Prostatitis: causes, provoking factors, methods of treatment

The prostate gland synthesizesimmunoglobulins, regulates the consistency of sperm with the help of a specific secretion, controls the process of urination and ejaculation. The penetration of pathogens into the cavity of this organ causes prostatitis, an inflammation that occurs in an acute or chronic form.

Causes and mechanism of development of the disease

Prostatitis begins with the penetration and reproduction of pathogens into the organ cavity. These are extracellular pathogens or their own microflora from the surface of the skin or mucous membranes:

• colibacillus;
• proteus;
• enterococcus;
• staphylococcus;
• enterobacteria;
• Pneumococcus.

In the presence of sexually transmitted diseases or infectious diseases of the internal organs, the following can penetrate the lumen of the prostate gland:

• pale treponema;
• ureaplasma;
• Trichomonas;
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
• Koch's bacillus.

In the prostate, the pathogenic flora is carried upward from the urethra. Less often - through the bloodstream or with the flow of lymph from the infected organ. Numerous provoking factors affect the rate of development of the disease and the intensity of symptoms:

• abnormalities in the structure of the bladder neck;
• stricture of the urethra;
• the consequences of postoperative catheterization;
• decrease in immunity against the background of chronic and systemic diseases, hypothermia, physical overload, hard work;
• violation of the outflow of blood and lymph in the pelvic area;
• promiscuous or irregular sex life.

An active blood supply and a closed, moist environment in the prostate cavity promote the unhindered reproduction of pathogens. The secret produced by the gland thickens, its outflow is disturbed. Infiltration gradually accumulates in the lumen, inflammation progresses.

The course of acute prostatitis

Primary inflammation usually develops acutely. On average, the patient feels his clinical signs 5-7 days after infection. His symptoms are vivid, it is impossible not to notice them:

• constant intense pain in the perineal region, radiating to the scrotum, penis, anus;
• diuresis disorders: frequent and painful urination, false desires, cloudy, slow and intermittent urine flow:
• serous or purulent discharge from the urethra with a pungent unpleasant odor;
• general intoxication: chills, sharp increase in body temperature, physical weakness, weakness.

Most acute prostatitis sufferers have impaired sexual function. Arousal is completely absent or does not lead to a normal erection and the ability to perform sexual intercourse. Semen may contain pus or blood.

Symptoms of bacterial prostatitis depend on morphological changes and the stages of the disease:

• Catarrhal inflammation, which develops at first, affects the ducts of the organ and leads to the appearance of deep dull pains. Fever is usually absent, the state of health is generally satisfactory.
• The inflammatory process captures one or both lobes of the gland - follicular prostatitis progresses. Tissues swell, the amount of infiltrate in the lumen increases. The pain is constantly throbbing, increases with movement. Difficulty urinating.
• The parenchymal stage occurs when the entire body of the prostate is affected. The functioning of the bladder and rectum is difficult due to the strong compression by the inflamed and swollen walls of the gland. Pain in the perineum becomes unbearable. Purulent and bloody impurities appear in the urine, the body temperature rises to 39 ° C and above.

Delay in treatment causes chronic diseases. Complications are possible: obstruction of the urethral canal, fistulas, abscesses, pyelonephritis, sepsis.

chronic prostatitis

It develops from an untreated acute, but more often is formed as an independent disease. Slow inflammation is caused by an insufficient immune response to the penetration of infection, a small number of pathogenic microorganisms, or the aseptic nature of the disease. In the latter case, the pathology is provoked by stagnation of secretions, disturbances in the structure of the tissues of the prostate, patency of its ducts.

Signs of intoxication and severe pain in chronic bacterial prostatitis occur only with exacerbations. During the latent period, the disease manifests itself with periodic urinary disturbances and physical discomfort. The urge to use the bathroom is more common at night, after being in the cold. Diuresis is sometimes accompanied by a slight burning sensation. Erectile dysfunction is common.

Chronic prostatitis can last for years with occasional flare-ups. A long-term course leads to the formation of fibrous areas in the parenchyma, provokes the development of impotence, infertility and oncological tumors.

How to diagnose and treat prostatitis

If you suspect the development of inflammation of the prostate, you should contact a urologist. The presumed diagnosis is confirmed by bacterial culture of the gland secretion. If it is impossible to get it, a smear from the urethra, a urine sample, seminal fluid are examined. In addition to bacterial seeding, blood and urine tests are examined, an ultrasound of the prostate is performed.

Treatment of acute infectious prostatitis is carried out in a clinical setting in the Department of Urology.

• The main goal is to suppress the pathogen, relieve inflammation and prevent complications. The patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics. Injections of drugs from the groups of tetracyclines, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones or penicillins are used, depending on the infection that caused the disease. Duration of therapy: from a few days to 2-4 weeks.
• To restore the function of urination and relieve acute symptoms, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory painkillers and antispasmodics are comprehensively prescribed.
• Specific therapy is supplemented with vitamin and mineral preparations, immunomodulators.

In the early stages, simple inflammation heals completely.

Chronic prostatitis does not require hospitalization. The patient undergoes the course of antibiotic therapy at home, observing the necessary restrictions.

In parallel, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment for possible provoking diseases: bronchitis, pyelonephritis, cholecystitis, genitourinary infections.

The main treatment without exacerbation is supplemented with physiotherapeutic methods: ultrasound procedures, magnetotherapy, laser exposure.

During the therapy period, alcohol, hot spices, marinades, pickles, fatty, canned and smoked foods should be excluded. It is recommended to include fresh herbs, vegetables, nuts, fish, lean meat in the diet.

The success of the treatment of the chronic form in each case depends on the duration of the disease, the existing organic tissue damage, concomitant disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys and bladder.