Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) is one of the most common diseases of the genitourinary and reproductive system in men today. This is a pathological condition that can include inflammation of the prostate gland itself and the area around it. There are several types of this disease, each with different symptoms.
Some men with this disease may experience severe pain, while others will not be bothered by this disease; For others, prostatitis symptoms appear periodically and chronically. However, the symptoms of this disease significantly affect a person's quality of life.
Reason
The prostate is a bean-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. The main function of the prostate is to produce fluid, which is responsible for sperm quality. Glands surround the urethra at the bladder neck and prevent sperm from returning to the bladder. It, like a natural valve, separates two systems - the urinary and reproductive systems. This organ holds urine in the bladder and allows it to leave when needed. Prostate inflammation negatively affects both the male reproductive function and the state of his urinary tract.
Acute bacterial prostatitis is the least common type of prostatitis, but the most easily recognized. Usually caused by a sudden outbreak of a bacterial infection. It is easy to diagnose because it has few characteristic symptoms and signs. These severe urinary tract infections are most often accompanied by high fever and chills, and in this case, an immediate visit to the doctor or hospital will be necessary. Men of all ages are susceptible to this disease, especially those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of this form of prostate disease include painful urination; difficulty or inability to empty the bladder completely, cramping pain in the lower abdomen, perineum, back or pelvis; chills and fever.
The chronic form of bacterial prostatitis is similar in symptoms to the acute bacterial form, but develops gradually and the symptoms are less serious. Characterized by recurrent urinary tract infections in men; This inflammation occurs in representatives of different age categories, but is most common among young people and men of reproductive age.
Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome, non-bacterial prostatitis, prostatodynia), the most common type of the disease. The exact cause of this type of inflammation is unknown. However, the disease can begin with an acute or low-grade chronic infection, followed by inflammation, or provoked by muscle spasms in the pelvic area.
In this case, inflammation of the prostate may occur without any symptoms, or symptoms may be erased. Sometimes patients experience pain in the genital area, discomfort in the pelvic area, difficulty or pain when urinating, and sometimes pain during or after ejaculation.
Asymptomatic prostatitis is also common. The diagnosis is made only when the patient comes for another disease and the main complaint is related to symptoms not associated with prostatitis. In such cases, it is confirmed by tissue biopsy or urine and semen analysis.
What causes prostatitis
The immediate cause of prostatitis is not clearly defined by the medical community. However, there are several accepted theories. In the most commonly studied cases, the inflammatory process in the prostate is clearly associated with an acute or chronic bacterial infection. They enter the prostate from the urethra. Bacterial prostatitis is not contagious and cannot be sexually transmitted. Sexual partners cannot "catch" this infection.
Certain conditions or medical procedures related to diagnosis or treatment increase the risk of developing bacterial prostatitis. There is a good chance that the person has inserted a catheter or other device into the urethra because of treatment for a urinary tract infection or bladder infection.
Prostatitis can be caused by atypical microorganisms, such as chlamydia, mycoplasma (transmitted through sexual contact), and ureaplasma. It can also be triggered by a chemical or immunological response to an initial injury or infection. Muscle spasms in the pelvic area can cause pain in the prostate area. It may also be a response to infection or inflammation of the prostate gland.
Doctor's opinion:
Prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate that can lead to various unpleasant symptoms, such as pain in the genitourinary system, urinary problems and general lethargy. Doctors recommend seeking help at the first signs of the disease, because irrational treatment or its absence can lead to chronic prostatitis and complications. To make an accurate diagnosis and determine the optimal treatment, you need to contact a urologist who will conduct the necessary examinations and choose the appropriate therapy. It is important to remember that prostatitis requires a comprehensive approach to treatment, including drug therapy, physical therapy and regular monitoring by a specialist.
Prostatitis. Quick way to cure prostate inflammation.
symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type of prostatitis and the type of infection that caused it. Often patients do not notice any signs of the disease, while some experience symptoms similar to a urinary tract infection. Please note that other diseases may cause the same or similar symptoms. It is very important that the diagnosis is made by a medical professional to determine if the patient really has prostatitis and what type it is.
