Understanding chronic prostatitis and the difficulties 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.The pathology has a code according to ICD 10 – N41.1.

Forms of prostatitis

The disease develops in case of improper treatment of the acute form or in the absence of any therapy.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 are disrupted.Treatment of chronic prostatitis should begin as soon as the first symptoms appear.Otherwise, the functioning of the gland will be disrupted forever.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;gonorrheal;mixed.
2. According to the pathogenetic factor, chronic prostatitis is of the following types: hematogenous (infection enters the prostate gland from a pathological focus through the blood);infected by contact (through the walls of neighboring organs);lymphogenous (penetration of pathogens through lymph).

Damage to the prostate gland can be stagnant (congestive).It develops due to poor outflow of prostatic secretions.The fluid stagnates and an inflammatory process occurs.If the problem is caused by blockage of the organ ducts with concretions (stones), then in this case we can talk about the calculous type of pathology.Chronic prostatitis can also be bacterial or abacterial.In the first case, a 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 the abacterial variant that occurs in 80% of cases.

Causes and provoking factors

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

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

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

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

Only by establishing 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, the man rarely pays attention to them and does not recognize the problem until it becomes more pronounced.He is ashamed and afraid to see a doctor.However, the lack of therapy will lead to serious complications, so a visit to a specialist should not be put off for a long time.Manifestations depend on what stage of chronic prostatitis is observed in a person.The following general signs of the disease can be identified:

1. Discomfort and pain, which can radiate 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 excretory canal.In this case, the biological fluid cannot come out completely.This leads to increased visits to the toilet at night.
3. Sexual dysfunction.Erections can be irregular and ejaculation can be premature.During sexual intercourse, a man may feel pain.
4. Increased irritability, short temper, anxiety.

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

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

Only 2-3 signs of prostatitis may appear at once, so a man is in no hurry to undergo examination.At the same time, the chronic process of destruction inside the tissue continues.Gradually, 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 examination:

1. Microscopic analysis of discharge from the urethra.
2. Scraping of the mucous membrane and its examination using polymerase chain reaction.
3. Microscopic and bacterial analysis of prostatic 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, a change 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 takes a layer-by-layer image 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-lived process.Getting rid of the pathology will take a long time and be complex.The scheme includes not only medications, but also physiotherapeutic procedures and folk remedies.Many patients require 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 relieve symptoms, as well as eliminate the very cause of the disease.Additionally, the patient is prescribed drugs that stimulate metabolic processes.In order to increase the chances of recovery, in addition to medications, a person also needs proper nutrition.The diet includes the exclusion of fatty and spicy foods, canned food, smoked foods, sweets and spices.It's better to limit your salt intake.Alcohol and cigarettes are strictly prohibited.

Non-drug treatment

In addition to medications, 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 affected tissues and eliminates pain.Thanks to the procedure, medications penetrate deeper and blood flow is activated.
2. Phonophoresis.
3. Laser therapy.
4. Magnet treatment.
5. Microwave therapy.It produces a regenerative effect 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 agents.Thanks to physiotherapy, it is possible to consolidate a lasting positive effect.Prostate massage is considered popular.It eliminates stagnant processes and improves the drainage of prostatic 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 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 achieve stable remission.But they should be used at an early stage of the disease.The following recipes will be effective:

1. Kalanchoe leaves.It is necessary to squeeze the juice out 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 will need dried grass and vodka in a ratio of 1:10.The mixture should infuse for 14 days in the refrigerator.The medicine is taken twice a day, 15 drops.The course of therapy lasts a month.
3. Pear compote.
4. Parsley juice and seeds.The ingredients can be added to food.
5. Bee pollen.You need to mix it with water in proportions 1:3.It is worth drinking 1 glass per day.Treatment in this way will take 1 month.
6. A mixture of honey and pumpkin seeds.All components are taken in equal quantities.Roll the resulting slurry into balls.They are stored in the refrigerator.The patient is required to eat 2-3 pieces per day.The course of therapy lasts 30 days.
7. Rectal suppositories based on propolis.They need to be treated for at least a month.

Chronic prostatitis can be dealt with at home, but the disease cannot be completely cured without the intervention of doctors.In addition, such therapy will continue for more than one year.

Surgical intervention

Chronic prostatitis is not the end or a death sentence.It is important that a man understands this.But if the therapy is not carried out entirely correctly, or when conservative methods are ineffective, then 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 urinary canal.The recovery period lasts no more than a week.
2. Laser removal of 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.

For surgical intervention there must be certain indications: 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 was late, then the consequences cannot be avoided.The following complications of chronic prostatitis are distinguished:

• urethritis;
• impotence or other erection problems;
• infertility;
• difficulty urinating;
• decreased ejaculate formation or its complete absence;
• cystitis, kidney damage;
• development of a malignant process;
• spread of the inflammatory process to the entire reproductive system;
• scarring of 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 was started and how effective it was.Chronic prostatitis is curable if the patient applies in the early stages of its development.Otherwise, the inflammatory process will exist for a long time and gradually worsen the man’s quality of life.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 rules of prevention:

1. Don't ignore sexual hygiene.
2. Try not to change sexual partners often.
3. Treat any urogenital diseases in a timely manner.
4. Normalize nutrition 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.A man will have to admit his diagnosis and come to terms with it.Only in this case will he be able to get rid of the problem.