Chronic prostatitis: symptoms and causes.

Chronic prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that causes an alteration in its function.

Description of chronic prostatitis.

Chronic prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that causes an alteration in 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 sexual life, sedentary work and tight underwear.

Chronic prostatitis is the most common urological disease in men of reproductive age.

There are several factors that influence the development of prostatitis:

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

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

Chronic prostatitis without proper treatment causes a number of serious complications:

• pyelonephritis and cystitis, due to an infection in the urinary tract;
• vesiculitis: inflammation of the testicles and appendages;
• prostate adenoma and cancer;
• Inflammatory processes in the nerves responsible for erectile function, leading to infertility.

Symptoms of chronic prostatitis.

The development of the disease is mainly asymptomatic.Therefore, the detection of prostatitis is usually associated with the diagnosis of suspected prostate cancer.

Some symptoms include:

• mild pain and discomfort in the perineal area, 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;
• sometimes there is painful difficulty urinating and urinary retention;
• decreased potency, erection problems and lack of orgasm;
• state of depression;
• high general fatigue.

Not all signs appear immediately.In general, chronic prostatitis is characterized by an undulating course of the disease, when the symptoms of the disease intensify, weaken or disappear completely.This significantly complicates diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Diagnosis of chronic prostatitis.

The suspected diagnosis of chronic prostatitis includes:

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

Additionally, the following may be prescribed:

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

Treatment of chronic prostatitis.

The treatment method depends on several factors and is primarily aimed at eliminating factors that lead to the appearance of chronic prostatitis:

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

The effectiveness of therapy directly depends on the diagnosis of the disease at the initial stage, compliance with the diet and the increase and regularity of physical activity.

The main method of therapy for 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, continuing in case of positive evolution until the infection is completely eliminated.

Medicines used to treat chronic prostatitis are divided into the following groups:

• antibiotics and antibacterial drugs;
• alpha blockers (medicines that dilate blood vessels and channels and regulate prostate metabolism);
• anti-inflammatory medications;
• muscle relaxants and antispasmodics;
• immunostimulants;
• antidepressants;
• vitamin complexes;
• plant extracts;
• pain relievers;
• Medications 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 lymph circulation, eliminates congestion and increases the permeability of the prostate ducts.

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

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

Spa treatments are also indicated, especially mud therapy and thermal baths.

Surgical treatment methods are used only in the last stage of the disease - prostate sclerosis.In this case, a 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 therapy is to eliminate the source of infection, normalize the immune system and restore normal prostate function.

Prevention of chronic prostatitis focuses on eliminating the factors that lead to the development of the disease.

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

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