In acute bacterial prostatitis, symptoms are severe and require immediate emergency medical attention. Common are: chills, fever, burning during urination, heaviness in the lower abdomen, inability to empty the bladder.
In chronic bacterial prostatitis, symptoms are similar to acute bacterial prostatitis, but there is no fever. Other symptoms: burning during urination; frequent urge to urinate, especially at night; pain in the perineum, testicles, bladder and lower back pain; pain during ejaculation. Symptoms can be episodic, with outbreaks and remissions. The initiated process turns into calculous prostatitis.
Symptoms of non-bacterial prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome) include difficulty and sometimes painful urination, discomfort or pain in the perineum, bladder, testicles and testicles, and difficult or painful ejaculation. Sometimes, or most often, these symptoms may be indistinguishable from those described above for chronic bacterial prostatitis.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Correct diagnosis is very important for the treatment of any disease, and especially for prostatitis. Because the treatment of different forms differs not only in duration, but also in the range of methods and means. In addition, it is very important to distinguish the symptoms from other similar symptoms, such as urethritis, cystitis, prostate enlargement, adenoma or cancer. To make the most accurate diagnosis, you need several types of tests and studies.
One of the tools used by doctors in diagnosis is the study of symptoms using a special questionnaire filled out by the patient. In addition to filling out a questionnaire, your doctor may order a physical examination.
To check the state of the prostate gland, the doctor will perform a digital rectal examination. This is a simple examination in which a specialist inserts a lubricated (gloved) finger into the patient's rectum. The prostate is located just in front of the rectum and slightly below the bladder; palpation allows the doctor to locate and examine the problem organ easily.
In this way the doctor can determine if the prostate gland is enlarged. Abnormalities may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. The specialist will also be able to assess the level of pain or discomfort the patient experiences when the doctor presses on the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor and perineum. If the patient actually has prostatitis, this manipulation may cause immediate pain or discomfort, but not significant long-term destruction or pain.
If the doctor needs a more accurate diagnosis or decides that a biopsy is needed, he can order a transrectal ultrasound, which allows him to visualize the prostate gland.
If the specialist suspects that you have prostatitis or another prostate disease, he may refer you to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive system, to confirm the diagnosis.
The urologist will repeat several tests and may analyze various urine samples, as well as samples of prostate fluid obtained by massaging the prostate during rectal palpation. Urine samples and prostate secretions are examined for signs of inflammation and infection. This test will help your urologist diagnose your problem more accurately: whether there is inflammation or infection in the urethra, bladder or prostate gland.
Some doctors may order blood and semen tests to look for the presence of abnormal microorganisms, white blood cell counts, or other signs of infection.
The urologist may order a cystoscopy, where a small special telescope is inserted through the urethra and the bladder, urethra and prostate are examined. The urologist may also order a urine flow test, which helps measure the intensity of the flow and the presence of obstruction caused by inflammation of the prostate gland, urethra, or pelvic muscle spasms.
Interesting facts
- Prostatitis can affect men of any age: Although it is more common in men over 50, younger men can develop prostatitis.
- There are many causes of prostatitis:The most common causes include bacterial infection, inflammation, and blocked prostate ducts. In some cases, the cause may be unknown.
- Prostatitis can have various symptoms:This can range from mild discomfort when urinating to severe pain, fever and chills. Symptoms often depend on the type of prostatitis and its severity.
Other people's experiences
Prostatitis is a common disease among men that causes inflammation of the prostate gland. People who face this problem note that the symptoms of prostatitis can be quite unpleasant and interfere with normal life. Many people express concern about pain in the perineum, problems urinating and general discomfort. However, it is important to remember that prostatitis is a reversible disease, and timely consultation with a doctor, proper treatment and lifestyle changes can help overcome it. People are advised not to delay a visit to a specialist and follow the recommendations for a speedy recovery.
Treatment
Treatment of prostatitis directly depends on the type of bacterial infection diagnosed during the study.
