Understanding chronic prostatitis and the difficulties of its treatment

Chronic prostatitis is considered a long-term inflammatory process localized in the prostate.In this case, a man may feel only mild discomfort, so he does not always consult a doctor.Pathology has a code according to ICD 10 – N41.1.

Forms of prostatitis

The disease develops in the case of improper treatment of the acute form or in the absence of any therapy.The pathology occurs not only in the elderly, but also in the young, which is dictated by a decrease in physical activity.The morphology and functionality of organs are disturbed.Treatment of chronic prostatitis should be started as soon as the first symptoms appear.Otherwise, the functioning of the gland will be permanently impaired.Therapy largely depends on what triggered the pathological process.The presented disease can be divided into several groups:

1. By causative factor: infectious;viral;bacterial;caused by fungus, mycoplasma;gonorrhea;mixed.
2. According to the pathogenetic factor, chronic prostatitis is of the following types: hematogenous (infection enters the prostate from the pathological focus through the blood);infected by contact (through the walls of neighboring organs);lymphogenic (penetration of pathogens through the lymph).

Prostate damage can be stagnant (congestive).It is caused by a weak outflow of prostate secretions.The fluid stagnates and an inflammatory process occurs.If the problem is caused by clogging of organic channels with concretions (stones), then in this case we can talk about a calculous type of pathology.Chronic prostatitis can also be bacterial or abacterial.In the first case, the pathogen is necessarily present;the second form occurs as a result of mechanical damage to the gland or under the influence of other factors, among which there are no pathogens.It is an abacterial variant that occurs in 80% of cases.

Causes and provoking factors

Before treating chronic prostatitis in men, experts must find out the cause of their occurrence.The following conditions can cause pathology:

• sexually transmitted infections: chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, herpes, gonococcus, fungi;
• violation of microcirculation in tissues and blood circulation in pelvic organs;
• urological pathology;
• the presence of infectious foci in the body;
• hemorrhoids, as well as chronic constipation;
• injuries to genital organs or spinal cord;
• weakened immunity;
• tumor process;
• hormonal imbalance, dysfunction of the endocrine system;
• heart failure;
• previous surgical interventions, including abdominal organs.

These are the main causes of chronic prostatitis.There are other negative factors that contribute to the development of the disease:

• frequent general or local hypothermia;
• inactive lifestyle;
• long-term abstinence from sexual activity;
• frequent exposure to stress, mental and physical overload;
• smoking;
• alcohol abuse;
• dietary mistakes: frequent consumption of fatty foods;
• long-term use of drugs.

Only by determining the cause can you choose the right treatment tactics for chronic prostatitis.

Symptoms of the disease

The course of the chronic form of the disease is usually hidden.That is, the symptoms appear weakly, a person rarely pays attention to them and does not recognize the problem until it becomes more pronounced.She is ashamed and afraid to go to the doctor.However, the lack of therapy will lead to serious complications, so a visit to a specialist should not be delayed for a long time.Manifestations depend on which stage of chronic prostatitis is observed in a person.The following general signs of the disease can be recognized:

1. Discomfort and pain, which can spread to other parts of the body: legs, anus.Unpleasant sensations have been present for more than 3 months.
2. Problems with urination.They are caused by the fact that the enlarged prostate puts pressure on the outlet duct.In this case, the biological fluid cannot come out completely.This leads to increased visits to the toilet at night.
3. Sexual dysfunction.Erections may be irregular and ejaculation may be premature.During sexual intercourse, a man may feel pain.
4. Increased irritability, irritability, anxiety.

Also, a man gets physically tired faster, develops apathy, which gradually turns into a depressive state.Aggravation of the chronic process is characterized by the following manifestations:

• increased pain intensity;
• burning in urethra;
• increased desire to go to the toilet;
• increased sweating, trembling;
• intense discomfort in the lower abdomen, rectum and perineum;
• significant reduction in sexual activity;
• pain syndrome during defecation.

Only 2-3 signs of prostatitis can appear at once, so a man does not rush to be examined.At the same time, the chronic process of destruction within the tissue continues.Gradually, the changes in the prostate become irreversible and it will no longer be possible to get rid of them completely.

Diagnostic features

Treatment of chronic prostatitis is necessary only after differential diagnosis of the disease.Otherwise, the patient will be prescribed drugs that can harm him.The following methods are used during the review:

1. Microscopic analysis of urethral discharge.
2. Mucous membrane scraping and its examination by polymerase chain reaction.
3. Microscopic and bacterial analysis of prostate secretions.
4. Determination of immune status.
5. Transrectal ultrasound.The main echo sign of chronic prostatitis is an increase in the size and volume of the organ, changes in its structure and the presence of pathological neoplasms.However, such a study is contraindicated for hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum and fissures in the anus.
6. MRI.The specialist films the prostate layer by layer.Only differential diagnosis can help experts understand the causes of the disease, as well as the characteristics of its development.

