Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) is one of the most common diseases of the genitourinary and reproductive systems in men today. This is a pathological condition that can involve inflammation of the prostate itself and the surrounding area. There are different types of this disease, each with different symptoms.
Some men with this disease may experience severe pain while others are unaffected by the disease; For others, the symptoms of prostatitis occur regularly and are chronic. However, the symptoms of the disease significantly affect a person's quality of life.
Reasons
The prostate is a nut-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 reproductive systems. This organ holds urine in the bladder and allows it to be excreted when necessary. Inflammation of the prostate affects both a man's reproductive function and the condition of his urinary tract.
Acute bacterial prostatitis is the rarest but most easily recognized form of prostatitis. Usually caused by a sudden outbreak due to a bacterial infection. Diagnosis is easy because it has a number of characteristic symptoms and signs. This serious urinary tract infection is usually accompanied by high fever and chills. In this case, an immediate visit to the doctor or hospital is 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 empty the bladder completely, cramping pain in the lower abdomen, perineum, back or pelvis; Chills and fever.
The chronic bacterial form of prostatitis is similar in symptoms to the acute bacterial form, but develops gradually and the symptoms are less severe. Characterized by recurrent urinary tract infections in men; This inflammation occurs in representatives of different age groups, but is most common in young people and men of childbearing age.
Nonbacterial chronic 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 symptoms or the symptoms may disappear. Sometimes patients experience genital pain, pelvic discomfort, difficulty or pain while urinating, and sometimes pain during or after ejaculation.
Asymptomatic prostatitis is also common. The diagnosis is made only when the patient presents with another disease and the chief complaint is related to symptoms unrelated to prostatitis. In such cases, this is confirmed by a tissue biopsy or urine and semen analysis.
What causes prostatitis?
The immediate causes of prostatitis are not clearly defined by the medical community. However, there are several accepted theories. In the most frequently studied cases, the inflammatory process in the prostate is clearly associated with acute or chronic bacterial infections. They reach the prostate via the urethra. Bacterial prostatitis is not contagious and cannot be transmitted sexually. A sexual partner cannot "catch" this infection.
Certain specific medical conditions or medical procedures related to diagnosis or treatment increase the risk of bacterial prostatitis. There is a high chance that the person has had a catheter or other instrument inserted into the urethra as part of treatment for a urinary tract 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 reaction to an initial injury or infection. Muscle spasms in the pelvic area can cause pain in the prostate area. It can also be a reaction to an infection or inflammation of the prostate.
Doctor's opinion:
Prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate gland that can cause various unpleasant symptoms such as pain in the genitourinary system, urinary tract problems and general malaise. Doctors recommend seeking help at the first signs of the disease, as irrational or lack of treatment 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 select the appropriate therapy. It is important to remember that prostatitis requires a comprehensive treatment approach, which includes drug therapy, physiotherapy and regular monitoring by a specialist.
Prostatitis. How to cure prostate inflammation quickly.
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, and some experience symptoms similar to those of a urinary tract infection. Please note that other illnesses can also cause the same or similar symptoms. It is very important that a diagnosis is made by a doctor to determine whether the patient actually has prostatitis and what type it is.
In acute bacterial prostatitis, symptoms are severe and require immediate medical attention. Common symptoms include: chills, fever, burning when urinating, feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, inability to empty the bladder.
In chronic bacterial prostatitis, the symptoms are similar to those of an acute bacterial prostatitis infection, but there is no fever. Other symptoms: burning when urinating; 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 flares and remissions. The process that has begun turns into calcareous prostatitis.
Symptoms of nonbacterial prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome) include difficulty and sometimes pain with urination, discomfort or pain in the perineal area, bladder, testicles, and penis, and difficult or painful ejaculation. Sometimes, or even most often, these symptoms cannot be distinguished from the symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis described above.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Correct diagnosis is very important in the treatment of any disease, especially prostatitis. Because the treatment of its various forms differs not only in the duration, but also in the range of methods and means. In addition, it is extremely important to distinguish the symptoms from other similar symptoms such as urethritis, cystitis, prostate enlargement, adenoma or cancer. In order to make the most accurate diagnosis, different types of tests and studies are required.
One of the tools that doctors use in diagnosis is the study of symptoms using a special questionnaire filled out by the patient. In addition to completing the questionnaire, your doctor may order a physical examination.
To check the condition of the prostate, the doctor will conduct a digital rectal examination. This is a simple exam in which a specialist inserts a lubricated finger into the patient's rectum. The prostate is located directly in front of the rectum and slightly below the bladder; By palpation, the doctor can easily identify and examine the problematic organ.
