What is prostatitis? Treatment of the first signs and symptoms, as well as acute and chronic stages

It is prostatitisa purely male disease. This is one of the most common lesions of the genitourinary system and occurs in about 80% of men, 4 of which occur before the age of 40.

Illness is not an isolated process: itit traumatizes nearby organs and also poisons the whole body.

How does prostatitis develop?

The essence of the process is inflammation of the prostate or prostate gland.

The prostate gland is located in the pelvis, adjacent to the base of the bladder. It is an unpaired organ that looks like a chestnut. The urethra passes through it. Behind the gland is the rectum, and in front of it is the pubis.

The prostate gland is a rather flexible organ, because its basis is muscle fibers and glandular cells. It consists of 2 lobes connected by an isthmus. It is the main source of urinary problems. The isthmus, which thickens with age and increases in size, puts pressure on the urethra and disrupts the process of urination.

Prostate glandperforms such functions for the body:

Function	essence
Secretary	It produces a secretion that is part of the sperm. It dilutes it, sets the proper pH level and increases sperm motility.
Motor	The muscle fibers of the gland form the urinary sphincter, which helps to hold urine.
obstacle	It contains zinc-peptide complex, lysozyme, cell immunity factors, spermine, which inhibits the development of infection.

Prostatitis develops when the inflammatory process begins in the gland. At the same time, it compresses the urethra and increases its size. This causes difficulty in urinating.

In addition, the enlarged prostate gland "enters" the bladder, squeezing it. Because of this, the emptying of urine from it is disturbed, stagnates and now causes inflammation in the bladder. Long-term stagnation of urine in the "storage" causes intoxication with metabolic products in the whole body.

Contributing factors

It is the main reason for the development of prostatitisinfection. It can be staphylococcus, enterococcus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, Proteus. It is often prostatitisresult of sexually transmitted diseases: syphilis or gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis.

Less commonly, it is the cause of the diseaseinfectious processes of other systems: flu, tuberculosis, tonsillitis, etc. Bacteria and viruses enter the prostate through lymph and blood flow, as well as through sexual intercourse. Most often, pathogenic flora enters the gland through the ascending urethra or descending from the bladder with infected urine.

Other factorsCauses of inflammation of the gland include:

• circulatory disorders in the pelvis. This can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight and pelvic injuries. A special risk group is represented by drivers who are constantly sitting and experience vibration and pressure in the perineal region. Decreased blood circulation in the pelvis leads to congestion and lack of oxygen in the prostate gland, which leads to the development of infection,
• hypothermia,
• hormonal imbalance,
• problems with urination,
• irregular sexual activity - too "violent" sex life, abstinence, cessation of intercourse,
• chronic constipation,
• inflammation of the rectum,
• a decrease in immunity, as a result of which the body becomes susceptible to infectious agents.

There is an opinion that the risk of developing the disease increases with the regular use of alcohol and drugs.

Disease type and symptoms

In the modern world, the division of prostatitis into types is carried out according to the 1995 classification of the US National Institutes of Health.based on clinical data, as well as the presence of leukocytes and pathogenic flora in seminal fluid, prostatic secretions and urine:

1. Acute bacterial prostatitis.
2. Chronic bacterial prostatitis.
3. CPPS - chronic pelvic pain syndrome or chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.
4. Symptomatic prostatitis.

Acute prostatitisit is contagious in nature. There are several stages:

• catarrhalIt is accompanied by frequent and painful urination. The pain spreads to the sacrum and perineum,
• follicular. The intensity of the pain increases. It also appears during defecation. Difficulty urinating - urine comes out in a thin stream or drops. hyperthermia up to 38 °,
• parenchymatous.It is characterized by acute urinary retention and problems with bowel movements. Severe pain in the perineum, lower back and above the pubis. Body temperature rises to 38-40°. Intoxication of the body develops, its symptoms are general weakness, nausea and increased heart rate.

During the urologist's digital examination, an enlarged, dense prostate gland is palpated, warm and painful to the touch. A large number of leukocytes and bacteria are detected in the urine.

Chronic prostatitisit can develop as a result of an acute illness or as a separate disease. A diagnosis is made if the process lasts 3 months or more.

