Unpleasant sensations in the genital area, problems with urination and disturbances in sexual activity - all these symptoms can indicate the development ofprostatitis.
Unfortunately, in the early stages, the disease practically does not manifest itself at all, so the man turns to the urologist too late and the disease manages to develop into a chronic form.
So, what signs should you pay attention to and how to treat chronic prostatitis?
What is chronic prostatitis
Chronic prostatitis- an inflammatory process in the prostate that lasts a long time. The consequences of the disease are disruption of the functioning of the gland and its physiological changes.
Over time, a man begins to experience significant discomfort, which has a direct impact on his lifestyle.
This disease is one of the most common problems associated with men's health. According to statistics, 50% of men aged 50 and over have prostate problems. As for the chronic form of the disease, it is typical for young men under 40 years old.
Classification
Chronic prostatitis in men occurs in several forms, which differ in symptoms and causes. The following types of diseases are distinguished:
- bacterial;
- latent;
- asymptomatic;
- stagnant.
The characteristic symptoms of the disease, as well as treatment, depend on the form of chronic prostatitis.
Bacterial form of the disease
This form is the most common and does not pose any difficulty in making a diagnosis. Usually, the results of urine tests in a patient show a high content of leukocytes, which indicates the proliferation of pathogenic microflora.
The bacterial form of prostatitis can occur against the background of decreased immunity or as a complication after a previous illness. It is treated with antibiotics and the treatment regimen depends on the type of pathogen.
Latent prostatitis
The latent form can remain undetected for three months or more. Its second name is pelvic pain syndrome. The cause of the development of the disease can be both inflammatory and non-inflammatory processes. The latent form is characterized by the following symptoms:
- increased leukocyte content in test results;
- constant throbbing pain in the genital area;
- urination problems.
The main difficulty in diagnosis is that, despite the presence of leukocytes in the tests, laboratory methods cannot identify the causative agent of infection.
Asymptomatic inflammatory form
The most dangerous form of chronic prostatitis. In this case, changes characteristic of the disease occur in the tissues of the prostate, but there are no symptoms indicating the presence of inflammation. The asymptomatic form is usually discovered by chance or when the disease reaches a critical peak.
After correctly selected therapy, the man's health is completely restored.
Stagnant or non-contagious
The non-infectious form of chronic prostatitis results from circulatory disorders in the pelvic organs. This form of the disease accounts for about a third of all cases of prostatitis in young men. The characteristic symptoms are difficulty urinating, disturbances in intimate life and pelvic pain.
Inflammation can be triggered by a sedentary lifestyle, injuries, bad habits, etc.
Causes of disease
The reasons for the development of chronic prostatitis are very diverse. Among the most common are:
- irregular sexual intercourse or frequent changes of partners;
- complete abstinence from sexual relations;
- injuries and diseases of the pelvic organs;
- frequent overheating or hypothermia of the pelvic region;
- congenital anomalies of the structure of the genitourinary organs;
- untreated infectious or viral diseases;
- abuse of bad habits;
- work in conditions of constant intoxication of the body;
- metabolic disease;
- problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Important!In the process of treating prostatitis, it is extremely necessary to identify the root cause of the disease. This will not only help eliminate the problem, but also prevent relapses in the future.
Symptoms of chronic prostatitis
Despite the fact that chronic prostatitis can remain asymptomatic for a long time, the following signs may indicate the disease:
- Severe discomfort in the perineum and genital area. Unpleasant sensations may be present constantly or occur at a specific time, for example after urination.
- Radiation of pain to the coccyx or pubic region.
- The sensation of a foreign body at the anus, a little closer to the perineum.
- Increased urge to urinate (especially at night).
- Feeling of fullness in the bladder even after emptying it.
- Weakening of libido, reduction of erection.
- Minor admixtures of blood in seminal fluid.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Protrusion of veins through the skin of the scrotum.
The symptoms described above can lead to the development of neurological abnormalities. Due to frequent urination, a man cannot sleep and work enough, he begins to suffer from headaches, drowsiness, irritability and even bouts of aggression.
