Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) is one of the most common diseases of the urogenital and reproductive system of 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 with different symptoms.
Some men with this disease may experience severe pain, while others are not bothered by the disease; In others, the symptoms of prostatitis 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 the fluid responsible for sperm quality. The gland surrounds the urethra at the bladder neck and prevents sperm from returning to the bladder. Like a natural valve, it separates two systems - the urinary system and the reproductive system. This organ holds urine in the bladder and allows it to pass out when needed. Prostatitis negatively affects both the male reproductive function and the state of the urinary tract.
Acute bacterial prostatitis is the least common form of prostatitis, but the easiest to recognize. It is usually caused by a sudden outbreak due to a bacterial infection. It is easily diagnosed as it has many characteristic symptoms and signs. This serious urinary tract infection is most often accompanied by a high fever and chills, in which 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 painful urination; difficulty or inability to empty the bladder completely, cramping pain in the lower abdomen, perineum, back or pelvis; chills and fever.
The symptoms of the chronic bacterial form of prostatitis are similar to the acute bacterial form, but it develops gradually and its symptoms are less severe. In men, it is characterized by recurrent urinary tract infections; this inflammation occurs in representatives of various age groups, but most often occurs among young men and men of reproductive age.
Non-bacterial chronic prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome, non-bacterial prostatitis, prostatodynia), the most common type of the disease. The exact causes of this type of inflammation are not known. 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 symptoms, or the symptoms may disappear. Sometimes patients feel pain in the genitals, discomfort in the pelvic area, difficulty urinating or pain, and sometimes pain during or after ejaculation.
Asymptomatic prostatitis is also common. The diagnosis is made only if the patient presents with another disease and the main complaints are related to symptoms not related to prostatitis. In such cases, it is confirmed by tissue biopsy or urine and sperm analysis.
What causes prostatitis
The direct causes of prostatitis are not clearly defined by the medical community. However, there are several accepted theories. In the most frequently examined cases, the inflammatory process of the prostate can be clearly associated with acute or chronic bacterial infections. They enter the prostate from the urethra. Bacterial prostatitis is not contagious and cannot be spread sexually. A sexual partner cannot "catch" this infection.
Certain specific conditions or medical procedures related to diagnosis or treatment increase the risk of bacterial prostatitis. There is a good chance that a catheter or other device was inserted into the urethra as a result of treatment for a urethral 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. Pelvic muscle spasms can cause pain in the prostate area. It can 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 be accompanied by various unpleasant symptoms, such as pain in the urogenital system, urinary problems and general malaise. Doctors recommend seeking help at the first signs of the disease, as irrational treatment or lack thereof can lead to chronic prostatitis and complications. To make an accurate diagnosis and determine the optimal treatment, you should contact a urologist who will perform the necessary tests and select the appropriate therapy. It is important to note that prostatitis requires comprehensive treatment, including drug therapy, physical therapy, and regular check-ups by a specialist.
Prostatitis. How to cure prostatitis quickly.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type of prostatitis and the type of infection causing it. Patients often have no symptoms of the disease, while some experience symptoms similar to urinary tract infections. Please note that other diseases can cause similar or similar symptoms. It is very important that the diagnosis is made by a medical professional to determine if the patient actually has prostatitis and what type it is.
In acute bacterial prostatitis, the symptoms are severe and require immediate emergency medical attention. The following are common: chills, fever, burning sensation when urinating, difficulty in the lower abdomen, inability to empty the bladder.
In chronic bacterial prostatitis, the symptoms are similar to acute bacterial prostatitis, but there is no fever. Other symptoms: burning sensation during urination; frequent urge to urinate, especially at night; pain in the perineum, testicles, bladder and lower back; pain during ejaculation. Symptoms may be episodic, with outbreaks and remissions. The started 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 perineal area, bladder, testicles, and penis, and difficult or painful ejaculation. Sometimes, and even more often, these symptoms are indistinguishable from those described above for chronic bacterial prostatitis.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
Correct diagnosis is very important in the treatment of any disease, and especially prostatitis. Because the treatment of its various forms differs not only in its duration, but also in the range of its methods and tools. In addition, it is extremely 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 will need several tests and examinations.
One of the tools used by doctors in diagnosis is the study of symptoms using a special questionnaire that the patient fills out. In addition to filling out the questionnaire, your doctor may also order a physical examination.
