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 combine inflammation of the prostate gland itself and the area around it. There are several types of this disease, each of which presents different symptoms.
Some men with this disease may experience severe pain, while others will not be bothered by the disease; For others, prostatitis symptoms appear periodically and are chronic. However, the symptoms of the disease significantly impair a person's quality of life.
Reasons
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. The main function of the prostate is to produce fluid, which is responsible for the quality of sperm. The gland surrounds the urethra at the neck of the bladder and prevents sperm from returning to the bladder. Like a natural valve, it separates two systems: the urinary and the reproductive. This organ retains urine in the bladder and allows it to come out when necessary. Inflammation of the prostate negatively affects both the reproductive function of a man and the state of his urinary tract.
Acute bacterial prostatitis is the least common type of prostatitis, but the easiest to recognize. Usually caused by a sudden outbreak due to a bacterial infection. It is easily diagnosed since it presents a series of characteristic symptoms and signs. This serious urinary tract infection is usually 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 pain when urinating; difficulty or inability to completely empty the bladder, cramps in the lower abdomen, perineum, back or pelvis; chills and fever.
The chronic bacterial form of prostatitis is similar in its symptoms to the acute bacterial form, but it develops gradually and its symptoms are less severe. Characterized by recurrent urinary tract infections in men; This inflammation occurs in representatives of different age categories, but it is more common among young people and men of reproductive age.
Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome, nonbacterial prostatitis, prostatodynia), the most common type of disease. The exact causes of this type of inflammation are unknown. However, the disease can begin with an acute or mild chronic infection, followed by inflammation or caused by muscle spasms in the pelvic area.
In this case, inflammation of the prostate may occur without any symptoms or the symptoms may disappear. Sometimes patients experience pain in the genitals, 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 has another disease and the main complaints are 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 medical community does not clearly define the immediate causes of prostatitis. However, there are several accepted theories. In the most studied cases, the inflammatory process of the prostate is clearly associated with acute or chronic bacterial infections. They enter the prostate from the urethra. Bacterial prostatitis is not contagious and cannot be transmitted sexually. A sexual partner cannot "catch" this infection.
Certain specific conditions or medical procedures associated with the diagnosis or treatment increase the risk of contracting bacterial prostatitis. There is a high chance that the person has had a catheter or other instrument inserted into the urethra due to treatment for a urinary tract or bladder infection.
Prostatitis can be caused by atypical microorganisms, such as chlamydia, mycoplasma (transmitted by sexual contact), and ureaplasma. It can also be triggered by a chemical or immunological reaction 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 an infection or inflammation of the prostate.
Doctor's opinion:
Prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate that can cause various unpleasant symptoms, such as pain in the genitourinary system, urinary problems and general malaise. Doctors recommend seeking help at the first signs of the disease, since irrational treatment or its absence can lead to chronic prostatitis and complications. To make an accurate diagnosis and determine the optimal treatment, you should contact a urologist who will conduct the necessary examinations and select the appropriate therapy. It is important to remember that prostatitis requires a comprehensive approach to treatment, including drug therapy, physiotherapy and regular monitoring by a specialist.
Prostatitis. How to quickly cure inflammation of the prostate.
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 those of a urinary tract infection. Keep in mind that other diseases may cause the same or similar symptoms. It is very important that a medical professional perform a diagnosis to determine if the patient really has prostatitis and what type it is.
In acute bacterial prostatitis, the symptoms are severe and require immediate emergency medical attention. The most common are: chills, fever, burning when urinating, heaviness in the lower abdomen, inability to empty the bladder.
In chronic bacterial prostatitis, the symptoms are similar to those of acute bacterial prostatitis infections, but there is no fever. Other symptoms: burning when urinating; frequent need to urinate, especially at night; pain in the perineum, testicles, bladder and lower back pain; pain during ejaculation. Symptoms can be episodic, with flares and remissions. The process started becomes calculous prostatitis.
Symptoms of nonbacterial prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome) include difficulty and sometimes pain when urinating, discomfort or pain in the perineal area, bladder, testicles, and penis, and difficult or painful ejaculation. Sometimes, or even more 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 prostatitis. Because the treatment of its different forms differs not only in duration, but also in the variety of methods and means. In addition, it is extremely important to distinguish symptoms from other similar ones, such as urethritis, cystitis, enlarged prostate, adenoma or cancer. To make the most accurate diagnosis, you will need several types of tests and studies.
One of the tools that doctors use in diagnosis is the study of symptoms through a special questionnaire that the patient fills out. In addition to completing the questionnaire, your doctor may order a physical exam.
To check the condition of the prostate, the doctor will perform a rectal examination. This is a simple test 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 easily detect and examine the problem organ.
This way the doctor can determine if the prostate is enlarged. Irregularities may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. The specialist will also be able to assess the degree of pain or discomfort that the patient experiences when the doctor puts pressure on the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor and perineum. If the patient really has prostatitis, this manipulation may cause immediate pain or discomfort, but does not cause destruction or significant long-term pain.
