Sometimes men face such an unpleasant disease as bacterial prostatitis. To start treatment on time, it is important to know what signs can determine the disease and what diagnosis and therapy will be needed.
Bacterial prostatitis is an infectious disease of the prostate gland. Symptoms of the disease include pain in the perineum, fever, intoxication of the body and other signs. Such a condition may require urgent hospitalization, as it can pose a threat to the patient's health and life.
Forms of bacterial prostatitis
Depending on the course and symptoms, bacterial prostatitis is divided into two forms - acute and chronic.
Sharp
The acute form manifests itself unexpectedly and is accompanied by various unpleasant symptoms. The acute form of bacterial prostatitis requires immediate medical attention. This pathological process is provoked by Escherichia coli, staphylococci, enterobacteria.
Acute prostatitis is easily diagnosed with the help of laboratory tests. Severe symptoms and the clinical picture allow an accurate diagnosis. Treat this form of prostatitis in a complex way, using drugs and physiotherapy.
Chronic
Chronic bacterial prostatitis has a pathogenic pathogen that can be identified using laboratory tests and research. The main pathogens are gonococci, chlamydia, ureaplasmas, mycoplasmas. The inflammatory process can also be caused by tuberculosis bacteria or fungi of the genus Candida if the man has HIV infection.
Types of bacterial prostatitis
Bacterial prostatitis is classified by the type of pathogen:
- tuberculosis (Koch's bacillus);
- gonorrhea (gonococci);
- fungal (different types of fungi);
- chlamydia (chlamydia);
- viral (causes of herpes, human papillomavirus, influenza);
- mixed (several different infections).
It is possible to determine exactly what the cause is only in the laboratory, as the symptoms are the same for everyone.
Causes and risk factors
Bacteria enter the prostate gland, causing acute or chronic prostatitis. Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause this disease. In some cases, the cause cannot be determined.
CausesBacterial prostatitis is considered to be:
- colibacillus;
- Klebsiella;
- Proteus;
- fecal enterococci;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Possiblemicrobiological causesprostatitis are:
- staphylococci (saprophytic, golden, epidermal);
- genital mycoplasma;
- chlamydia trachomatis;
- ureaplasma;
- Trichomonas.
TOrisk factorsinfection of the prostate gland with subsequent development of the inflammatory process in the form of one or another form of bacterial prostatitis are:
- intraprostatic reflux (reflux of urine into the ducts of the prostate gland during urination);
- pelvic injury;
- unprotected anal sex;
- urinary tract infections;
- presence of a permanent urethral catheter or periodic catheterization of the bladder;
- transurethral diagnostic and therapeutic interventions;
- HIV AIDS;
- past prostate biopsy.
Symptoms of bacterial prostatitis
Usually in bacterial prostatitis the symptoms are so severe that it is difficult to ignore them. Signs of illness include:
- high body temperature (in the anus is usually higher than in the armpits);
- fever and chills;
- difficult and painful urination, especially at night;
- possible development of constipation due to enlargement of the prostate gland;
- pain in the lower body (lower back, perineum, lower abdomen);
- general intoxication of the body;
- discharge from the urethra and blood in the semen.
Stages of bacterial prostatitis
The clinical picture of bacterial prostatitis is manifested depending on the stage of the disease and the degree of involvement of prostate tissue in the inflammatory process. Title:
- Primary or catarrhal prostatitis.It is characterized by inflammation of the walls of the prostate gland. It is quite possible to cure with antibiotics in 10 days.
- Secondary or follicular.It is characterized by the formation of abscesses in the glandular tissue. It is accompanied by high fever. This form is also treated effectively with antibacterial drugs.
- Tertiary or parenchymal.The pathological process at this stage spreads to the whole organ - the prostate increases in size, swells and changes its shape. If you do not take timely treatment, the tertiary stage can develop into chronic prostatitis.
Possible complications and consequences for men
The consequences and complications of bacterial prostatitis include:
- vesiculitis (inflammation of the seminal vesicles) - manifested by groin pain, premature ejaculation, painful erection;
- coliculitis (inflammation of the seminal tubercle) - differs in various symptoms - burning and tickling of the posterior urethra, painful sensations during orgasm, blood in the semen;
- potency disorder;
- prostate sclerosis;
- infertility;
- prostate cyst;
- prostate abscess;
- prostate stones.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is one of the most severe consequences of chronic prostatitis.
Asymptomatic inflammation is the mildest form in terms of lack of complaints. This type of prostatitis is diagnosed with the development of complications of reproductive function.
Is bacterial prostatitis dangerous for women?
Prostatitis in women does not occur, but its serious consequences are common. If a man is affected by bacterial prostatitis, it is simply irresponsible to say that the woman is not in danger: chlamydia, ureaplasma, Trichomonas, mycoplasma, gonococcus, gardnerella and other infections received from a partner pose a serious danger to the woman and lead to developmentof various gynecological diseases.
