by 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 region of the abdomen.Often, acute prostatitis may have symptoms such as discharge from the anus in the form of mucus, which is associated with the occurrence of inflammation in the rectum itself.Since acute prostatitis very often has symptoms associated with involvement of the intestine in the pathological process, sometimes it is not possible to perform 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 problem in the prostate becomes apparent, difficulty emptying the bladder may develop.
Problems with urination of various types almost always accompany acute prostatitis.
A man may feel pressure in it, as well as a feeling of incomplete emptying.The stream of urine during inflammation of the prostate gland is often weakened.Some patients complain of 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, 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 manifested; the symptoms can 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 when visiting a doctor about another disease.
Often chronic prostatitis accompanies other genitourinary diseases, for which the patient consults a doctor.
What symptoms are characteristic of chronic inflammation in 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 appear.Such signs and symptoms should alert you and be a reason to visit a urologist.
Very often, chronic gland diseases are accompanied by problems in the intimate area.
Prostatitis can cause accelerated ejaculation, sluggish orgasms, and decreased potency.Sometimes a man completely loses interest in sexual intercourse, and he becomes more aggressive and develops depression.Some patients suffer from insomnia and general fatigue.Fears associated with sexual activity and failures during sexual intercourse also appear, which sometimes leads to nervous breakdown.Its treatment is also necessary, so in some situations the attending physician 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.A man must donate blood for PSA levels, iron, and a general urine test.Prostate juice is also subject to examination.
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, impaired urination, and loss of reproductive function.
Treatment prescribed in the initial stage of prostatitis is much more effective.A rapid improvement in the patient’s condition is facilitated by an exclusively comprehensive approach.
It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner to prescribe treatment.
Very great importance is given to the reasons that caused prostate dysfunction.If provoking factors are not identified, the likelihood 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 for 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, under no circumstances should you massage the prostate gland.Even collecting prostatic 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 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 outflow of lymphatic 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 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 gland.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, solutions are administered to patients.If examination reveals a prostate abscess or the patient has urinary retention, surgical treatment is indicated.
Therapy of bacterial prostatitis is based on the use of antibacterial drugs belonging to the group of fluoroquinolones.This type of medicine 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 sensitivity to antibiotics.
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 decrease in blood sugar, heart problems.
If pathogenic microorganisms that are insensitive to fluoroquinolones are identified, the patient is prescribed macrolides or cephalosporins.These drugs are also indicated when 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 illness
Therapeutic methods of 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 medications that help improve the outflow of lymph from the gland may be indicated.
Great importance is also given to drugs that help improve the function of the immune system.Herbal natural preparations help reduce swelling of prostate tissue.These same drugs reduce pain, which is sometimes present with 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.
Exercise therapy classes are best conducted under the guidance of a trainer with a 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 treatment with magnets have a good effect.
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 carry out the first course with a professional.Massage is very effective for congestion in the gland.Prostate massage may lead to some discomfort, but only in the first days of treatment.In the future, there should be no pain, and patients experience a feeling of relief, since after the procedure the heaviness, which is often observed with chronic prostatitis, goes away.
There are special devices that replace rectal massaging of the prostate gland.Improving microcirculation, relieving swelling and stagnation is ensured by the action of acoustic waves.The sensor of such a device acts through the skin, so insertion of a massager into the rectum is not required.Such devices can be purchased at 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 course of procedures 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 an exacerbation of the disease.