If the doctor requires a more precise diagnosis or decides that a biopsy is necessary, he may order a transrectal ultrasound, which allows him to visualize the prostate gland.
If a specialist suspects that you have prostatitis or another prostate disease, he or she 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 some of the tests and may analyze several 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. These tests will help your urologist more accurately diagnose your problem: whether there is inflammation or infection in the urethra, bladder, or prostate.
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.
A urologist may order a cystoscopy, in which a small special telescope is inserted through the urethra and the bladder, urethra, and prostate are examined. The urologist may also order urine flow tests, which help measure the intensity of the flow and the presence of blockages caused by inflammation of the prostate, urethra, or spasm of the pelvic muscles.
interesting facts
- Prostatitis can affect men of any age: Although it is most common in men over 50, even younger men can develop prostatitis.
- There are many causes of prostatitis:The most common causes include bacterial infections, inflammation, and blocked prostate ducts. In some cases, the cause may be unknown.
- Prostatitis can have a variety of symptoms:These can range from mild discomfort when urinating to severe pain, fever, and chills. Symptoms usually 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 facing 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, urinary problems and general discomfort. However, it is important to remember that prostatitis is a reversible disease and timely consultation with a doctor, appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes can help to cope with it. People are advised not to delay visiting a specialist and follow the recommendations for a quick recovery.
Treatment
Treatment of prostatitis directly depends on the type of bacterial infection that was diagnosed during the study.
For acute bacterial prostatitis, the patient will need to 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 necessary. If the disease does not respond to treatment, the doctor prescribes other antibiotics and treatment continues until complete recovery.
It is important to know that when taking antibiotics you should always follow your doctor's instructions. Don't miss another appointment or stop treatment early just because you think your symptoms have gone away.
If chronic bacterial prostatitis is diagnosed, it will be necessary to take antibiotics for a longer period than in the acute form. About 75 percent of all cases of chronic bacterial prostatitis are completely cured within 6 to 7 months. Sometimes symptoms recur and antibiotic therapy must be repeated over and over again. In cases that do not respond to this treatment, a long-term course of low-dose antibiotics is recommended to relieve symptoms. In some rare cases, surgery may be necessary if the patient has specific anatomical problems, such as scar tissue in the urethra, that interferes with treatment of the prostate.
The patient may not require antibiotics if diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Urologists often encounter difficulties when trying to decide whether a patient has bacterial or nonbacterial prostatitis. Sometimes prior antibacterial therapy masks the diagnosis. In such cases, antibiotics may be prescribed, at least initially, even when a definitive diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis has not been made. Your response to antibiotic therapy will determine whether you should continue it.
Many patients without an actual infection may feel better during antibiotic treatment, this is because most antibiotics have a direct anti-inflammatory effect.
Depending on the symptoms and dynamics of treatment, patients can be prescribed various methods to quickly restore health. Some specialists prescribe alpha blockers in addition to antibiotics. These medications help relieve spasms and relax the muscles around the prostate and base of the bladder, eliminating pain when urinating. Folk remedies are often used successfully: anti-inflammatory herbal preparations, analgesic infusions, muscle relaxants, plant extracts (quercetin and / or bee pollen). Prostate massages will release fluid that is causing pressure and pain in the prostate.
Hot baths, mud baths, or various other heat treatments (applying local heat in the form of a hot water bottle or heating pad) will provide relief and temporarily relieve discomfort associated with the infection. If sitting is too uncomfortable, patients are recommended to use a special pillow.
Acupuncture, reflexology, and relaxation exercises, in addition to primary treatment, may also help relieve some symptoms. You may be advised to follow a special diet, avoid certain foods (such as spices) and drinks (such as acidic and caffeinated drinks), and avoid triggers (such as cycling) that can aggravate prostate pain.
Only preventive measures, timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to prostate treatment will help preserve men's health for many years. Take care of your second heart: the prostate!
Frequently asked questions
How can I know if I have prostatitis?
Pain, burning when urinating Difficulty urinating Leaking urine Frequent urination Cloudy urine Blood in urine (haematuria) Pain in the abdomen, groin, suprapubic area General symptoms of malaise (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 itself for a long time. Sometimes a man can be sick for several years and not even realize that he needs treatment.
Why does prostatitis occur in men?
Causes of prostatitis. Its symptoms usually appear in men between 30 and 50 years old. Most often, the cause is an infectious lesion due to the penetration of pathogenic flora from the urogenital canal or glands of the genitourinary system. This is explained by the proximity of the urethra and anus.
How can you get prostatitis?
Bacteria entering the prostate through the urethra, bloodstream, lymph, Disturbances in the rhythm of sexual life, Reduced immunity, Sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, etc. ), Injuries to pelvic organs and tissues .
Helpful tips
Tip #1
Signs of prostatitis can be different, 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
Take care of your lifestyle: lead 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
Conduct preventive examinations regularly with a urologist, even if there are no obvious symptoms of the disease. Early detection of prostatitis will allow treatment to be started at an early stage and complications to be avoided.