Chronic prostatitis: symptoms and causes

Chronic prostatitis is a condition in which the prostate becomes inflamed, leading to its dysfunction.

Describe chronic prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis is a condition in which the prostate becomes inflamed, leading to its dysfunction.This disease is difficult to treat and is characterized by frequent recurrences.There are two types of chronic prostatitis:

1. Infectious, due to damage caused by bacteria, infections, or fungi.
2. Stasis, which develops with stagnation of prostatic secretions and blood in the veins.The causes of congestive prostatitis are irregular sex life, sedentary work and wearing tight underwear.

Chronic prostatitis is the most common urinary disease in men of reproductive age.

There are several factors that influence the development of prostatitis:

• Weakened immunity associated with constant stress, nervous overload, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, frequent lack of sleep;
• hormonal disorders;
• previous venereal disease;
• untreated urinary tract infection;
• sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work (especially for drivers);
• work that involves exposure to vibration for long periods of time, for example working with drills or lathes.

This disease significantly reduces quality of life and leads to social and psychological problems.There is also a decrease in potency and impaired reproductive function.

Chronic prostatitis, if not treated properly, will lead to a number of serious complications:

• Pyelonephritis and cystitis - due to urinary tract infection;
• vesicular inflammation - inflammation of the testicles and appendages;
• adenoma and prostate cancer;
• Inflammatory process in the nerves responsible for erectile function, leading to infertility.

Symptoms of chronic prostatitis

The development of the disease is mainly asymptomatic.Therefore, the detection of prostatitis is often associated with a suspected diagnosis of prostate cancer.

A few symptoms include:

• mild pain and discomfort in the perineum, radiating to the rectum and sacrum, lasting more than three months;
• painful and premature ejaculation;
• burning in the perineum and urethra;
• discomfort during bowel movements;
• discharge from the urethra;
• sometimes painful urination and urinary retention;
• decreased potency, erection problems and lack of orgasm;
• depressive state;
• High general fatigue.

Not all signs appear immediately.In general, chronic prostatitis is characterized by a wave-like course of the disease, when the symptoms of the disease strengthen, weaken or disappear completely.This makes diagnosis and subsequent treatment significantly more difficult.

Diagnosis of chronic prostatitis

Diagnosis of suspected chronic prostatitis includes:

• patient survey;
• General urine and blood tests;
• triple urine test;
• test for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases;
• culture of prostatic secretions to determine the sensitivity of the microflora to various antibacterial drugs;
• digital rectal examination of the prostate;
• Ultrasound of pelvic organs and prostate.

Additionally, the following may be prescribed:

• measuring urine flow (measuring urine output parameters);
• prostate tissue biopsy;
• PCR (polymer chain reaction) analysis of urethral smears to detect the presence of chlamydia and mycoplasma.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis

Treatment depends on several factors and is mainly aimed at eliminating factors that lead to chronic prostatitis:

• patient's age;
• stage of the disease;
• type of chronic prostatitis.

The effectiveness of treatment directly depends on the diagnosis of the disease at an early stage, compliance with the diet, increase and regularity of physical activity.

The main treatment for chronic prostatitis is complex drug therapy, based on the results of bacterial cultures in prostatic secretions and urine.The duration of treatment should be at least 4 weeks, continuing in case of positive dynamics until the infection is completely eliminated.

Drugs used to treat chronic prostatitis are divided into the following groups:

• antibiotics and antibacterial drugs;
• alpha blockers (drugs that cause dilation of blood vessels and blood channels and regulate metabolic processes in the prostate);
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• muscle relaxants and antispasmodics;
• immune stimulant;
• antidepressants;
• vitamin complex;
• plant extracts;
• analgesic;
• medications to improve microcirculation and reduce blood clotting.

An important place in the treatment of chronic prostatitis is prostate massage, which improves blood and lymph circulation, eliminates blockages and increases the functioning of the prostatic ducts.

In recent years, the range of therapeutic measures has expanded to include many different physiotherapy methods:

1. UHF therapy.
2. Laser therapy (improves microcirculation and eliminates blockages in the prostate).
3. Rectal electrophoresis.
4. Increase body temperature with a microwave.

Spa treatments are also indicated, especially mud treatments and hot baths.

Surgical treatment is used only at the final stage of the disease - sclerosis of the prostate.In this case, transurethral resection of the bladder neck, prostate and seminal vesicles is performed.

Due to the lack of universal methods for the treatment of chronic prostatitis, the main goal of therapy is to eliminate the source of infection, normalize the immune system and restore normal prostate function.

Prevention of chronic prostatitis focuses on eliminating factors that lead to the development of the disease.

The risk of chronic prostatitis will decrease if the following conditions are met:

• regular physical activity;
• healthy sleep patterns;
• good nutrition;
• Regular sex life.