Chronic prostatitis manifests itself in 3 main syndromes:

• painful.Interestingly, the prostate itself does not have pain receptors. Pain appears when the inflammatory process captures the nerve fibers of the small pelvis, there are many of them. It has a different character. It can be insignificant or sharp and strong, bothers even at night, subsides and continues again. It is localized in the sacrum, scrotum, lower back and perineum.
• we sayThe urge to urinate is more frequent. It is sluggish and there is a feeling of heaviness before the bladder is completely emptied. Then the process may improve due to a compensatory increase in the muscles of the bladder, but soon it is restored again. There is discharge from the urethra during bowel movements.
• sexual disorders- increase or decrease of erection at night, blurred orgasm, pain during ejaculation and its acceleration. Worsening of sexual dysfunctions eventually leads to impotence. There is a concept of psychogenic dyspotency, when a person convinces himself that violations in the intimate sphere are inevitable in his situation. And they really thrive. With the development of sexual dysfunction, a man's mood also changes: he becomes angry and depressed.

Often, the chronic form of prostatitis becomes a manifestation of hidden sexually transmitted infections.

Diagnosis of CPPSplaced when there are clinical manifestations of prostatitis, but the pathogens of the disease are not detected in biological fluids (urine, ejaculation and prostate secretions). Leukocytes are determined at the same time.

The main criterion for diagnosis is pain that does not go away within 3 months.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is divided into 2 categories: inflammatory and non-inflammatory.

Inflammatory CPPSIt is determined when a large number of leukocytes are detected in biological fluids. Bacteria are not detected.

Non-inflammatory CPPScharacterized by the absence of leukocytes and pathogenic flora in biological fluids.

In both cases, symptoms of prostatitis persist.

Asymptomatic formThe disease is characterized by the absence of symptoms of inflammation of the prostate gland. If the patient has been prescribed a biopsy of the prostate gland, it is discovered accidentally during the histology of the prostate tissue. A similar procedure is prescribed, for example, when PSA levels increase.

The disease manifests itself regardless of its type (except for the asymptomatic form)., primarily, urinary disorders:

• pain when urinating
• poor urine flow or dribbling,
• a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty.

If such symptoms appear, do not delay a visit to a urologist. This will help to stop the process at the first stage.

How to recognize the disease

The main criterion for making a diagnosis is the patient's clinical picture and complaints.

But finally to confirm itit is necessary to pass a number of tests and examinations:

1. Examination by a urologist.The doctor should conduct a rectal examination of the prostate. It is passed through the rectum with a finger. It is recommended to have a bowel movement before the examination. Using manipulation, the shape and size of the gland, as well as its consistency, are determined. The procedure helps to determine the presence of tumors and inflammation in the prostate gland. Digital examination allows collecting prostate secretions.
2. Urinalysis.Two parts are examined: urine collected at the beginning of urination and urine collected at the end of the process. 1 portion shows the condition of the urethra, 2 shows the condition of the kidneys and bladder. The presence of leukocytes in the urine above the norm (15 per field of view) indicates inflammation.
3. After collecting urine, prostate massage is performed, as a result of which its excretion is obtained.If it is too little and does not come out of the urethra, but remains on the walls, urine accumulates after the massage. This is as informative as the prostate discharge itself. Leukocytes are also determined here (their number should not exceed 10), and in addition lecithin grains and amyloid bodies. If the first analysis of the gland secretion did not show any abnormalities, this does not mean that the process is absent. Prostatic juice can be very viscous and clog the lumen of the ducts of the affected glands. Then the secretory secretion will be produced by healthy glandular cells. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo such an analysis several times. Cultures of urine and prostate secretions are also performed to determine the causative agent of the disease and to determine sensitivity to antibiotics.
4. General blood analysis.
5. Analysis of the presence of sexually transmitted diseases.
6. Ultrasound of kidneys, bladder, TRUS,allows for a comprehensive assessment of the state of the prostate,
7. Uroflowmetry.It is used to estimate the rate and timing of urination. It is carried out with a special apparatus consisting of sensors and a container. All the patient has to do is urinate on it as usual.
8. Blood PSA- prostate-specific antigen. This is an indicator of the presence of tumor formations in the prostate gland - adenoma or cancer,
9. Biopsy of the prostate gland.It is performed when cancer is suspected.

It is necessary to conduct a spermogram, which will help to confirm or deny infertility.