Diagnostic
Diagnosis of chronic prostatitis begins with a visit to a urologist. If the patient is worriedfrequenturination, sexual dysfunction and perineal pain, then the diagnosis is made fairly quickly.
Difficulties in making a diagnosis arise in case of asymptomatic development of the disease. In this case, the man is prescribed a number of additional examinations, including the use of special instruments. When diagnosed, you can find out from a urologist what prostatitis is and how the disease is treated.
There are the following methods for diagnosing chronic prostatitis:
- Collection of samples for laboratory research. This method is suitable for patients with a bacterial form of the disease, as it allows you to identify the causative agent of inflammation and select the most effective therapeutic approach. Most often, a general blood and urine test is performed for research purposes.
- Ultrasound. If prostatitis is suspected, the patient is prescribed a transrectal examination. This method makes it possible to determine the exact stage of the disease and assess the general condition of the prostate. Additionally, ultrasound can help eliminate the risk of serious complications. Additionally, sometimes patients are ordered a repeat ultrasound to monitor the progress of treatment.
- Tomography.MRI is prescribed in cases where other diagnostic methods are powerless or the patient is suspected of developing a malignant process in the prostate.
- Determination of PSA content(prostate specific antigen). When the PSA is greater than 4 ng/ml, additional diagnostic procedures are indicated, including a prostate biopsy to exclude cancer.
Important!Usually, when diagnosing chronic prostatitis, several methods are combined at once, for example, laboratory tests, palpation and ultrasound.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis
Is it possible to cure chronic prostatitis? If chronic prostatitis is not very advanced, then it can be treated. If the disease reaches the last stage and the walls of the prostate begin to deform, it is possible to alleviate the patient's condition and achieve remission.
For successful treatment, it is necessary to promptly consult a competent doctor who will tell you how to cure chronic prostatitis and what to take for this. The urologist's recommendations must be strictly followed. Treatment should not be interrupted, otherwise a relapse may occur.
Currently exists3 ways to treat chronic prostatitis:
- medicinal (taking medicine);
- non-medication (using various equipment and procedures);
- surgical (otherwise – surgically).
Medical treatment
The treatment of bacterial and non-bacterial prostatitis is different. In the first case, treatment with antibiotics is necessary. But sometimes the treatment regimen can be the same: for non-bacterial forms, antibiotics are prescribed to check the result.
If improvement occurs, antibiotics should be continued.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis must be comprehensive. Only in this case can the maximum effect be achieved.
For chronic prostatitis, the following medications may be prescribed:
- antibiotics;
- immunostimulating drugs;
- vasodilator tablets;
- antispasmodics;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- angioprotectors (drugs that stimulate the metabolism of vascular cells).
Alpha blockers can also be used as a treatment, but only after taking a course of antibiotics. Medications for chronic prostatitis help relax the smooth muscle tissue of the prostate and relieve tension well.
In some cases, antihistamines and antidepressants may be prescribed.
Non-drug therapy
It is recommended to combine drug treatment with physiotherapeutic procedures. The following physiotherapy procedures are most often used:
- Laser therapy.
- Electrophoresis.Special treatment solutions are used that penetrate the tissues using the electrode method.
- Thermal treatmentusing microwaves.
- Phonophoresis. Exposure of the diseased organ to ultrasound waves.
The methods can be used alone or in combination.
Surgical intervention
If drug treatment and physical procedures do not help, the disease can only be eliminated surgically. This occurs when chronic prostatitis is complicated by a sclerotic process.
With a sclerotic prostate, the pathology affects other parts, notably the ducts from which prostatic secretions are evacuated and the seminal tubercles. The entire structure of the reproductive organs changes and the man's quality of life is significantly reduced.
In this case, endoscopic surgery is performed. Even chronic congestive prostatitis can be cured surgically.
Treatment can be carried out both in budgetary medical institutions and in paid clinics. The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the duration of treatment. As for timing, early stage prostatitis can be cured within a month, and complicated prostatitis can be cured within 3 to 4 months.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis depends on the patient's health, age and lifestyle. If you follow all the doctor's recommendations, it is likely that you will make a full recovery.