Which doctor treats?
Urologistis considered a key specialist who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions of the genitourinary system.
Andrologist.Despite the fact that andrology belongs to a fairly young branch of medicine, specialists in this field are gradually taking their place in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system in men. The advantage of this doctor is its narrow focus. Unlike a urologist who treats diseases of the male and female genitourinary system, the andrologist specializes exclusively in male problems.
Diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis
If bacterial prostatitis is suspected, a number of tests are performed, including:
- scrapings and tampons for infection;
- crops for susceptibility to flora and antibiotics;
- general blood test helps to detect the inflammatory process, when there is an increase in the number of leukocytes, an increase in ESR;
- spermogram, which examines a decrease in the number of sperm, impaired motility;
- a sample of three glasses of urine (examines inflammatory changes in the urine);
- general urine analysis;
- analysis of prostate secretion;
- uroflowmetry - monitoring the daily amount of urine.
The doctor will be able to assess how enlarged the prostate is by digital rectal examination. To clarify the diagnosis, your doctor may refer you for a transrectal ultrasound scan.
Treatment of bacterial prostatitis
Medications, physiotherapy, folk remedies, and in severe cases surgery are prescribed as therapy for bacterial prostatitis.
Medication treatment
Medical treatment of prostatitis is performed with the help of different groups of drugs. These can be antibiotics to neutralize the pathogen. However, they do not always help, as the prostate gland is characterized by poor absorption of antibiotics from the group of protected penicillins, fluoroquinolones.
The course of treatment is usually 10-14 days and must be completed, because if bacterial prostatitis is not treated, it will reappear. Vitamins and medications are also prescribed to strengthen the immune system.
Surgical intervention
The doctor suggests surgery for prostatitis if no result is achieved in treating the patient with medication, physiotherapy or alternative therapies.
The surgery involves the following procedures:
- Transurethral resection of the prostate.The inner part of the organ is removed. Surgery is the most commonly used and best endoscopic treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
To perform this intervention, the patient undergoes a series of tests, including blood and urine tests. The operation is performed under spinal anesthesia, but general anesthesia can also be used. There are no scars after the operation. Among the disadvantages is painful urination in the first days after the procedure. - Laser surgery.The laser destroys the diseased tissue. At the same time, the size of the prostate decreases and the vessels are "sealed" and do not bleed. The operation is performed without incisions, and the postoperative period is only three days. Before the intervention, blood and urine tests are performed, as well as an ultrasound of the urinary tract, and a prostate biopsy is performed on the doctor's prescription.
This method is not effective if the prostate volume is large. - Open prostatectomy.The operation is performed in cases when the prostate is greatly enlarged, in the presence of complications and damage to the bladder.
The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen or between the scrotum and the anus. Either part of the prostate is removed or it is completely removed.
Before the operation, ultrasound, MRI and cytoscopy are performed, as well as blood and urine tests and a test for prostate-specific antigen.
One of the advantages of surgery is its effectiveness in treating the prostate and related problems. And the disadvantages - a long postoperative recovery period (more than a month), as well as problems with erectile function. - Transurethral incision of the prostate gland.The doctor does not remove the prostate tissue, but only makes an incision to relieve the pressure on the urethra, thus facilitating urination. Before the operation, blood and urine tests are performed, as well as an ultrasound of the urinary tract.
Advantages of the procedure - the symptoms of prostatitis are relieved without the risk of retrograde ejaculation, no long-term recovery is required. Of the disadvantages - prostatitis still needs to be treated. - Drainage of prostate abscess.The doctor opens the abscess through the perineum or rectum, cuts the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and inserts a drain into the cavity with pus to remove it.
Before the operation, a proctologist is consulted, blood and urine tests are taken.
The benefits of surgery include no risk of losing sexual function. The disadvantages are that the abscess may not be completely removed and the bacteria can spread throughout the body.
Surgery for prostatitis in men is usually the last resort for chronic bacterial prostatitis associated with complications of any form.
Physiotherapy
In the complex treatment of patients diagnosed with prostatitis, physical methods of exposure are of great importance. As a result of the physiotherapeutic procedures the following are improved:
- bleeding;
- lymphatic drainage, which contributes to the elimination of the breakdown products of microorganisms;
- blood circulation and lymphatic circulation, due to which inflammatory infiltrates are allowed;
- blood and lymph leakage, which helps reduce pelvic congestion;
- metabolism;
- activity of cell membranes, which promotes the penetration of active drugs into the cell.
Physiotherapy for bacterial prostatitis includes the following methods:
- Electrophoresis.Effects on the body with ions, which helps relieve inflammation and eliminate pain.
- Laser physiotherapy.The laser helps relieve perineal pain and improves blood flow to the pelvic organs. It kills bacteria and removes waste products of harmful organisms.
