Prostatitis: causes, provoking factors, methods of treatment

The prostate synthesizesimmunoglobulins, regulates the consistency of 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 in an acute or chronic form.

Causes and mechanism of development of the disease

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

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

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

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

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

• abnormalities in the structure of the bladder neck;
• strictures of the urethra;
• the consequences of postoperative catheterization;
• decreased 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 moist, closed environment in the prostate cavity promotes the unhindered reproduction of pathogens. The secret produced by the gland thickens, its outflow is disturbed. The infiltration gradually accumulates in the lumen, the inflammation progresses.

The course of acute prostatitis

Primary inflammation usually develops acutely. On average, the patient feels his 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 disturbances: frequent and painful urination, false urges, cloudy and slow urine stream:
• 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 with acute prostatitis have impaired sexual function. The arousal is either completely absent or does not lead to a normal erection and the ability to have sex. The semen may contain pus or blood.

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

• Catarrhal inflammation, which develops at first, affects the channels of the organ and leads to the appearance of deep dull pains. Fever is generally 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 excruciating all the time, 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 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 illness. Complications are possible: obstruction of the urethral canal, fistulas, abscesses, pyelonephritis, sepsis.

Chronic prostatitis

It develops from an acute untreated disease, but most often forms 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, disorders of the structure of the tissues of the prostate, the permeability of its channels.

Signs of intoxication and severe pain in chronic bacterial prostatitis occur only with exacerbations. During the latency period, the disease manifests itself with periodic urinary disturbances and physical discomfort. The urge to go to the bathroom is more frequent 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. 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 presumptive diagnosis is confirmed by the bacterial culture of the secretion of the gland. If it is impossible to obtain it, a smear from the urethra, a urine sample, seminal fluid is examined. In addition to the bacterial seedling, 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 urological department.

• 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 causing the disease. Duration of treatment: from a few days to 2-4 weeks.
• To restore urination function and relieve acute symptoms, muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, and antispasmodics are widely prescribed.
• Specific therapy is supplemented with vitamin and mineral preparations, immunomodulators.

In the early stages, the uncomplicated inflammation heals completely.

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

In parallel, it is necessary to follow a treatment for possible diseases causing: bronchitis, pyelonephritis, cholecystitis, genitourinary infections.

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

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

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