The prostate synthesizes
Immunoglobulins, regulates the consistency of the semen with the help of a specific secretion, controls the process of urination and ejaculation. The penetration of pathogens into the cavity of this organ provokes prostatitis - inflammation that occurs in an acute or chronic form.
Causes and mechanism of development of the disease
Prostatitis begins with the penetration and multiplication of pathogens in the organ cavity. These are extracellular pathogens or their own microflora from the surface of the skin or mucous membranes:
- Colibacillus;
- Proteus;
- Enterococci;
- Staphylococci;
- Enterobacter;
- Pneumococci.
In the presence of sexually transmitted diseases or infectious diseases of the internal organs, the lumen of the prostate gland can penetrate:
- pale treponema;
- Ureaplasma;
- Trichomonads;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
- Bacillus from Koch.
In the prostate, the pathogenic flora is brought in ascending from the urethra. Less often - through the bloodstream or with the lymph flow from the infected organ. A number of provoking factors affect the speed of development of the disease and the intensity of symptoms:
- Abnormalities in the structure of the neck of the bladder;
- Strictures of the urethra;
- the consequences of post-operative catheterization;
- decreased immunity against the background of chronic and systemic diseases, hypothermia, physical overload, hard work;
- violation of the outflow of blood and lymph in the pelvic area;
- promiscuous or irregular sex life.
An active blood supply and a moist, closed environment in the prostate cavity promote the unhindered multiplication of pathogens. The secret produced by the gland thickens, its outflow is disturbed. The infiltration gradually accumulates in the lumen, the inflammation progresses.
The course of acute prostatitis
The primary inflammation usually develops acutely. On average, the patient feels his clinical symptoms 5-7 days after infection. Its symptoms are vivid, it is impossible not to notice them:
- intense constant pain in the perineal area, radiating to the scrotum, penis, anus;
- Diuresis disorders: frequent, painful urination, wrong desire, sluggish, occasionally cloudy urine stream:
- serous or purulent discharge from the urethra with a pungent unpleasant odor;
- general poisoning: chills, sharp increase in body temperature, physical weakness, weakness.
Most patients with acute prostatitis have impaired sexual function. Arousal is either completely absent or does not lead to a normal erection and the ability to have sexual intercourse. The semen may contain pus or blood.
Symptoms of bacterial prostatitis depend on morphological changes and stages of the disease:
- Catarrhal inflammation that develops at the beginning affects the ducts of the organ and leads to the appearance of deep dull pain. Fever is usually absent and the state of health is generally satisfactory.
- The inflammatory process engages one or both lobes of the gland - follicular prostatitis progresses. The tissues swell and the amount of infiltrate in the lumen increases. The pain is constantly unbearable and increases with movement. Difficulty urinating.
- The parenchymal stage occurs when the entire body of the prostate is affected. The function of the bladder and rectum is made more difficult by the strong compression from the inflamed, swollen gland walls. The pain in the perineum becomes unbearable. Purulent and bloody impurities appear in the urine, the body temperature rises to 39 ° C and above.
Delay in treatment provokes chronic disease. Complications are possible: obstruction of the urethral canal, fistulas, abscesses, pyelonephritis, sepsis.
Chronic prostatitis
It develops from an untreated acute illness, but forms more often as an independent illness. Sluggish inflammation is caused by an inadequate immune response to the invasion of infection, a low number of pathogenic microorganisms, or the aseptic nature of the disease. In the latter case, the pathology is provoked by stagnation of secretions, disorders in the structure of prostate tissues, patency of their ducts.
Symptoms of intoxication and severe pain in chronic bacterial prostatitis occur only with exacerbations. During the latency period, the disease manifests itself with periodic urinary tract disorders and physical discomfort. The urge to use the toilet is more common at night after being out in the cold. The diuresis is sometimes accompanied by a slight burning sensation. Erectile dysfunction is common.
Chronic prostatitis can last for years with occasional flare-ups. A long-term course leads to the formation of fibrous areas in the parenchyma, provokes the development of impotence, infertility and oncological tumors.
How to diagnose and treat prostatitis
If you suspect the development of prostate inflammation, you should contact a urologist. The suspected diagnosis is confirmed by a bacterial culture of the glandular secretion. If it is not possible to obtain it, a smear from the urethra, urine sample, seminal fluid is examined. In addition to the bacterial seeding, blood and urine tests are examined, an ultrasound of the prostate is carried out.
The treatment of acute infectious prostatitis takes place in the clinical setting of the urological clinic.
- The main focus is on suppressing the pathogen, relieving inflammation and avoiding complications. The patient is prescribed an antibiotic regimen. Depending on which infection caused the disease, injections of drugs from the groups of tetracyclines, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones or penicillins are used. Duration of therapy: from several days to 2-4 weeks.
- To restore the function of urination and relieve acute symptoms, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, and anticonvulsant drugs are widely prescribed.
- The specific therapy is supplemented with vitamin and mineral preparations, immunomodulators.
In the early stages, uncomplicated inflammation heals completely.
Chronic prostatitis does not require hospitalization. The patient undergoes antibiotic therapy at home, observing the necessary restrictions.
In parallel, it is necessary to undergo treatment for possible provoking diseases: bronchitis, pyelonephritis, cholecystitis, urogenital infections.
The main treatment without exacerbation is supplemented by physiotherapeutic methods: ultrasound procedures, magnetic therapy, laser exposure.
During the therapy period, alcohol, hot spices, marinades, cucumbers, fatty, canned and smoked foods must be excluded. It is recommended to include fresh herbs, vegetables, nuts, fish, and lean meat in the diet.
The success of treatment in the chronic form depends on the duration of the disease, the existing organic tissue damage, and accompanying disorders of kidney and bladder function.