Treatment of pathology

Treatment of chronic prostatitis is not a short-term process.Eliminating the pathology will take a long time and be complex.The scheme includes not only drugs, but also physiotherapeutic procedures and folk remedies.Many patients need the help of a psychologist.Spa treatment in specialized institutions is also useful.It will not be possible to completely eliminate the disease if it has already reached an advanced stage.Drug treatment will allow you to quickly alleviate the symptoms, as well as eliminate the cause of the disease itself.In addition, the patient is prescribed drugs that stimulate metabolic processes.In order to increase the chances of recovery, in addition to medicines, a person also needs proper nutrition.The diet includes the exclusion of fatty and spicy foods, canned foods, smoked foods, sweets and spices.It is better to limit the intake of salt.Alcohol and cigarettes are strictly prohibited.

Treatment without drugs

In addition to medication, the person will need physical therapy.It consolidates the positive effect of the main scheme.Such treatment affects not only the affected tissues, but also blood circulation and metabolism.The main condition for successful therapy is the use of several techniques.The patient is usually prescribed the following procedures:

1. Electrophoresis.It stimulates the regenerative properties of the affected tissues and eliminates pain.Thanks to the procedure, the drugs penetrate deeper and the blood flow is activated.
2. Phonophoresis.
3. Laser therapy.
4. Magnet treatment.
5. Microwave therapy.It acts regeneratively and improves metabolic processes.Nerve conduction is restored.
6. Ultrasound.It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, helps restore sexual function and relieves pain.
7. Inductometry.
8. Instillation into the urethra.

Mud baths and therapeutic enemas are considered no less useful.All these procedures can be used both as monotherapy and in combination with other drugs.Thanks to physiotherapy, it is possible to consolidate a lasting positive effect.Prostate massage is considered popular.It removes stagnant processes and improves the drainage of prostate secretions and activates microcirculation.For bacterial forms of pathology, it is used more often.However, there are certain contraindications for use: organ cancer, adenoma or other formations, stones in the canals, hemorrhoids or fissures in the anus.

Folk recipes

If the pathological process becomes chronic, it is necessary to undergo treatment.Folk remedies will help to achieve a stable remission.But they should be used in the early stages of the disease.The following recipes will be effective:

1. Kalanchoe leaves.It is necessary to squeeze the juice from the plant and mix it with the same amount of water.You should consume 100-150 ml per day for one month.
2. Bear fruit tincture.You will need dried grass and vodka in a ratio of 1:10.The mixture should stand for 14 days in the refrigerator.The medicine is taken twice a day for 15 drops.The course of therapy lasts one month.
3. Pear compote.
4. Parsley juice and seeds.Ingredients can be added to food.
5. Bee pollen.You have to mix it with water in a ratio of 1:3.It is worth drinking 1 glass a day.Treatment in this way will last 1 month.
6. A mixture of honey and pumpkin seeds.All components are taken in equal amounts.Roll the resulting porridge into balls.They are stored in the refrigerator.The patient should eat 2-3 pieces a day.The course of therapy lasts 30 days.
7. Rectal suppositories based on propolis.They should be treated for at least a month.

Chronic prostatitis can be treated at home, but the disease cannot be completely cured without the intervention of a doctor.In addition, such therapy will continue for more than a year.

Surgical intervention

Chronic prostatitis is not the end or a death sentence.It is important that one understands this.But if the therapy is not carried out completely correctly or when conservative methods are ineffective, then the patient will need surgical intervention.There are several types of operations:

1. Endoscopic transurethral resection.It is performed under anesthesia and is considered the safest option.Thanks to the procedure, it is possible to reduce the pressure of the prostate on the urinary canal.The recovery period does not last longer than a week.
2. Laser removal of the affected tissue.This operation is safe and characterized by the absence of blood loss.
3. Prostatectomy.It can be partial or complete.At the same time, experts try to preserve a person's erectile function.

There must be certain indications for surgical intervention: persistent problems with urination, the risk of developing an oncological process, a significant reduction in the patient's quality of life.

Possible complications

If the start of therapy is delayed, the consequences cannot be avoided.The following complications of chronic prostatitis are distinguished:

• urethritis;
• impotence or other erectile problems;
• infertility;
• difficult urination;
• reduced production of ejaculate or its complete absence;
• cystitis, kidney damage;
• development of a malignant process;
• spread of the inflammatory process to the entire reproductive system;
• prostate tissue scars, in which the affected areas cannot perform the necessary functions.

Complications of chronic prostatitis cannot always be eliminated, so it is better to prevent their occurrence.

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis depends on the stage at which the treatment was started and how effective it was.Chronic prostatitis is curable if the patient is diagnosed in the early stages of its development.Otherwise, the inflammatory process will last a long time and will gradually worsen the quality of life of a man.People with this diagnosis are not accepted into the army.The occurrence of pathology can be prevented.To do this, you must follow the following prevention rules:

1. Do not neglect sexual hygiene.
2. Try not to change sexual partners too often.
3. Treat all urogenital diseases in a timely manner.
4. Normalize diet and regularity of sexual activity.
5. Exercise, move more.
6. Avoid developing constipation.In addition, emptying the bladder should be timely.
7. Avoid hypothermia and overheating of the genitals.
8. Avoid stressful situations, physical and mental overload.

Chronic prostatitis is a complex disease that requires long-term therapy.The man will have to admit his diagnosis and come to terms with it.Only in this case will it be possible to solve the problem.