The prostate gland or prostate is one of the most important male organs, which has a significant impact on the functioning of the genitourinary system.Prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate; it can be acute or chronic.Acute prostatitis is an infectious-inflammatory pathology, which is accompanied by purulent lesions of the gland.
The disease is characterized by impaired erectile function and fertility, problems with urination and pain.Since the disease is very common, all men of reproductive age and older are advised to become familiar with its symptoms.Signs of acute prostatitis in a patient are a reason to contact an andrologist as soon as possible.
Causes of acute prostatitis
Acute prostatitis is an infectious disease that affects all men over 30 years of age.Inflammation of the prostate can also occur against the background of congestion in the gland, but this is typical for mature patients, in particular, those over 50-60 years old.
Various microorganisms can provoke the inflammatory process: bacteria, fungi, protozoa.The most common pathogens are the following microorganisms:
- chlamydia;
- ureaplasma;
- Trichomonas;
- gonococci;
- streptococci;
- enterococci;
- coli;
- Klebsiella;
- tuberculosis bacillus;
- mushrooms of the genus Candida, etc.
Infection can occur in various ways; in most cases, prostatitis occurs against the background of urethritis or cystitis.Pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the gland from neighboring tissues and provoke inflammation.The infection can also spread through the bloodstream with tonsillitis, sinusitis and even caries.
Naturally, not every patient suffering from caries or urethritis subsequently suffers from acute prostatitis.There are a number of provoking factors that increase the risk of inflammation in the prostate:
- passive lifestyle;
- vitamin deficiency, monotonous diet;
- weak immunity;
- interruption of sexual intercourse, rare sexual life;
- excessive sexual activity;
- alcohol abuse and smoking;
- hypothermia;
- varicose veins of the small pelvis;
- chronic constipation;
- chronic overwork, lack of sleep, stress.
If a man does not lead a healthy lifestyle, then the likelihood of any inflammatory processes increases significantly, because a weakened body is unable to fight the infection on its own.
Symptoms of acute prostatitis
Acute prostatitis in men is divided into several stages:
- catarrhal - damage to the mucous membrane;
- follicular - damage to the follicles in the lobules of the prostate with accumulation of pus;
- parenchymal - multiple lesions of the prostate lobules with abundant suppuration;
- abscess - the formation of an extensive abscess.
Symptoms of acute prostatitis will depend on the stage of the disease.The more advanced the case, the more pronounced the symptoms, and the higher the risk of complications.
Acute catarrhal prostatitis is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- aching pain in the perineum;
- frequent urination;
- slight increase in body temperature.
Acute follicular prostatitis is characterized by the following symptoms:
- dull, but quite pronounced pain that radiates to the penis, anus;
- Possible urinary retention, characteristic severe pain when urinating;
- constipation due to painful bowel movements;
- high body temperature, signs of intoxication;
- urine may appear cloudy.
Signs of acute parenchymal prostatitis and prostate abscess:
- Severe throbbing pain radiating to the rectum, penis, lower back, perineum.
- Constipation, bloating.
- Urinary retention.
- Very high temperature 39-39.5 degrees.
- Nausea, headaches, weakness, lack of appetite, chills.
Parenchymal prostatitis is a very serious disease.A prostate abscess is accompanied by the fusion of abscesses into one whole with a possible breakthrough into the rectum, urethra, scrotum or perineum.If measures are not taken at this stage of the disease, sepsis and death occur.
Treatment of acute prostatitis in men with drugs
Therapy for acute prostatitis is complex, but the basis is antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antifungal and antiviral drugs.The choice of medications is made by the doctor after examining the patient, depending on the type of pathogen that was identified.
It is worth noting that antibiotics are always prescribed, even if prostatitis is non-bacterial, because with such a pathology there is a risk of a bacterial infection with subsequent suppuration.
To treat acute prostatitis in men, various groups of antibiotics are used, in particular, penicillins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, cephalosporins, and less commonly tetracyclines.
You need to understand that it is very difficult to choose an antibiotic on your own without being a medical specialist.If you choose the wrong drug and treatment regimen, the patient will only temporarily dull the disease and provoke the emergence of bacterial immunity to the drug.As a result, treatment of acute prostatitis will be delayed and will require another course of antibiotics, which is extremely undesirable, because all drugs have side effects.
When treating acute prostatitis, the patient must remain in bed.At the initial stage of the pathology, outpatient treatment is possible if the patient is cared for.In case of suppuration, mandatory hospitalization is required.
If urinary retention occurs, a catheter will be inserted.When abscesses form, the gland is opened and cleansed of pus, and drainage is installed.After stopping the acute process, physiotherapy, vitamins and immunomodulators are indicated.
Folk remedies for acute prostatitis
Acute prostatitis is not a disease that should be treated with folk remedies, especially without the knowledge of a doctor.If the patient decides to warm up the bacterial inflammation, the bacteria will begin to multiply even faster, which will lead to the formation of an abscess and the need for surgical intervention.
Some folk recipes can be used to strengthen general immunity, but only with the permission of a doctor and in complex therapy.Examples of such tools:
- Rosehip decoction to saturate the body with vitamins and antioxidants;
- Chamomile tea for calming, sound sleep, chamomile also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect.
- Drinking freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices to activate the immune system.
Traditional healers during the treatment of acute prostatitis recommend eating light and low-fat foods so as not to burden the sick body.Eating spicy, salty, and sweet foods provokes increased pain due to irritation of the excretory system.
Since acute prostatitis provokes constipation, you need to eat more fresh fruits, they contain fiber, which thins the stool.At the same time, you need to reduce the consumption of flour products, cereals, especially rice, and foods high in starch.
Consequences of acute prostatitis in men
Acute prostatitis is a very insidious disease that can provoke a number of serious complications.Even if the patient begins treatment at the initial stage of the pathology, there is always a risk of chronic prostatitis.Especially if a man continues to lead an unhealthy lifestyle.
Advanced forms of acute prostatitis provoke the following complications:
- Prostate abscess with opening of ulcers, blood poisoning and death.This pathology may require removal of the prostate.
- Prostate sclerosis, that is, the formation of scars against the background of a long-term inflammatory process.Leads to the fact that the gland stops functioning altogether.
- Stones in the prostate, which provoke congestion in the gland.
- Prostate cyst.It causes the organ to enlarge and may rupture.
- Inflammatory processes of the seminal vesicles, seminal tubercle, as a result, the formation of adhesions in the vas deferens.
- Infertility.
- Impotence and various types of erectile dysfunction.
Complications can be avoided by following preventive measures.
Prevention of acute prostatitis in men
To prevent acute inflammation of the prostate, you must follow the following recommendations:
- eat a varied diet, try to eat healthy foods;
- give up alcohol, drugs and smoking;
- dress according to the weather, do not get too cold or overheat;
- strengthen immunity;
- avoid spontaneous sexual intercourse, protect yourself with a condom;
- have regular sexual intercourse, but avoid excessive sexual activity;
- to avoid stagnant processes in the pelvis, do exercises every day and lead an active lifestyle;
- do not take antibiotics and other medications without a doctor’s prescription;
- undergo an annual examination with an andrologist.
A healthy lifestyle and correct behavior are the best measures to prevent most acquired pathologies, especially infectious ones.
Conclusion
Acute prostatitis is a terrible disease.If a person wants not only to preserve virility for the next few years, but also to prevent chronic pain and urinary disorders, he should think about measures to prevent acute prostatitis from a young age.And if you experience any pain in the pelvis, be sure to get examined and undergo a course of treatment prescribed by your doctor.