cystitis in men
Cystitis in men is quite rare. With cystitis, a person experiences frequent urge to urinate with pain in the lower abdomen. We will deal with an expert how this disease is treated, and also talk about measures to prevent cystitis in men at home

Let’s start with the fact that cystitis in men is very rare. This is due to the peculiarity of the structure of the male urinary tract: a curved and long urethra prevents infection from entering the bladder1. However, there are many factors that contribute to the occurrence and development of cystitis in men.

What is cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder with a violation of its functions. In men, it occurs most often after 45 years. The most common cause of the disease is an infection. Bacteria and fungi, including those that are sexually transmitted, can act as an infectious agent1.  

Causes of cystitis in men

All causes of cystitis in men can be conditionally combined into two groups: non-infectious and infectious.

Infectious cystitis, as the name implies, develops as a result of infection in the bladder. Most often, the infection is caused by Klebsiella or Staphylococcus aureus. The cause can also be E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or microorganisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases.2.

Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the bladder either ascending from the urethra and prostate, or descending, for example, from the kidneys. In addition, poor-quality diagnostic and therapeutic manipulations on the bladder (for example, the installation of a catheter) can become the cause of infection. Microorganisms can enter the bladder through the blood and lymph from the source of infection, which is located in the internal organs.

Noninfectious cystitis more commonly associated with urinary tract dysfunction2. The cause can be urological diseases that cause stagnation of urine, as well as bladder stones, strictures (narrowing of the lumen of the urethra) and tumors.

In addition, allergic reactions or chemical burns from the administration of drugs in the treatment of cancer, as well as the consequences of radiation therapy, can be the cause of non-infectious cystitis. Injuries to the bladder mucosa or hormonal changes can also lead to cystitis.2.

Symptoms of cystitis in men

Cystitis in men, as a rule, begins acutely and is accompanied by characteristic signs:

  • frequent urge to urinate;
  • small portions of excreted urine (there is a feeling of a full bladder);
  • pain, cramps and burning during urination;
  • pain in the lower abdomen (in the groin and perineum);
  • cloudy urine,
  • foul odor and blood in the urine.

In addition, a man may be bothered by symptoms such as:

  • chills and fever up to 37-38 degrees;
  • fatigue, general fatigue and weakness;
  • nausea, loss of appetite.

These signs indicate intoxication of the body, which is caused by stagnation of urine in the bladder.3. If any of the above symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor in order to start treatment on time and prevent the development of a chronic form of cystitis.

Treatment of cystitis in men

If the appeal to the doctor was timely, the treatment of cystitis in men is not difficult. The acute form of cystitis is not dangerous for the general health and life of the patient and responds well to treatment, but may require hospitalization of the patient3. Complex therapy with modern drugs leads to complete recovery and helps to avoid complications.

Diagnostics

Due to the fact that the symptoms of cystitis in men are specific, the diagnosis is quite simple. However, a thorough examination is necessary to identify the cause of the disease. To confirm the diagnosis, in addition to collecting patient complaints, laboratory and instrumental research methods will be required:

  1. general blood and urine analysis;
  2. bacteriological examination of urine to determine the pathogen and its sensitivity to drugs;
  3. urethral smear;
  4. Ultrasound and cystoscopy to analyze the condition of the kidneys, prostate and urethra;
  5. CT, MRI of the bladder.

Modern treatments

Treatment of cystitis in men is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. The duration of treatment is usually limited to taking individually selected drugs for 7-10 days. With signs of general intoxication or exacerbation of chronic diseases, hospitalization may be required.

Treatment of cystitis can be divided into four main areas:

  1. antibacterial agents are prescribed for cystitis of bacterial origin. Effective drugs from the group of cephalosporins, nitrofurans and fluoroquinolones;
  2. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antispasmodics help eliminate pain and relieve spasms during urination;
  3. diuretics are prescribed to improve the process of excretion and outflow of urine.
  4. in addition, phytotherapy can be used. For example, infusions of bearberry, horsetail and cranberries have a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect.

After an acute period of cystitis, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy: ultrasound, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy and laser therapy.

In the treatment of cystitis, it is necessary to observe bed rest and exclude even minor physical exertion. Drinking plenty of water will help normalize the process of urination. An important role is played by diet: it is necessary to exclude spicy, sour, salty and fried foods from the diet. Alcohol is contraindicated during treatment.

Prevention of cystitis in men at home

The main measures for the prevention of cystitis in men are reduced mainly to personal hygiene and hygiene of sexual life. You also need to follow a few simple rules:

  • avoid hypothermia;
  • eat a healthy and balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids;
  • treat the foci of infection existing in the body in time, prevent the exacerbation of existing chronic diseases;
  • moderate physical activity will help to avoid stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs. Do daily exercises, avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

Popular questions and answers

What is the danger of cystitis, what to remember during treatment, and answers other popular questions urologist, andrologist Mikhail Gablia.

Why does cystitis appear in men?

– Cystitis in men can be the result of chronic diseases of the genitourinary system, venereal diseases. Cystitis can occur due to non-compliance with personal hygiene, as well as due to surgeries on the genitourinary tract.

The disease itself is not sexually transmitted, but through sexual contact, a pathogenic microorganism can enter the urethra, which can cause the disease. Elementary preventive measures will help to avoid this disease.

Why is cystitis dangerous in men?

— Acute cystitis proceeds quickly and responds well to treatment. The greatest danger is if acute cystitis becomes chronic. In the absence of treatment, re-inflammation manifests itself within a year. Ascending infection may affect the ureters, kidneys, testes. The consequences of chronic cystitis are sexual dysfunction and kidney failure.

What can not be done with cystitis in men?

– Treatment of cystitis in men is quite easy, however, a number of rules must be observed. During treatment, you can not drink alcohol. It is necessary to exclude spicy, salty, acidic foods from the diet. Physical activity is contraindicated, abstinence from sexual activity is necessary. At the first signs of cystitis, consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.

Sources of:

  1. cystitis. Lyulko A.V., Volkova L.N., Sukhodolskaya A.E. Practitioner’s Library. Kyiv, 1983. https://search.rsl.ru/ru/record/01001132529
  2. Acute cystitis: approaches to the choice of antimicrobial therapy. Rafalsky V.V., Khodnevich L.V. Smolensk State Medical Academy, Volume 12 (No. 4), 2010. https://consilium.orscience.ru/2075-1753/article/view/93140
  3. Cystitis in the practice of an outpatient urologist. Kulchavenya E.V. Consilium Medicum, 2016. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/tsistit-v-praktike-ambulatornogo-urologia-lektsiya

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