Treatment of acute and chronic prostatitis

Acute prostatitis without complications is usually treated on an outpatient basis. Hospitalization is indicated for severe intoxication or the development of complications.

Treatment of acute prostatitisstart with antibiotics. If the condition is severely disturbed, it is managed without waiting for the results of the analysis. They use groups of antibacterial drugs that can penetrate deeply into the tissues of the prostate gland. They mostly affect the bacteria that cause inflammation. These antibiotics include fluoroquinolones.

Once the tests are receivedantibiotic therapy can be adjusted differently. It all depends on the causative agent of the disease and its sensitivity to the drug. If no effect is observed after 2 days, the therapy is also changed.

Painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are indicated for acute inflammation of the prostate gland. In addition to oral drugs, suppositories with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects are also used: propolis suppository based on prostate extract.

In case of severe intoxicationperform detoxification therapy. To do this, use glucose solution.

Drugs that improve blood circulation in the prostate are prescribed. They provide lymphatic drainage from the gland, relieve swelling and help eliminate toxins.

It is forbidden to massage the gland during acute prostatitis, because it can lead to the development of sepsis.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis depends on the stage of the disease.

Antibiotics are used in acute form. In the phase of remission, therapy is aimed at maintaining the normal functioning of the gland:

1. Medicines that normalize organ microcirculation.
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs.
3. It is important to protect the body's immune function, which is reduced under the influence of antibiotic courses. For this, patients are prescribed immunostimulants.
4. It is possible to prescribe antidepressants and sedatives for sexual dysfunction.
5. Prostate massage.
6. Physiotherapy:
   • laser,
   • ultrasound,
   • rectal electrophoresis,
   • transrectal microwave hyperthermia.
7. Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy for prostatitis helps to increase the tone of the pelvic floor muscles and reduce pain.

Prostate massage: purpose and technique

Finger massage of the prostate has several purposes.

It is used for diagnosis, taking the secretion of the gland, and also as a method of treatment of chronic prostatitis.

MostThe common method for this procedure is transrectal. At this time, the patient is placed on the right side with bent knees. The doctor moves the index finger along the rectum and enters the anus. Then a massage is performed: gently hitting each lobe of the gland around and along the channels. At the end of the procedure, the furrow between the lobes is kneaded to release the excretory fluid.

It is necessary to pay attention to the patient's feelings: there should be no pain during the manipulation. The procedure lasts 1 minute, the full course is 15 sessions.

An indication of a high-quality massage is the release of a few drops of glandular secretions.

Such manipulation, first of all,increases blood circulation in the prostate. It accelerates tissue repair and improves the passage of drugs, relieves congestion and relieves inflammation.

Massage helps to strengthen the muscles of the gland and perineum. The procedure allows you to remove stagnant seminal fluid from the body, thanks to which the prostate is cleaned of bacteria and toxins. Urethral compression is relieved and urination improves. Massage increases potency by increasing the circulation of seminal fluid.

In addition to the transrectal method, there is a drip method and a bougie massage.

Drip methodIt begins with the introduction of a medicinal solution through the urethra. Then it is compressed and the prostate is massaged using the finger method. In this case, the therapeutic solution penetrates the gland and increases the effect of the procedure. In the end, the urethra is closed, it is recommended to wait for a while before urinating. The drug is re-introduced into the urethra.

Bougie massageIt is carried out through the urethra using special tools - bougies for the expansion and examination of the tubular organs. The patient is in the right lateral position. The bougie is inserted into the urethra and held with one hand. With the other hand, hit the penis from top to bottom and press. The duration of the procedure is 1 minute, after which drugs are administered intraurethrally. This massage is supported by antibiotic therapy.

Finger massage of the prostate- medical manipulation performed by a specialist based on clear indications.

An option for self-massage is possible: to do this, rhythmically tense and relax the muscles around the anus. This procedure will be invisible to others and will help strengthen the gland.

As with any manipulation,Prostate massage has contraindications:

• acute inflammation of the prostate,
• cancer or gland adenoma,
• hemorrhoids,
• stones, cystic formations in the prostate gland.

A professionally performed procedure will help restore the structure and function of the prostate, and stimulation of sensitive points will eliminate sexual dysfunction.

Prostatitis and traditional medicine

In addition to drugs, traditional methods will also help to cope with inflammation of the prostate.A combination of these 2 types of treatment, you will speed up the healing process and get rid of unpleasant feelings.