To check the condition of the prostate, the doctor performs a digital rectal examination. This is a simple test in which the specialist inserts a greased (gloved) finger into the patient's rectum. The prostate is located just in front of the rectum and slightly below the bladder; by palpation, the doctor can easily detect and examine the problematic organ.
This way the doctor can determine if the prostate is enlarged. Irregularities may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. The practitioner 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 does have prostatitis, this manipulation may cause immediate pain or discomfort, but will 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 visualization of the prostate gland.
If a professional 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 tests and may analyze various urine samples and samples of prostatic fluid obtained by massaging the prostate during rectal palpation. Urine and prostate fluid samples are examined for signs of inflammation and infection. These tests help your urologist more accurately diagnose the problem: whether there is inflammation or infection in the urethra, bladder, or prostate.
Some doctors may order blood and sperm tests to detect the presence of pathogenic 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 to help measure the intensity of the flow and the presence of obstructions caused by prostate, urethral, or pelvic muscle spasm.
Interesting facts
- Prostatitis can affect men of any age:Although it is more 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 blockage of the prostate ducts. In some cases, the cause may be unknown.
- Prostatitis can have many symptoms:These can range from mild discomfort during urination to severe pain, fever and chills. Symptoms often depend on the type and severity of prostatitis.
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, problems urinating 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 in seeing a specialist and follow the recommendations for a speedy recovery.
Treatment
The treatment of prostatitis depends directly on the type of bacterial infection diagnosed during the examination.
In case of acute bacterial prostatitis, the patient must take antibiotics for at least 14 days. Sometimes patients require hospitalization 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 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. Do not miss another appointment or stop treatment early just because you think your symptoms are gone.
If you are diagnosed with chronic bacterial prostatitis, you will need to take antibiotics for a longer period of time than in the acute form. About 75 percent of all cases of chronic bacterial prostatitis resolve completely within 6 to 7 months. Sometimes the symptoms return and the antibiotic therapy has to be repeated again and again. In cases that do not respond to this treatment, long-term, low-dose antibiotic therapy is recommended to relieve symptoms. In some rare cases, surgery may be needed if the patient has specific anatomical problems, such as scar tissue in the urethra that interferes with treatment of the prostate.
If diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain syndrome, the patient does not need antibiotics. Urologists often face difficulties when trying to decide whether a patient has bacterial or non-bacterial prostatitis. Sometimes previous antibacterial therapy masks the diagnosis. In such cases, antibiotics may be prescribed, at least initially, even if a definitive diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis has not been made. Your response to antibiotic treatment will determine whether it should be continued.
Many patients who do not have an actual infection feel better with antibiotics because most antibiotics have a direct anti-inflammatory effect.
Depending on the symptoms and dynamics of treatment, patients may be prescribed a number of 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 when urinating. Folk remedies are often successfully used - anti-inflammatory herbal preparations, pain-relieving infusions, muscle relaxants, plant extracts (quercetin and/or beeswax). During prostate massage, a fluid is released that causes pressure and pain in the prostate.
Hot baths, mud baths or other various heat treatments (application of local heat in the form of a hot water bottle or heating pad) provide relief and temporarily alleviate the discomfort associated with the infection. If sitting becomes too uncomfortable, patients are advised to use a special pillow.
Acupuncture, reflexology and relaxation exercises in addition to the primary 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 prostatitis worse.
Only preventive measures, timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to prostate treatment will preserve men's health for many years. Take care of your second heart - your prostate!
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have prostatitis?
Pain, burning sensation 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 gland. The main danger of such an inflammatory process is that it does not appear for a long time. Sometimes a person can be sick for several years and not even realize that they need treatment.
Why does prostatitis occur in men?
Causes of prostatitis Symptoms usually appear in men aged 30-50. Most often, the cause is an infectious change due to the penetration of pathogenic flora from the urogenital canal or the glands of the urogenital system. This is explained by the proximity of the urethra and the anus.
How can you get prostatitis?
Bacteria entering the prostate through the urethra, bloodstream, and 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
Signs 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
Take care of your lifestyle: live an active lifestyle, drink more water, give up bad habits, include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. This helps to strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of prostatitis.
Tip #3
Regularly perform preventive examinations with a urologist, even if there are no obvious symptoms of the disease. Early detection of prostatitis allows treatment to be started at an early stage and complications to be avoided.