Prostatitis

The name of the disease, prostatitis, can be translated as inflammation of the prostate gland, but this is an overly simplified interpretation of the nature of a widespread disease. The term is a collective name for various painful conditions that differ in origin, the leading cause of damage and the nature of changes in the gland itself and other pelvic organs.

Here is the classification of prostatitis, developed in 1995 by specialists from the US Institute of Health:

  • Category I: Acute bacterial prostatitis.
  • Category II: Chronic bacterial prostatitis.
  • III category: Chronic non-infectious prostatitis/Chronic pelvic pain syndrome;
  • option III A: chronic inflammatory pelvic pain syndrome (secret leukocytosis is simple
  • option III B: chronic non-inflammatory pelvic pain syndrome (no leukocytosis in prostate secretions).
  • IV. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis;

Risk factors for developing prostatitis

Prostatitis most often begins in young or middle age. The main risk factors for prostatitis are:

  • previous and/or chronic infections of the bladder and urethra;
  • injury from cycling or horse riding;
  • dehydration;
  • use of a urinary catheter;
  • HIV infection.

Symptoms of prostatitis depend on its form. Most often, prostatitis is characterized by the following manifestations:

  1. pain and discomfort in the genital area, groin and pelvis;
  2. frequent, painful or difficult urination, weakened urine stream, feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
  3. sexual disorders.

Along with this, discharge from the urethra, spontaneous release of prostate secretions, and autonomic disorders accompanied by increased anxiety and depressive syndrome may be observed. Often there are changes in the lumbosacral spine and pelvic floor muscles, which manifest themselves as chronic pelvic pain, aggravating the course of chronic prostatitis.

Complications of prostatitis

Acute bacterial prostatitis can be complicated by:

  • Development of chronic bacterial prostatitis;
  • generalized bacterial infection with the development of foci in other organs;
  • inflammation of the epididymis and vas deferens (epididymitis);
  • Prostate abscess;
  • Chronic prostatitis can lead to impaired fertilizing ability of sperm and infertility;
  • impairment of quality of life;
  • problems in sexual life;

How does prostatitis occur?

Typically, there are two stages of prostatitis.

Infectious stage of the disease, lasting only 1-2 months, is caused directly by infection with sexually transmitted infections.

Postinfectious stage can last indefinitely; the main mechanism of its occurrence is anatomical disorders in the prostate gland and autoimmune processes. At this stage, the infectious agent may not be detected in laboratory tests and may even be completely absent, but the inflammatory process continues.

Diagnosis of prostatitis

Examination methods to confirm the diagnosis. A detailed conversation between the andrologist and the patient, clarifying the complaints that bother him, the characteristics of the pain syndrome (footnote), concomitant diseases and risk factors;

A digital rectal examination, in which the doctor feels the gland with a finger through the patient’s anus.

Urine tests are basic tests in urology and allow you to diagnose concomitant diseases of the urinary tract;

Examination of seminal fluid obtained after digital rectal examination of the prostate gland. If necessary, DNA diagnostics (PCR test) for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms and/or bacteriological culture may be additionally recommended;

Cystoscopy may be recommended by your doctor if necessary to evaluate the condition of the urethra and/or bladder.

Ultrasound examination of the prostate gland can be performed through the anterior abdominal wall or transrectally;

Urodynamic tests are performed when indicated to test the contractile function of the bladder.

Limit or completely eliminate alcohol, caffeine, spicy and pickled foods;

Refusal to ride a bicycle, or, at a minimum, selection of a comfortable, non-injurious seat;

Regular sex life with a regular partner;

Increasing physical activity through movements that reduce congestion in the pelvic organs (fast walking, cardio equipment, special gymnastics);

Changing habits and lifestyle are necessary conditions for curing chronic prostatitis

Treatment of prostatitis.

Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis: subject to treatment with antibacterial drugs. Chronic non-infectious prostatitis/Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is difficult to treat; a systematic approach is required to achieve a lasting positive result.

Drug treatment usually includes painkillers, medications that relax the bladder neck and muscle fibers that attach the prostate gland to the bladder, which can reduce the severity of pain symptoms, especially pain during urination.

Prostate massage is a treatment method that has been used for many decades, but there is still no consensus among specialists about its significance and effectiveness.

Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment are possible using specialized equipment to influence the prostate gland with an electromagnetic field, heating, vacuum exposure, etc.

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