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 only feel mild discomfort and therefore does not always consult a doctor.The pathology has a code according to ICD 10 – N41.1.

Forms of prostatitis

The disease develops with improper treatment of the acute form or without therapy.The pathology occurs not only in the elderly, but also in young people, which is due to 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 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 fungi, mycoplasma;Gonorrhea;mixed.
2. Depending on the pathogenetic factor, there are the following types of chronic prostatitis: hematogenous (infection penetrates the prostate through the blood from a pathological focus);infected by contact (through the walls of neighboring organs);lymphogenic (entry of pathogens through the lymph).

Damage to the prostate can be stagnant (congestive).It occurs due to poor drainage of prostate secretions.The fluid stagnates and an inflammatory process occurs.If the problem is caused by blockage of the organ channels with concretions (stones), in this case we can speak of a calcareous type of pathology.Chronic prostatitis can also be bacterial or abacterial.In the first case, a pathogen is inevitably present;The second form occurs as a result of mechanical damage to the gland or under the influence of other factors that do not include pathogens.The nonbacterial variant occurs in 80% of cases.

Causes and provoking factors

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

• sexually transmitted infections: chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, herpes, gonococci, fungi;
• Violation of microcirculation in tissues and blood circulation in the pelvic organs;
• urological pathology;
• the presence of foci of infection in the body;
• hemorrhoids and chronic constipation;
• injury to the sexual organs or spinal cord;
• weakened immunity;
• tumor process;
• hormonal imbalance, dysfunction 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 lifestyle;
• long-term abstinence from sexual activity;
• frequent exposure to stress, mental and physical overload;
• Smoke;
• alcohol abuse;
• Nutritional errors: frequent consumption of fatty foods;
• Long-term use of medication.

Only by identifying 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 usually remains hidden.This means that the symptoms appear mildly, the man rarely pays attention to them and only recognizes the problem when it becomes more pronounced.He is ashamed and afraid to see a doctor.However, the lack of treatment leads to serious complications, so a visit to a specialist should not be postponed for long.The manifestations depend on which stage of chronic prostatitis is observed in a person.The following general signs of illness can be identified:

1. Discomfort and pain that can radiate to other parts of the body: legs, anus.Unpleasant sensations have existed for more than 3 months.
2. Problems urinating.They arise because the enlarged prostate puts pressure on the excretory duct.In this case, the biological fluid cannot escape completely.This leads to increased visits to the toilet at night.
3. Sexual dysfunction.Erections may be irregular and ejaculation may occur prematurely.A man may experience pain during sexual intercourse.
4. Increased irritability, short temper, anxiety.

In addition, a man becomes physically tired faster, he develops apathy, which gradually develops into a depressive state.The exacerbation of a chronic process is characterized by the following manifestations:

• increased pain intensity;
• burning in the urethra;
• increased urge to go to the toilet;
• increased sweating, tremors;
• severe discomfort in the lower abdomen, rectum and perineum;
• a significant decrease in sexual activity;
• Pain syndrome during bowel movements.

Only 2-3 signs of prostatitis can appear at the same time, so a man is in no hurry to undergo an examination.At the same time, the chronic destruction process in the tissue continues.Over time, changes in the prostate become irreversible and cannot be completely eliminated.

Diagnostic functions

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

1. Microscopic analysis of discharge from the urethra.
2. Scraping the mucous membrane and examining it 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 in hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum and cracks 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 features of its development.

Treatment of pathology

Treatment of chronic prostatitis is not a short-lived process.Eliminating the pathology will take a long time and be complex.The program includes not only medications, but also physiotherapeutic procedures and folk remedies.Many patients need the help of a psychologist.It also makes sense to have spa treatment in specialized facilities.Complete elimination of the disease is not possible if it has already reached an advanced stage.Drug treatment allows you to quickly relieve symptoms and eliminate the cause of the disease.In addition, the patient is prescribed medications that stimulate metabolic processes.In order to increase the chances of recovery, a person needs not only medication but also the right diet.The diet involves the exclusion of fatty and spicy foods, canned foods, smoked foods, sweets and spices.It is better to limit salt intake.Alcohol and cigarettes are strictly prohibited.

Non-drug treatment

In addition to medication, the person needs physical therapy.It consolidates the positive effect of the main system.Such treatment affects not only the affected tissue, but also blood circulation and metabolism.The main requirement for successful therapy is the use of several techniques.As a rule, the following procedures are prescribed to the patient:

1. Electrophoresis.It stimulates the regenerative properties of the affected tissue and eliminates pain.Thanks to the procedure, drugs penetrate deeper and blood circulation is activated.
2. Phonophoresis.
3. Laser therapy.
4. Magnetic treatment.
5. Microwave therapy.It has a regenerating effect and improves metabolic processes.Nerve conduction is restored.
6. Ultrasonic.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 of these procedures can be used both as monotherapy and in combination with other active ingredients.Thanks to physiotherapy, it is possible to consolidate a lasting positive effect.Prostate massage is considered popular.It eliminates stagnant processes, improves the outflow of prostate secretions and activates microcirculation.It is used more often in bacterial forms of pathology.However, there are certain contraindications to use: organ cancer, adenomas or other formations, stones in the ducts, hemorrhoids or cracks in the anus.

Folk recipes

If the pathological process becomes chronic, treatment is required.Folk remedies will help achieve stable remission.However, 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 from the plant and mix it with an equal 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 1:10 ratio.The mixture should sit in the fridge for 14 days.The medicine is taken 15 drops twice a day.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 a 1:3 ratio.It is worth drinking 1 glass a day.Treatment in this way lasts 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 needs to eat 2-3 pieces per day.The course of therapy lasts 30 days.
7. Propolis-based rectal suppositories.You need to be treated for at least a month.

Chronic prostatitis can be treated at home, but complete cure of the disease is not possible without medical intervention.In addition, such therapy continues for more than a year.

Surgical intervention

Chronic prostatitis is neither the end nor a death sentence.It is important for a man to understand this.However, if the therapy is not carried out completely correctly or if conservative methods are ineffective, the patient must undergo surgery.There are different 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 the affected tissue.This operation is safe and is characterized by the absence of blood loss.
3. Prostatectomy.It can be partial or complete.At the same time, experts try to maintain 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 deterioration in the patient's quality of life.

Possible complications

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

• urethritis;
• impotence or other erection problems;
• Infertility;
• difficulty urinating;
• reduced ejaculate formation or its complete absence;
• cystitis, kidney damage;
• development of a malicious process;
• Spread of the inflammatory process to the entire reproductive system;
• Scarring of the prostate tissue, in which the affected areas can no longer 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 uses it at an early stage of its development.Otherwise, the inflammatory process will last 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 prevention rules:

1. Don't ignore sexual hygiene.
2. Try not to change sexual partners often.
3. Treat all diseases of the genitourinary system in a timely manner.
4. Normalize diet and regularity of sexual activity.
5. Do sports, move more.
6. Avoid constipation.In addition, the bladder should be emptied in a timely manner.
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 has to admit his diagnosis and come to terms with it.Only in this case can he eliminate the problem.