However, no one will guarantee lifelong remission. Patients who have eliminated the cause of the disease have a better chance of recovery.
A timely consultation with a doctor is also of great importance. Do not delay the diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis. The sooner you get medical help, the lower the risk of complications.
Home treatment
Chronic prostatitis can be treated at home if there are no complications. In case of frequently recurring illness or complicated form, it is necessary to take medication.
To restore men's health, you can also use traditional medicine recipes. This therapy is auxiliary in nature, that is, it is used in addition to drug treatment.
Before using alternative medicine, you should consult your doctor.
Using folk remedies, you can relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, normalize the process of urination and generally strengthen the immune system.
Pumpkin seeds
In the treatment of prostatitis, pumpkin seeds are used quite often. They contain a large amount of zinc and the male body particularly needs this trace element.
Only dried pumpkin seeds that have not undergone heat treatment are suitable for processing. Just peel them and eat them. For a complete treatment, 0. 5 kg of product is enough.
These courses must be taken every year until complete recovery. Every day, it is enough to eat 30 to 40 seeds before meals. Don't rush, the seeds must be chewed well.
You can also make treats that are good for men's health. The recipe is simple: peel the pumpkin seeds, slice them and mix well with honey (200 g).
The result should be a paste-like consistency. Roll small balls of 3 cm in diameter with this mixture. You should eat 2 of these balls every day on an empty stomach. These candies cannot be swallowed immediately, they must be chewed for 2-3 minutes.
Hazelnut infusion
To prepare a healing tincture, you will need hazel leaves or bark. You can prepare both ingredients, remembering to alternate them. Due to its hardness, the bark takes twice as long to infuse. For preparation it is necessary to use only fresh material.
The recipe is as follows: 1 tbsp. L. hazelnut bark or leaves, pour 1 cup of boiling water (200 ml), close the lid and leave for 30 minutes. Then filter using cheesecloth. Take 4 times a day, ¼ cup. The course of treatment lasts one week.
Mugwort
This plant has long been known for its beneficial properties. With its help you can cope with any infection. To get rid of prostatitis, you need to undergo complex treatment, which includes washing the urethra with infusion and taking wormwood orally.
You will need 100g of dry herb. It should be crushed as finely as possible in your hands and sifted through a strainer. The smaller fragments are useful for taking in dry form, and the larger ones are useful for preparing an infusion from which urethral douches and microenemas are made.
Thus, the body has a double effect: it cleanses itself of infections and relieves inflammation.
Dry wormwood should be taken once a day with a glass of water. Washes and microenemas are performed every evening. The therapy course lasts one week.
A decoction for douching and enemas is simple to make. 1 C. dry herbs pour 1 liter. boiling waterWait until the broth cools to 30 degrees and filter. For one procedure, 50 ml of infusion is enough. Injections into the urethra and anus are done using a syringe.
Remember that for each procedure you need to take a separate syringe so as not to accidentally get an infection. The broth must be injected sharply into the urethra: this way the liquid will travel far.
Medicinal juices
To effectively treat chronic prostatitis, you can drink juices. It is best to drink freshly squeezed vegetable juices; drinks based onasparagus and cucumber, beets, carrots. You should drink 600 ml per day. The duration of treatment is 10 days.
There are contraindications, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
Disease prevention
Prostatitis is quite difficult to treat and tends to recur. Therefore, men aged 30 and over should pay attention to disease prevention.
The main preventive measures include:
- having a regular sex life with only one partner;
- playing sports and special gymnastics;
- take multivitamins to strengthen the immune system;
- adherence to sleep and wakefulness;
- reduction of stressful situations;
- rejection of bad habits;
- regular visits to the proctologist;
- rapid treatment of colds and viral diseases.
Prevention must concern all areas of human activity, from diet to sexual relations. It is important to understand that prostatitis is curable and you can continue to live a full and active life.