Understanding chronic prostatitis and the challenges of its treatment

Chronic prostatitis is considered a long-term inflammatory process localized in the prostate gland.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 an acute form if it is not properly treated or if there is no therapy.The pathology appears not only in the elderly, but also in young people, which is dictated by a decrease in physical activity.The morphology and functionality of the organ is disturbed.Treatment of chronic prostatitis should begin as soon as the first symptoms appear.Otherwise, the function of the gland will be disrupted forever.Therapy mainly depends on the cause of the pathological process.The presented disease can be divided into several groups:

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

Damage to the prostate gland can be congestive.It develops due to poor flow of prostate secretion.The fluid stagnates and an inflammatory process occurs.If the problem is caused by blockage of organ channels with concretions (stones), in this case we can talk about the calculation type of pathology.Chronic prostatitis can also be bacterial or bacterial.In the first case, a pathogen is definitely 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 a bacterial variant that is found in 80% of cases.

Causes and precipitating factors

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

• sexually transmitted infections: chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, herpes, gonococcus, fungus;
• violation of microcirculation in tissues and blood circulation in pelvic organs;
• urological pathologies;
• the presence of infectious foci in the body;
• hemorrhoids, as well as chronic constipation;
• damage to the genitals or spinal cord;
• weakened immunity;
• tumor process;
• hormonal imbalance, dysfunction of the endocrine system;
• heart failure;
• previous surgical intervention, 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 strain;
• smoking;
• alcohol abuse;
• dietary mistakes: frequent consumption of fatty foods;
• long-term use of drugs.

Only by determining the cause, you can 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 are weak, the man rarely pays attention to them and does not recognize the problem until it becomes more prominent.He 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 postponed for a long time.Manifestations depend on the stage of chronic prostatitis in a person.The following general symptoms of the disease can be identified:

1. Discomfort and pain that can spread to other parts of the body: legs, anus.There have been unpleasant sensations for more than 3 months.
2. Problems with urination.They are due to the enlarged prostate putting pressure on the excretory duct.In this case, the biological fluid cannot come out completely.This leads to an increase in going to the toilet at night.
3. Sexual dysfunction.Erections may be irregular and ejaculation may be premature.A man may feel pain during intercourse.
4. Increased irritability, short temper, anxiety.

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

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

Only 2-3 signs of prostatitis can appear at a time, so a man is in no hurry to undergo an examination.At the same time, the process of chronic destruction continues within the tissue.Gradually, changes in the prostate gland become irreversible, and it will no longer be possible to completely get rid of them.

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.During the examination, the following methods are used:

1. Microscopic analysis of urethral discharge.
2. Mucous membrane scraping and examination using polymerase chain reaction.
3. Microscopic and bacterial analysis of prostate secretion.
4. Determination of immunity status.
5. Transrectal ultrasound.The main echo symptom of chronic prostatitis is an increase in the size and volume of the organ, a change in its structure, and the presence of pathological neoplasms.However, such a study is contraindicated for hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum and cracks in the anus.
6. MRI.The specialist takes a layered picture of the prostate.Only differential diagnosis can help specialists 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.Getting rid of pathology will take a long time and be complicated.The scheme includes not only drugs, but also physiotherapeutic procedures and folk remedies.Many patients need the help of a psychologist.Spa treatments in private establishments are also beneficial.If the disease has already reached an advanced stage, it will not be possible to completely eliminate it.Drug treatment will allow you to quickly eliminate the symptoms, as well as eliminate the cause of the disease.In addition, the patient is prescribed drugs that stimulate metabolic processes.In addition to medication, a person also needs proper nutrition to increase the chances of recovery.The diet includes the exclusion of fatty and spicy foods, canned foods, smoked foods, sweets and spices.It is better to limit salt intake.Alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited.

Non-drug treatment

In addition to medication, the person will need physical therapy.Combines 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 relieves pain.Thanks to the procedure, drugs penetrate deeper and blood flow is activated.
2. Phonophoresis.
3. Laser therapy.
4. Magnetic treatment.
5. Microwave therapy.It has a regenerative effect and improves metabolic processes.Nerve conduction is restored.
6. Ultrasound.It has a clear anti-inflammatory effect, helps restore sexual function and relieves pain.
7. Inductometry.
8. Instillation into the urethra.

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

Folk recipes

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

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

Chronic prostatitis can be treated at home, but the disease cannot be completely cured without the intervention of doctors.In addition, this type of therapy will last more than a year.

Surgical intervention

Chronic prostatitis is not terminal or a death sentence.It is important for a man to understand this.However, if the therapy is not carried out correctly or conservative methods are ineffective, the patient will require 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 urethra.The recovery time is no more than a week.
2. Laser removal of affected tissues.This operation is safe and characterized by no 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 decrease in the patient's quality of life.

Possible complications

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

• urethritis;
• impotence or other erectile problems;
• infinity;
• difficulty urinating;
• decrease in the formation of discharge or its complete absence;
• cystitis, kidney damage;
• the development of a malignant process;
• spread of the inflammatory process to the entire reproductive system;
• scarring of the prostate tissue 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 treatment is started and how effective it is.Chronic prostatitis can be treated if the patient addresses it at an early stage of its development.Otherwise, the inflammatory process will continue for a long time and will gradually worsen the quality of life of a person.People with this diagnosis are not admitted to the army.The development of pathology can be prevented.For this, you should follow the following preventive rules:

1. Do not neglect sexual hygiene.
2. Try not to change sexual partners too often.
3. Treat any diseases of the genitourinary system in time.
4. Normalize the regularity of nutrition and sexual activity.
5. Exercise, move more.
6. Prevent the development of constipation.In addition, emptying the bladder should be done on time.
7. Avoid hypothermia and overheating of the genitals.
8. Avoid stressful situations, physical and mental strain.

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 then will he be able to get rid of the problem.