PSYchology
Prostatitis is sometimes complicated by the formation of calcification stones. The danger of the disease is that it often does not manifest itself, while the calcifications increase in size and lead to serious problems. Let’s figure out what symptoms may indicate calculous prostatitis and how to treat it

Inflammation of the prostate gland is a fairly common disease. According to WHO, 20 to 35% of men are affected by it. Calculous prostatitis develops, as a rule, in older and older people. Only less than 10% of cases of calculous prostatitis occur in men under 35 years of age.1. How it develops and what are the reasons for its appearance – we will figure it out together with an expert.

What is calculous prostatitis

The prostate gland produces a special fluid – the secret of the prostate, which is part of the semen. Sometimes stones (calculi) appear in the lumen of the excretory ducts of the prostate, which cause a violation of the output of the secretion of the prostate and its stagnation.1. When an infection is attached, the situation is complicated by the development of inflammation. This condition is called calculous prostatitis.1.

Causes of calculous prostatitis

There are two reasons for the appearance of stones in the ducts of the prostate. By nature of origin, stones are:

  • primary;
  • secondary.

Secondary stones are called stones that enter the prostate from other organs: the kidneys, bladder or urethra.

Primary stone formation is associated with the formation of stones in the ducts of the prostate gland. The formation of stones occurs for several reasons. In a chronic inflammatory process and congestion in the prostate gland, the structure and composition of the prostate secretion changes. Amyloid bodies, which are contained in this secret, begin to “grow” with salts and gradually turn into stones.2.

Another “culprit” of stone formation is urethro-prostatic reflux. In this condition, a small amount of urine during urination is “thrown” into the ducts of the prostate gland. The salts in the urine crystallize over time and form stones.2.

By themselves, stones may not cause discomfort to a man. However, bacteria often collect on their surface, which can cause an infectious and inflammatory process. In this case, bacterial prostatitis develops, which most often occurs in a chronic form.

There are factors that contribute to the development of calculous prostatitis:

  • urolithiasis (cause of secondary stone formation);
  • infectious diseases of the urinary tract;
  • congestion in the prostate gland;
  • benign enlargement of the prostate;
  • circulatory disorders in the pelvis due to a sedentary lifestyle.

Calculous prostatitis is not always accompanied by pain or discomfort. Stones in the prostate gland are sometimes found quite by accident during a comprehensive examination. Pronounced symptoms usually appear against the background of the inflammatory process.

Symptoms of calculous prostatitis

The main symptom of calculous prostatitis is pain. As a rule, these are aching dull pains in the perineum and in the pubic region, often radiating to the lower back. The pain may appear during long walking, physical activity or sex. Often pain is accompanied by urination, which becomes frequent and incomplete. Often there are erectile disorders and difficulty in the beginning of urination.

With an infectious-inflammatory process in an acute form, there is:

  • temperature rise,
  • deterioration in general well-being,
  • signs of intoxication.

Treatment of calculous prostatitis

At the first symptoms of prostatitis, you should consult a doctor. At an early stage of calculous prostatitis, conservative treatment is possible, aimed at the destruction of stones and the fight against inflammation.3. If the stones are large enough and there are serious complications, surgery may be required.

Diagnostics

Upon examination, the doctor with the help of palpation will be able to determine the enlargement, structure of the prostate gland and the presence of dense areas in it. The doctor will also prescribe a general blood and urine test, an analysis of prostate secretion and a smear from the urethra.

Bacteriological examination of urine and prostate secretion reveals the presence of the infectious agent and its sensitivity to antibiotics. The presence of stones is confirmed during transrectal ultrasound of the prostate.

As an additional examination, the doctor may prescribe an MRI of the prostate gland, a survey urography (X-ray examination of the urinary system).

Therapies

If calculous prostatitis is asymptomatic, no treatment is required. If it occurs against the background of an exacerbation of the inflammatory process, conservative treatment is carried out, as with ordinary prostatitis. Antibacterial agents, antispasmodics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators and vitamins are prescribed3.

If the disease is diagnosed on time, it is possible to remove stones from the prostate ducts without resorting to surgery. To do this, use minimally invasive stone crushing procedures using ultrasound, laser radiation, electromagnetic waves. If conservative treatment fails, surgery is necessary3.

During treatment, it is necessary to observe bed rest, exclude physical activity, and follow a diet. Remove alcohol, fatty, spicy and acidic foods from your diet. Drink at least 1,5 liters of water per day.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine in the case of calculous prostatitis is ineffective. It is impossible to remove stones with folk remedies. The sooner you seek help from a doctor, the easier the treatment will be. Folk remedies are only good as adjuvant therapy. Decoctions and infusions of herbs, homeopathy will help relieve stress, increase immunity, saturate the body with vitamins and trace elements, and have an anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect. Do not self-medicate, consult your doctor first.

Prevention of calculous prostatitis

Since the cause of the formation of stones in the prostate is not fully understood, preventive measures are reduced to the simplest measures aimed at preventing prostatitis in general. Lead a healthy and active lifestyle, do not overcool. Organize a balanced diet, do not abuse alcohol and smoking. Rest more often, avoid stressful situations. Get rid of excess weight.

Of great importance in the prevention of prostatitis is a regular sexual life. Avoid prolonged abstinence. Sex should be protected, avoid casual sex.

Popular questions and answers

The disease occurs in men of all ages, which gives rise to a large number of questions. The most popular questions regarding calculous prostatitis will be answered by our expert – general practitioner Mikhail Lystsov.

Why is calculous prostatitis dangerous?

– The biggest danger with calculous prostatitis is an untimely visit to the doctor. The later you start treatment, the larger the stones will become and the more difficult it will be to remove them without surgery. In addition, stones disrupt the outflow of gland secretions, provoke stagnation and the development of inflammation. One of the complications of prostatitis is infertility.

Is it possible to get rid of prostate stones without surgery?

– Of course. There are many non-invasive ways to remove stones. For this, there are physiotherapy procedures. Non-surgical methods include laser therapy, magnetic wave and shock wave therapy. The sooner treatment is started, the easier it is to avoid surgery.

Do they take to the army with calculous prostatitis?

– In accordance with the Appendix to the regulation on military medical examination, young men suffering from calculous prostatitis are exempted from military service. Calculous prostatitis refers to diseases of the male genital organs with dysfunction.

Sources of:

  1. Medical encyclopedia. Astrel, 2009. https://search.rsl.ru/ru/record/01000718460
  2. Practical urology. Guide for doctors. Glybochko P.V., Alyaeva Yu.G. Moscow, Medforum, 2012. http://urologiya.uz/literature/prakticheskaya-urologiya-alyaev.html
  3. Molochkov V.A., Ilyin I.I. Chronic urethrogenic prostatitis. Moscow, Medicine, 1998. http://medbookaide.ru/books/fold9001/book2034/p1.php

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