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 may appear during the worsening of the pathology.Symptoms and treatment largely depend on the severity of the disease, as well as on 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, 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 notice pain in the rectum, some of them feel as if there is a foreign object in it.An inflamed prostate can also manifest as problems with bowel movements.
Acute prostatitis can be accompanied by symptoms similar to intestinal infections and inflammatory diseases of the lower intestines.
This is explained by an enlargement of the prostate gland due to inflammation and increased swelling of its tissues, which put pressure on the intestines.Therefore, the symptoms of acute prostatitis are sometimes manifested by stool retention, bloating and false urge to defecate.
In some cases, patients experience severe pain during bowel movements.The appearance of the disease is also possible by an increase in unpleasant sensations in the central region of the abdomen.Often, acute prostatitis can have symptoms such as discharge from the anus in the form of mucus, which is accompanied by 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, sometimes it is 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, difficulty emptying the bladder may develop.
Problems with urination of various kinds almost always accompany acute prostatitis.
A man can feel pressure in it, as well as a feeling of incomplete emptying.The flow 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 quick medical intervention, since 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 manifested;symptoms can be so subtle 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 for another disease.
Chronic prostatitis often accompanies other genitourinary diseases, for which the patient consults the 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 during bladder emptying.There may be discharge from the urethral canal and purulent threads in the urine.Such signs and symptoms should alarm 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 decreased potency.Sometimes a man completely loses interest in sexual relations, and he becomes more aggressive and develops depression.Some patients suffer from insomnia and general fatigue.There are also fears related to sexual activity and failures during sexual intercourse, which sometimes lead to nervous breakdowns.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 lowers 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 fluid is also examined.
It is impossible to cure prostatitis by yourself.Some men try to improve the condition of the gland using unconventional or popular 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.
The treatment prescribed in the initial stage of prostatitis is much more effective.A rapid improvement of the patient's condition is facilitated by an exclusively comprehensive approach.
It is important to consult a doctor at the right time to prescribe treatment.
Great importance is attached to the reasons that caused prostate dysfunction.If the provoking factors are not identified, the likelihood of the disease returning is very high.
The urologist chooses the 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 the prescription of certain drugs for 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, under no circumstances should you massage the prostate gland.Collecting prostate fluid in this way is also 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 tissue 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, 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 in both the perineum and rectum.Patients are prescribed 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 the 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 given to patients.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 belonging 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 perform a culture test for sensitivity to antibiotics.
Doctors say that such drugs should be prescribed only after identifying the type of microorganisms that caused the 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 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 medications.If there is no improvement after two weeks, the urologist should reconsider the treatment regimen.
For chronic diseases
Therapeutic methods of chronic prostatitis mainly 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 tablet form.
For the characteristic symptoms of the remission state, antibiotics, herbal antiseptics, non-steroids, as well as medications that help to improve the outflow of lymph from the gland can be indicated.
Great importance is also given to drugs that help improve the function of the immune system.Natural herbal preparations help reduce the swelling of the prostate tissue.The same drugs reduce pain, which is sometimes present with chronic prostatitis.
Since the disease is often accompanied by depression and irritability, 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 magnet treatment have a good effect.
Rectal massage has a positive effect on prostate health.This procedure can be performed both in the clinic and at home.If such a treatment is prescribed for the first time, it is best that the first course is carried out with a professional.Massage is very effective for blocking the gland.Prostate massage can cause 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 massage of the prostate gland.Improvement of microcirculation, relief of swelling and stagnation is provided by the action of acoustic waves.The sensor of such a device acts through the skin, so it is not required to insert a massage into the rectum.Such devices can be purchased in special medical stores.You should first consult 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 should be accompanied by proper nutrition and abstinence from alcohol.It is important to remember that hypothermia can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.