- Magnetic therapy.When performing this procedure, tissue permeability is improved and the effectiveness of drug therapy is significantly increased. Plus, with the help of magnetic therapy, hemodynamics and congestion are stopped.
Exercise for bacterial prostatitis
Exercise for chronic prostatitis causes the pelvic floor muscles to contract, which ensures a difference in intra-abdominal pressure. This promotes blood flow to the prostate. Exercise tones the nervous system, makes the adrenal glands work and eliminates the residual effects of inflammatory diseases in the prostate.
You can do the following exercises at home:
- The man sits on a rubber ball and rolls from left to right, slightly springy. Helps strengthen pelvic floor muscles and oblique slopes.
- Kegel exercises. Tighten the buttocks as much as possible for 5-10 seconds and then relax the muscles. This exercise is performed 20-50 times.
- Lie on your back, bend your knees and support your heels on the floor. Slowly lift your pelvis, keeping your upper back flat on the floor. When the pelvis is at the top, you should freeze for 15 seconds and then return to your original position. The number of repetitions is 10-15 times.
Performing a massage
To achieve the result, the exercises are done every day and are also supplemented with a prostate massage, which can be performed both independently and with the help of special massagers.
Prostate self-massage is performed as follows:
- Drink one liter of water an hour before the procedure to fill the bladder.
- Clean the intestines with an enema based on a solution of potassium permanganate or infusion of chamomile. The crotch should be rinsed.
- Hands should be washed thoroughly and nails trimmed short.
- You need to put a glove or condom on your finger to be used for the massage.
- The rubber surface of the protective layer is lubricated with Vaseline, grease or baby cream.
- Lie in a comfortable position and place your finger in the anus to a depth of 5 cm.
- On the front wall you can feel the prostate gland and start stimulating it with light blows from the side to the center.
- On hard areas, the pressure gradually increases, and on soft areas - decreases.
- In the last stage, the ironing movements are performed down the central groove.
- Gently pull your finger out of your anus.
During the massage, 3-5 drops of fluid (prostate juice) should be released. Immediately after the massage you should go to the toilet and empty your bladder.
Diet therapy
In prostatitis it is necessary to minimize the use of alcohol and cigarettes. Also, doctors recommend to exclude from the diet:
- fatty foods, especially meat, as fats are a source of "bad" cholesterol, which disrupts blood circulation and adversely affects the prostate;
- energy and synthetic beverages;
- spices;
- spicy and smoky.
It is recommended to eat cooked and stewed food, lots of vegetables and herbs.
Folk remedies
Pumpkin seeds.Pumpkin seeds are an old remedy for prostatitis. They contain a lot of zinc, which the male body needs. You should eat 30 seeds a day before meals.
Hazelnut branches.Boil a few sprigs of hazelnut leaves for 20 minutes in water, bring to a boil until the broth turns reddish-brown. A weekly course is sufficient for treatment.
Aspen bark.Aspen bark should be collected at the very beginning of the juicing period before the buds bloom. This is approximately the second half of April. Dry the crust in the oven, take 100 g, grind and put in a half-liter jar. Pour 200 g of vodka so that the crust is completely covered. Close the jar and place it in a dark place for 2 weeks. Filter after 2 weeks. Take 1 teaspoon in three three-week courses with a break of 10 days.
Prognosis for bacterial prostatitis
The prognosis for prostatitis of bacterial origin depends on the stage and type of the disease. The duration of the disease also affects the prognosis - the longer the inflammation flares up, the longer it takes to treat the complications of prostatitis.
In acute prostatitis, the prognosis is favorable. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is often a recurrent form, even when conservative therapy is prescribed. With prolonged treatment of the chronic form, changes in potency may occur.
Prevention measures
Prevention of bacterial prostatitis can be divided into primary and secondary.
Primary prophylaxis of prostatitis:
- healthy life style;
- good nutrition;
- I play sports.
Preventive measures at home are important - performing exercises that activate blood flow to problem organs and improve muscle tone.
Also, men should study Kegel exercises. They are designed for postpartum recovery in women, but are used to train a man's anal muscles and rectum.
Gymnastic exercises are useful: bicycle, birch, bridge, candles. They train the pelvic muscles. It is recommended to perform leg swings, breath holding exercises and taking a contrast shower.
Secondary prophylaxis of prostatitis:
- Medication treatment;
- regular examination by a urologist, regardless of the manifestations;
- within one year after treatment, undergo quarterly examinations, later - once every six months.
Rectal suppositories are used for secondary prophylaxis. They act through the rectum. Usually these drugs have few contraindications. Also, to prevent recurrence of bacterial prostatitis, biologically active drugs are prescribed.
The earlier prostatitis is detected, the easier it is to treat. Therefore, do not neglect regular visits to the doctor. After the diagnosis, the doctor will select the appropriate drugs and prescribe a course of therapy. If the disease progresses, taking medication on time will quickly relieve symptoms and help you stay active and functional.