Prostatitis: causes, triggering factors, treatment methods

The prostate synthesizesimmunoglobulins, regulates the consistency of the semen 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 - inflammation that occurs acutely or chronically.

Causes and mechanism of disease development

Prostatitis begins with the penetration and reproduction of pathogens in the organ cavity. These are extracellular pathogens or your own microflora on the surface of the skin or mucous membranes:

• colibacillus;
• Proteus;
• enterococci;
• staphylococcus;
• enterobacter;
• Pneumococcus.

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

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

In the prostate, pathogenic flora is brought up from the urethra. Less often - through the bloodstream or with the lymph flow from the infected organ. A number of provocative factors affect the rate of development of the disease and the intensity of symptoms:

• anomalies in the structure of the bladder neck;
• urethral strictures;
• the consequences of postoperative catheterization;
• decreased immunity in the context of chronic and systemic diseases, hypothermia, physical overload, hard work;
• violation of blood and lymph flow in the pelvic region;
• promiscuous or irregular sex life.

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

The course of acute prostatitis

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

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

Most people who suffer from acute prostatitis have impaired sexual function. Arousal is completely absent or does not lead to a normal erection and the ability to have sex. Semen can contain pus or blood.

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

• Catarrhal inflammation, which develops early, affects the organ's ducts and leads to intense dull pain. Fever is usually absent, health status 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 excruciates constantly, increases with movement. Difficulty in urinating.
• The parenchymal stage occurs when the entire body of the prostate is affected. Functioning of the bladder and rectum is difficult due to the heavy compression of the inflamed and swollen walls of the gland. The 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 illnesses. Complications are possible: obstruction of the urethral canal, fistulas, abscesses, pyelonephritis, sepsis.

chronic prostatitis

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

Signs of intoxication and severe pain in chronic bacterial prostatitis only occur with exacerbations. During the latency period, the disease manifests itself with periodic urinary disturbances and physical discomfort. The urge to use the bathroom is more frequent at night, after being out 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, causes the development of impotence, infertility and cancer tumors.

How to Diagnose and Treat Prostatitis

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

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

• The main focus is on suppressing the pathogen, relieving inflammation and preventing complications. The patient is given a prescription for antibiotics. Injections of drugs from the tetracyclines, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones or penicillins groups are used, depending on the infection that caused the disease. Duration of therapy: from several days to 2-4 weeks.
• To restore urination function and relieve acute symptoms, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory pain relievers and antispasmodics are widely prescribed.
• Specific therapy is complemented with vitamin and mineral preparations, immunomodulators.

In the early stages, uncomplicated inflammation completely heals.

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

At the same time, it is necessary to follow a course of treatment for possible triggering diseases: bronchitis, pyelonephritis, cholecystitis, genitourinary infections.

The main treatment without exacerbation is complemented with physical therapy methods: ultrasound procedures, magnetotherapy, laser exposure.

During the therapy period, alcohol, spicy seasonings, marinades, pickles, greasy, canned and smoked foods should be excluded. It is recommended to include in the diet fresh herbs, vegetables, nuts, fish, lean meats.

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