Sometimes men face such an unpleasant disease as bacterial prostatitis. In order to start treatment on time, it is important to know by what signs the disease can be determined, and what diagnosis and therapy will be needed.
Bacterial prostatitis is a contagious disease of the prostate. Symptoms of the disease include pain in the perineum, increase in body temperature, intoxication of the body and other signs. Such a condition may require urgent hospitalization, as it can pose a threat to the health and life of the patient.
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 urgent medical attention. This pathological process is caused by Escherichia coli, staphylococci, enterobacteria.
Acute prostatitis is easily diagnosed by laboratory tests. Severe symptoms and clinical picture allow for an accurate diagnosis. This form of prostatitis is treated in a complex way with medication and physiotherapy.
Chronic
Chronic bacterial prostatitis has a pathogenic cause that can be determined by laboratory tests and studies. The main causes are gonococci, chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma. Inflammatory process can also be caused by tuberculosis bacteria or fungi of the genus Candida, if a man has HIV infection.
Types of bacterial prostatitis
Bacterial prostatitis is classified according to the type of pathogen:
- tuberculous (Koch's bacillus);
- gonorrhea (gonococci);
- fungal (different types of fungi);
- chlamydia (chlamydia);
- viral (causes of herpes, human papilloma virus, influenza);
- mixed (several different infections).
It is possible to determine exactly what the causative agent was only in the laboratory, because the symptoms are the same for everyone.
Causes and risk factors
Bacteria enter the prostate causing acute or chronic prostatitis. Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause this disease. In some cases, it is not possible to determine the cause.
CausesBacterial prostatitis is considered:
- colibacillus;
- klebsiella;
- Proteus;
- fecal enterococci;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Possiblemicrobiological reasonsprostatitis are:
- staphylococci (saprophytic, golden, epidermal);
- genital mycoplasma;
- chlamydia trachomatis;
- ureaplasma;
- Trichomonas.
TOrisk factorsprostate infections 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 prostate ducts during urination);
- pelvic injury;
- unprotected anal sex;
- urinary tract infections;
- with permanent urethral catheter or intermittent bladder catheterization;
- transurethral diagnostic and therapeutic interventions;
- HIV AIDS;
- past prostate biopsy.
Symptoms of bacterial prostatitis
Usually, the symptoms of bacterial prostatitis are so pronounced that it is difficult not to pay attention to them. Signs of the disease include:
- high body temperature (in the anus is usually higher than in the armpit);
- fever and chills;
- difficult and painful urination, especially at night;
- possible development of constipation due to prostate enlargement;
- lower body pain (lower back, perineum, lower abdomen);
- general intoxication of the body;
- urethral discharge and blood in 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. Share:
- Primary or catarrhal prostatitis.It is characterized by inflammation of the prostate walls. It is quite possible to cure it with antibiotics in 10 days.
- Secondary or follicular.It is characterized by the formation of abscesses in the glandular tissue. It is accompanied by a high temperature. This form is also effectively treated with antibacterial drugs.
- Tertiary or parenchymal.The pathological process at this stage extends to the entire organ - the prostate increases in size, swells and changes shape. If you do not start timely treatment, then the tertiary phase 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 pain in the groin, premature ejaculation, painful erection;
- coliculitis (inflammation of the seminal tubercle) - differs in various symptoms - tingling and tickling of the posterior urethra, painful sensations during orgasm, blood in the semen;
- violation of potency;
- prostate sclerosis;
- infertility;
- prostate cyst;
- prostate abscess;
- stones in the prostate.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is one of the most severe consequences of chronic prostatitis.
Asymptomatic inflammation is the mildest form in terms of the absence of complaints. This type of prostatitis is diagnosed with the development of complications of reproductive function.
Is bacterial prostatitis dangerous for women?
Prostatitis does not occur in women, 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 she received from her partner pose a serious danger to the woman and lead to various gynecological diseases.
Which doctor treats?
Urologistis considered a chief specialist dealing 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, experts in this field are gradually taking their place in the treatment of diseases of the male-genitourinary system. The advantage of this doctor is his narrow focus. Unlike a urologist who treats diseases of the male and female genitourinary systems, an andrologist specializes exclusively in male problems.
Diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis
If bacterial prostatitis is suspected, a series of examinations are performed, including:
- sawdust and swabs for infections;
- crops for susceptibility to flora and antibiotics;
- a 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 the decrease in the number of sperm, violation of their motility;
- three-glass urine sample (studies inflammatory changes in urine);
- general urine analysis;
- prostate secretion analysis;
- uroflowmetry - measuring the daily amount of urine.
The doctor will be able to assess how much the prostate is enlarged by a digital rectal examination. To clarify the diagnosis, your doctor may refer you for a transrectal ultrasound examination.
Treatment of bacterial prostatitis
As a therapy for bacterial prostatitis, medications, physiotherapy, folk remedies, and in severe cases, surgery are prescribed.
Drug treatment
Medical treatment of prostatitis is carried out using different groups of drugs. These may be antibiotics to neutralize the pathogen. However, they do not always help, because the prostate 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 without error, 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 methods of treatment.
Surgical intervention includes 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 undertakes a number 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 diseased tissue. At the same time, the size of the prostate is reduced and the veins are "sealed" and do not bleed. The operation is performed without incisions, and the postoperative period lasts only three days. Before the intervention, blood and urine tests are performed, as well as an ultrasound of the urinary tract and, according to the doctor's recommendation, a prostate biopsy.
This method is not effective if the prostate volume is large. - Open prostatectomy.Surgery is performed in cases where the prostate is greatly enlarged, in the presence of complications and in case of bladder damage.
The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen or between the scrotum and the anus. Either part of the prostate has been removed, or it has been completely removed.
