Prostatitis in men is a common inflammatory disease that, if left untreated, causes irreversible changes in 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.
The 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 prostate inflammation, general health deteriorates rapidly.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 decrease in discomfort are observed when the 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 bowel movement problems.
Acute prostatitis can be accompanied by symptoms similar to those of intestinal infections and inflammatory diseases of the large intestine.
This is explained by the 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, flatulence and false urge to defecate.
In some cases, patients experience severe pain during bowel movements.The manifestation of the disease is also possible due to an increase in unpleasant sensations in the central region of the abdomen.Often, acute prostatitis can present 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 often presents symptoms associated with the 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 prostate problem becomes apparent, difficulty emptying the bladder may occur.
Problems of various types with urination almost always accompany acute prostatitis.
A man may feel pressure, as well as a feeling of incomplete emptying.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 rapid medical intervention, since with acute urinary retention, intoxication increases, which is manifested by severe headaches, lack of 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;Symptoms can be so inconspicuous 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 when visiting a doctor about another illness.
Often, chronic prostatitis accompanies other genitourinary diseases, for which the patient consults a doctor.
What are the characteristic symptoms of chronic prostate inflammation?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 may appear in the urine.Such signs and symptoms should alert you and be a reason to consult a urologist.
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, 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 lead to nervous breakdowns.Its treatment is also necessary, therefore in some situations the attending physician may refer the patient for 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 to check PSA levels, iron and a general urine test.Prostate juice is also subject to examination.
It is impossible to cure prostatitis alone.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 worsens, and without further treatment the disease leads to complications - hardening of glandular tissue, difficulty urinating and loss of reproductive function.
Treatment prescribed at 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.
Great importance is attached to the reasons that caused prostate dysfunction.If provoking factors are not identified, the probability of relapse of the disease is very high.
The urologist selects 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 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.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 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 medications is due to the fact that they restore the outflow of lymphatic fluid and blood from the prostate, helping to reduce symptoms of intoxication.
Because 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 medications 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 intoxication, solutions are administered to patients.If the examination reveals an abscess in the prostate or the patient has urinary retention, surgical treatment is indicated.
Bacterial prostatitis therapy 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 perform a culture test for antibiotic sensitivity.
Doctors say that these medications should be prescribed only after identifying the type of microorganism 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 insensitive to fluoroquinolones are identified, the patient is prescribed macrolides or cephalosporins.These medications are also indicated when the patient has side effects from previous medications.If there is no improvement after two weeks, the urologist should reconsider the treatment regimen.
For chronic illnesses
Therapeutic methods for chronic prostatitis largely depend on its stage.In case of worsening 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 tablets.
For symptoms characteristic of a state of remission, antibiotics, herbal, non-steroidal antiseptics, as well as medications that help improve the outflow of lymph from the gland, may be indicated.
Great importance is also given to medications that help improve the functioning of the immune system.Natural herbal preparations help reduce swelling of prostate tissue.These same medications 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.
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 physiotherapeutic procedures that restore microcirculation, relieve tension in the pelvic region and relieve pain.Laser therapy, electrophoresis and magnet treatment 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 this treatment is prescribed for the first time, it is best to take the first course from a professional.Massage is very effective for congestion in the gland.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 will feel 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.Improving microcirculation, relieving swelling and stagnation is guaranteed by the action of acoustic waves.The sensor of this device works through the skin, so it is not necessary to insert a massager into the rectum.These devices can be purchased at specialized medical stores.You must first consult a urologist and also study the instructions.
Massagers can be used for preventative purposes;the duration of the course of procedures is determined by the doctor.
Any treatment prescribed by a urologist must be accompanied by adequate nutrition and abstinence from alcohol.It is important to remember that hypothermia can worsen the disease.