This allows the doctor to determine whether the prostate is enlarged. Irregularities can indicate the presence of prostate cancer. The specialist can also assess the level of pain or discomfort the patient feels when the doctor presses on the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor and perineum. If the patient actually suffers from prostatitis, this manipulation may cause immediate pain or discomfort, but does not cause destruction or significant long-term pain.
If the doctor needs a more precise diagnosis or decides that a biopsy is necessary, he may order a transrectal ultrasound, which will allow him to visualize the prostate.
If a specialist suspects that you have prostatitis or another prostate disease, they 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 various urine samples as well as samples of prostatic fluid obtained by massaging the prostate during rectal palpation. Samples of urine and prostate secretions are examined for signs of inflammation and infection. These tests 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 check for the presence of abnormal microorganisms, white blood cell counts, or other signs of infection.
A urologist may order a cystoscopy, which involves inserting a small, special tube through the urethra and examining the bladder, urethra, and prostate. The urologist may also order urine flow tests, which help measure the intensity of flow and the presence of blockages caused by inflammation of the prostate, urethra, or pelvic muscle spasms.
Interesting facts
- Prostatitis can affect men of all ages: Although it is more common in men over 50, younger men can also 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 various symptoms:These 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 condition in men that causes inflammation of the prostate gland. People faced with this problem note that the symptoms of prostatitis can be very unpleasant and interfere with normal life. Many people express concern about perineal pain, problems with urination, 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 cope. It is recommended not to delay visiting 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.
With acute bacterial prostatitis, the patient must take antibiotics for at least 14 days. Sometimes patients require hospital treatment and intravenous antibiotics. If the patient has difficulty urinating, a catheter is required. If the disease does not respond to treatment, the doctor prescribes other antibiotics and the course continues until complete recovery.
It is important to know that you should always follow your doctor's instructions when taking antibiotics. Don't miss another appointment or stop treatment early just because you think your symptoms have gone away.
If chronic bacterial prostatitis is diagnosed, you will need to take antibiotics for a longer period of time than with the acute form. About 75 percent of all cases of chronic bacterial prostatitis are completely cured within 6-7 months. Sometimes the symptoms return and antibiotic therapy has to be repeated again and again. In cases where this treatment does not respond, long-term, low-dose antibiotic therapy is recommended to relieve symptoms. In some rare cases, surgery may be necessary if the patient has certain anatomical problems such as: B. Scar tissue in the urethra that interferes with prostate treatment.
If chronic pelvic pain syndrome is diagnosed, the patient may not need antibiotics. Urologists often encounter difficulties in deciding whether a patient has bacterial or nonbacterial prostatitis. Sometimes previous antibacterial therapy obscures the diagnosis. In such cases, antibiotics can at least be prescribed initially, even if a definitive diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis has not yet been made. Your response to antibiotic therapy will determine whether it should be continued.
Many patients without an actual infection may improve with antibiotic treatment because most antibiotics have a direct anti-inflammatory effect.
Depending on the symptoms and dynamics of treatment, patients may 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 the base of the bladder, eliminating pain during urination. Folk remedies are often used successfully - anti-inflammatory herbal preparations, analgesic infusions, muscle relaxants, plant extracts (quercetin and/or bee pollen). Prostate massage releases fluid, causing pressure and pain in the prostate.
Hot baths, mud baths, or various other heat treatments (local application of heat in the form of a hot water bottle or heating pad) provide relief and temporarily relieve the discomfort associated with the infection. If sitting becomes too uncomfortable, patients are recommended to use a special pillow.
Acupuncture, reflexology, and relaxation exercises in addition to initial treatment may also help relieve some symptoms. You may be advised to follow a special diet, avoid certain foods (e. g. spices) and drinks (e. g. caffeinated, acidic drinks), and avoid triggers (e. g. cycling) that make your painful prostate worsecould.
Only preventive measures, timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to prostate treatment can maintain men's health for many years. Take care of your second heart – the prostate!
Frequently asked 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 malaise (fever, weakness).
What is prostatitis and why is it dangerous?
Prostatitis is an inflammatory process in the prostate. The main danger of such an inflammatory process is that it may not manifest itself for a long period of 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 Symptoms usually occur in men between the ages of 30 and 50. Most often, the cause is an infectious lesion due to the penetration of pathogenic flora from the urogenital canal or glands of the urogenital 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.
Useful tips
Tip #1
The signs of prostatitis can vary, including pain in the perineum, frequent urination, and increased body temperature. At the first suspicion of prostatitis, you should definitely consult a urologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Tip #2
Pay attention to 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
Have regular preventive examinations from a urologist, even if there are no obvious symptoms of the disease. Early detection of prostatitis allows you to start treatment early and avoid complications.