For acute bacterial prostatitis, the patient should take antibiotics for at least 14 days. Sometimes patients require hospital treatment and intravenous antibiotics. If the patient has difficulty urinating, a catheter will be needed. If the disease does not respond to treatment, the doctor prescribes another antibiotic, and the course continues until recovery is complete.
It is important to know that when taking antibiotics you should always follow your doctor's instructions. Don't miss another appointment or stop early treatment just because you think your symptoms are gone.
If chronic bacterial prostatitis is diagnosed, you need to take antibiotics for a longer period than in the acute form. About 75 percent of all cases of chronic bacterial prostatitis heal completely within 6-7 months. Sometimes symptoms return and antibiotic therapy must be repeated repeatedly. In cases that do not respond to this treatment, long-term antibiotic therapy with low doses is recommended to relieve symptoms. In some rare cases, surgery may be necessary if the patient has certain anatomical problems, such as scar tissue in the urethra, that interferes with prostate treatment.
Patients may not need antibiotics if diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Urologists often face difficulties when trying to decide whether a patient has bacterial or non-bacterial prostatitis. Sometimes previous antibacterial therapy hides the diagnosis. In such cases, antibiotics can be prescribed, at least initially, even if a definite diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis has not been made. Your response to antibiotic therapy will determine whether it should be continued.
Many patients without a true infection may feel better during antibiotic treatment, this is because most antibiotics have a direct anti-inflammatory effect.
Depending on the symptoms and treatment dynamics, the patient may be given several methods to quickly restore health. Some experts prescribe alpha blockers in addition to antibiotics. These drugs help relieve spasms and relax the muscles around the prostate and the base of the bladder, relieving pain when urinating. Folk remedies are often successfully used - anti-inflammatory herbal preparations, analgesic infusions, muscle relaxants, plant extracts (quercetin and / or bee pollen). Prostate massage will remove fluid that causes pressure and pain in the prostate.
Hot baths, mud baths, or various other heat treatments (using local heat in the form of hot water bottles or heating pads) will provide relief and temporary relief of discomfort associated with the infection. If sitting becomes too uncomfortable, the patient is advised to use a special pillow.
Acupuncture, reflexology and relaxation exercises in addition to the main treatment can also help relieve some symptoms. You may be advised to follow a special diet, avoid certain foods (such as spices) and drinks (such as caffeinated, acidic drinks) and avoid triggers (such as cycling) that can make your prostate pain worse.
Only preventive measures, timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to the treatment of the prostate gland will preserve men's health for many years. Take care of your second heart - the prostate!
Common questions
How can I tell if I have prostatitis?
Pain, burning when urinating Difficulty urinating Leakage of urine Frequent urination Cloudy urine Blood in the urine (hematuria) Pain in the abdomen, groin, suprapubic area General symptoms of lethargy (fever, weakness)
What is prostatitis and why is it dangerous?
Prostatitis is an inflammatory process in the prostate gland. The main threat of such an inflammatory process is that it may not manifest for a long time. Sometimes a man can be sick for several years and not realize that he needs treatment.
Why does prostatitis occur in men?
Causes of prostatitis Symptoms usually appear in men aged 30-50 years. Often, the cause is an infectious lesion due to the penetration of pathogenic flora from the urogenital tract or glands of the genitourinary system. This is explained by the proximity of the urethra and anus.
How can you get prostatitis?
Bacteria that enter the prostate gland through the urethra, blood flow, lymph, Disturbance in the rhythm of sexual life, Reducing immunity, Sexual infections (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, etc. ), Injury to pelvic organs and tissues.
Useful tips
Tip #1
Symptoms of prostatitis can vary, including pain in the perineum, frequent urination, and increased body temperature. At the first suspicion of prostatitis, be sure to consult a urologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Tip #2
Pay attention to your lifestyle: practice an active lifestyle, drink more water, give up bad habits, include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. This will help strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of prostatitis.
Tip #3
Always undergo a preventive examination with a urologist, even if there are no obvious symptoms of the disease. Early detection of prostatitis will allow you to start treatment at an early stage and avoid complications.