There are many home remedies that help in the fight against prostatitis. Here are some of them:

• Put 500 grams of peeled raw pumpkin seeds through a meat grinder and mix with 200 grams of honey. Make small balls from the resulting mass. Take 2 times a day before meals, slowly, chewing and thoroughly dissolving. Pumpkin seeds contain a large amount of zinc, which is important for men's health.
• blueberries have an anti-inflammatory effect. By eating 200 grams of this berry a day, you can support your male health.
• Parsley first became popular as a culinary spice. In addition, it contains many useful substances, including those needed by the male body. Take 1 tbsp of parsley juice. l. 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. This will help to eliminate inflammation and improve sex life,
• take the green skin of the chestnut along with the thorns, chop it and pour boiling water over it. Use as tea
• Chop 300 grams of onion to a paste-like consistency, add 100 grams of honey, 600 ml of dry wine. Store in a dark and cool place for 1 week, stirring occasionally. To strain. Use 2 tbsp. l. 3 times a day before meals. It is effective in the treatment of chronic prostatitis.

Some will help speed up healingphysical exercise. They stimulate blood circulation in the pelvic region and, accordingly, in the prostate.

1. Deep squats below knee level. The optimal number of times is 100. Perform 3 times a week. If you cannot do such a number at once, do squats in several approaches with intervals.
2. Scissors. Sit on the floor with your hands behind you. Extend your legs in front of you, lift off the floor. Cross them over each other. The movements are similar to scissors.
3. Lying on your back, bend your knees and bring them to your chest. Wrap your arms around them. Hold the pose for up to 20 minutes.
4. Regular walking is also a great way to avoid congestion.

You cancomplete this complex with other exercises, which activates and warms the muscles.

Adolescent prostatitis

It's hard to believe, but prostatitis, which was considered the province of middle and old people, is now much younger and is found even among teenagers. This has a negative effect on the condition of the whole organism, as well as on the reproductive capacity of young people.

Thereforeit is important to understand the reasonsCauses of adolescent prostatitis:

• early sexual activity and sexual illiteracy.Unprotected sex contributes to the development of sexually transmitted infections, which can lead to bacterial inflammation of the prostate.
• hypothermia- a factor contributing to the development of prostatitis. Disruption of temperature reduces immunity and exposes the body to infectious attacks,
• fashion trends- wearing very tight clothes and underwear disrupts blood circulation in the pelvis and causes stagnation in this area,
• sedentary lifestyle- working at the computer of modern youth replaces sports, walks and other active pastimes;
• excessive sexual activityit literally exhausts the gland. Its functions are reduced, the small amount of secretions produced and the deterioration of its quality make it more susceptible to infections.

Prostatitis in young people manifests itself in different forms. Some are worried about obvious symptoms: hyperthermia, severe pain in the groin with radiation to neighboring organs, and when urinating. For others, symptoms are mild. General weakness, decreased activity, low-grade fever and urethral discharge are seen.

ManyIt is important not to ignore the symptoms of the disease, but to start treatment on time. The neglected pathological process will leave its mark on the state of the body and the life of young men.

Preventive measures

Prevention of any disease is better than cure. Prostatitis prevention measures are quite simple and not difficult to follow.

1. First of all,reconsider your daily routine. If you have a sedentary job, be sure to include five minutes of exercise in your daily routine. Stretch your body, move more. This is necessary for the blood to "flow" faster through the veins. At the same time, avoid excessive physical activity that tires the body.
2. Stop smoking. Tobacco smoke constricts blood vessels and disrupts blood circulation, reducing oxygen supply to the prostate gland. Limit the intake of alcoholic beverages.
3. Avoid hypothermia and nervous tension.
4. It is worth eating marinated food in doses, as well as spices and pickles, hot sauces.
5. Regularity of sexual activity and adequacy of intercourse should be observed.

Untreated prostatitis threatens a number of complications: transition to a chronic form, development of infertility, spread of the process to the kidneys and bladder. More serious consequences include adenoma and prostate cancer. It is possible that purulent foci - abscesses may form in the gland and become septic.

As you can see, the disease is quite insidious. And despite the delicacy of the issue, you should not delay its treatment. Block the process in the early stages of its development: only in this case you will protect your health and masculinity.