Before the operation, ultrasound, MRI and cytoscopy are performed, as well as blood and urine tests and prostate-specific antigen.
One of the advantages of surgery is its effectiveness in treating prostate and related problems. And from the disadvantages - a long postoperative recovery period (more than a month), as well as problems with erectile function. - Transurethral incision of the prostate.The doctor does not remove the prostate tissue, but only makes an incision to reduce the pressure on the urethra, which makes urination easier. 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 alleviated without the risk of retrograde ejaculation, no long-term recovery is required. Of the disadvantages - prostatitis still needs to be treated. - Prostate abscess drainage.The doctor opens the abscess through the perineum or rectum, dissecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue and introducing drainage into the cavity with pus to remove.
Before the operation, a consultation with a proctologist is performed, blood and urine tests are taken.
The benefits of surgery include no risk of losing sexual function. The disadvantages are that the abscess cannot be completely removed and the bacteria can spread all over 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 impact are of great importance. As a result of physiotherapy procedures, the following are improved:
- blood flow;
- lymphatic drainage, which contributes to the removal of decomposition products of microorganisms;
- blood and lymph circulation, due to which inflammatory infiltrates are resolved;
- outflow of blood and lymph, which helps reduce congestion in the pelvis;
- metabolism;
- cell membrane activity that promotes the penetration of active drugs into the cell.
Physiotherapy for bacterial prostatitis includes the following methods:
- Electrophoresis.Influence 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.
- Magnetotherapy.During this procedure, tissue permeability is improved and the effectiveness of drug therapy is significantly increased. In addition, with the help of magnetotherapy, hemodynamics and congestion are stopped.
Exercises for bacterial prostatitis
Exercises for chronic prostatitis cause contraction of the pelvic region muscles, which guarantees a difference in intra-abdominal pressure. It stimulates blood flow to the prostate. Exercise tones the nervous system, forces the adrenal glands to work and removes the residual effects of inflammatory prostate disease.
You can perform the following exercises at home:
- The man sits on a rubber ball and rolls from left to right, springing slightly. Helps strengthen pelvic floor muscles and oblique muscles.
- Kegel exercises. Tighten your buttocks as much as possible for 5-10 seconds, then relax your muscles. This exercise is performed 20-50 times.
- Lying on your back, bend your knees and rest your heels on the floor. Slowly lift your pelvis and keep your upper back flat on the floor. When the bowl is at the top point, you need to freeze for 15 seconds and then return to its original position. The number of repetitions is 10-15 times.
Performing a massage
To achieve results, exercises are done every day, and they are supplemented with prostate massage, which can be performed independently and with the help of special massagers.
Prostate self-massage is performed as follows:
- Drink a 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 chamomile infusion. The groin should be flushed.
- Hands should be washed thoroughly and nails should be cut short.
- You must 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, ointment or baby cream.
- Lie in a comfortable position and insert your finger into the anus to a depth of 5 cm.
- You can feel the prostate on the front wall and start stimulating it with light strokes from the sides towards the middle.
- In hard areas the pressure gradually increases, and in soft areas it decreases.
- In the final stage, stroking movements are made down along the central sulcus.
- 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 have to go to the toilet and empty your bladder.
Diet therapy
With prostatitis, it is necessary to reduce the use of alcohol and cigarettes as much as possible. Also, doctors recommend exclusion from the diet:
- fatty foods, especially meat, as fat is a source of "bad" cholesterol, which disrupts blood circulation and adversely affects the prostate;
- energy and synthetic beverages;
- spices;
- spicy and smoked.
It is recommended to eat cooked and cooked food, lots of vegetables and herbs.
Folk remedies
Pumpkin seeds.Pumpkin seeds are an old remedy for prostatitis. They contain a lot of zinc that the male body needs. You need to eat 30 seeds a day before meals.
Hazel branches.Boil a few sprigs of hazelnuts with the leaves in water for 20 minutes, letting it cook until the soup gets a reddish-brown color. A weekly course is enough for healing.
Aspen bark.Aspen bark must be collected at the very beginning of the sap flow period, before the buds bloom. It 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 of prostatitis of bacterial origin depends on the stage and type of disease. The duration of the disease also affects the prognosis - the longer the inflammation persists, the longer it takes to treat complications of prostatitis.
In acute prostatitis, the prognosis is favorable. Chronic bacterial prostatitis often recurs, even when conservative therapy is prescribed. With long-term treatment of the chronic form, changes in potency may occur.
Prevention measures
Prevention of bacterial prostatitis can be divided into primary and secondary.
Primary prevention of prostatitis:
- healthy lifestyle;
- good nutrition;
- playing sports.
Preventive measures at home are important - performing exercises that activate blood flow in problematic organs and improve muscle tone.
Also, men should study Kegel exercises. They were developed for the recovery of women after childbirth, but are used to train the anal muscles and rectum of men.
Gymnastic exercises are useful: bicycle, birch, bridge, candles. They train the pelvic floor muscles. It is recommended to perform leg swings, breath holding exercises and contrast showers.
Secondary prevention of prostatitis:
- drug treatment;
- regular examination by a urologist, regardless of the manifestations;
- within a year after treatment, undergo quarterly examinations, later - once every six months.
Rectal suppositories are used for secondary prevention. They work through the rectum. Usually these drugs have few contraindications. Also, to prevent the recurrence of bacterial prostatitis, biologically active drugs are prescribed.
The sooner prostatitis is detected, the easier it is to cure. Therefore, do not neglect regular visits to the doctor. After the diagnosis, the doctor will select the appropriate medications and prescribe a course of therapy. If the disease progresses, taking medication on time will quickly alleviate the symptoms and help you stay active and functional.