Chronic prostatitis: symptoms and causes

Chronic prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, leading to disruption of its function.

Description of chronic prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, leading to disruption of its function.This disease is difficult to treat and is characterized by frequent relapses.There are two types of chronic prostatitis:

1. Infectious, resulting from damage caused by bacteria, infections or fungi.
2. Stagnant, developing with stagnation of prostate secretion and blood in its veins.The causes of congestive prostatitis are irregular sex life, sedentary work and tight underwear.

Chronic prostatitis is the most common urological disease among men of childbearing age.

Several factors influence the development of prostatitis:

• weakened immunity associated with constant stress, nervous overload, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, lack of regular sleep;
• hormonal disorders;
• previous venereal diseases;
• untreated urinary tract infections;
• sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work (especially for drivers);
• work associated with prolonged exposure to vibration, for example working with a jackhammer or lathe.

The disease significantly impairs quality of life and causes social and psychological problems.There is also a decrease in potency and impairment of reproductive function.

Chronic prostatitis without proper treatment leads to a number of serious complications:

• pyelonephritis and cystitis - due to urinary tract infection;
• vesiculitis - inflammation of the testicles and appendages;
• prostate adenoma and cancer;
• inflammatory processes in the nerves responsible for erectile function, which lead to infertility.

Symptoms of chronic prostatitis

The course of the disease is generally asymptomatic.Therefore, the detection of prostatitis is often associated with the diagnosis of suspected prostate cancer.

Here are some symptoms:

• slight pain and discomfort in the perineal region, with projection 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;
• there is sometimes painful difficulty urinating and urinary retention;
• decreased potency, erection problems and lack of orgasm;
• state of depression;
• great 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 intensify, weaken or completely disappear.This makes diagnosis and subsequent treatment much more difficult.

Diagnosis of chronic prostatitis

Diagnosis of suspected chronic prostatitis includes:

• patient survey;
• general urine and blood tests;
• urine test with three glasses;
• tests for the presence of sexually transmitted infections;
• culture of prostate secretions to determine the sensitivity of its microflora to various antibacterial drugs;
• digital rectal prostate exam;
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs and prostate.

Additionally, the following may be prescribed:

• uroflowmetry (measurement of urine flow parameters);
• biopsy of prostate tissue;
• PCR (polymer chain reaction) analysis of urethral swabs for the presence of chlamydia and mycoplasma.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis

The treatment method depends on several factors and is mainly aimed at eliminating the factors leading to the appearance of chronic prostatitis:

• patient age;
• stage of disease;
• type of chronic prostatitis.

The effectiveness of treatment directly depends on the diagnosis of the disease at the initial stage, compliance with the diet, as well as increased and regular physical activity.

The main method of treatment of chronic prostatitis is complex drug therapy, based on the results of bacterial culture of prostate secretions and urine.The duration of treatment should be at least 4 weeks, with continuation in case of positive dynamics until the infection is completely eliminated.

Medicines 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 channels and regulate prostate metabolism);
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• muscle relaxants and antispasmodics;
• immunostimulants;
• antidepressants;
• vitamin complexes;
• plant extracts;
• painkillers;
• drugs to improve microcirculation and reduce blood clotting.

An important place in the treatment of chronic prostatitis is occupied by prostate massage, which improves blood and lymphatic circulation, eliminates congestion and increases the permeability of the prostate ducts.

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

1. UHF therapy.
2. Laser therapy (improves microcirculation and eliminates prostate congestion).
3. Rectal electrophoresis.
4. Microwave hyperthermia.

Thermal treatments are also indicated, including mud therapy and thermal baths.

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

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

Prevention of chronic prostatitis aims to eliminate the factors leading to the development of the disease.

The risk of chronic prostatitis is reduced if the following conditions are met:

• regular physical activity;
• a healthy sleep pattern;
• good nutrition;
• regular sex life.