Prostatitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is prostatitis?

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland and sometimes the area around it. It is not cancer.

Only males have a prostate gland. It sits in front of the rectum and below the bladder. The gland wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate makes the fluid part of semen.

Types of prostatitis

• Chronic prostatitis. This is the most common type of prostatitis. Symptoms may get better and then come back without warning. Healthcare providers do not know why this happens. There is no cure, but you can manage symptoms.
• Acute bacterial prostatitis. This is the least common type of prostatitis. It happens in men at any age. It often starts suddenly and has severe symptoms. It’s important to get treatment right away. You may find urination difficult and very painful. Other symptoms include fever, chills, lower back pain, pain in the genital area, frequent urination, burning during urination, or urinary urgency at night. You may also have aches and pains throughout your body.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis. This type is fairly uncommon. It is an infection that comes back again and again, and is hard to treat. Symptoms  are like a mild form of acute bacterial prostatitis. But they last longer. Often you have no fever.
• Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. This is prostatitis with no symptoms. Your healthcare provider often diagnoses it during an exam for another health problem. He or she may diagnose it if you have infection-fighting cells in your prostate fluid or semen.

What causes prostatitis?

Prostatitis is most often caused by bacteria. They spread from the rectum or from infected urine.

You cannot get prostatitis from another person. It is not an STD. But it can result from several STDs.

Who is at risk for prostatitis?

You can get prostatitis at any age, but some things raise your risk:

• Recent bladder or urinary tract infection, or other infection in the body
• Injury to the area between the scrotum and the anus
• Abnormal urinary tract anatomy
• Enlarged prostate
• Recent test where a catheter or scope was put into the urethra

What are the symptoms of prostatitis?

These are the most common symptoms of prostatitis:

• Need to urinate often
• Burning or stinging while urinating
• Pain when urinating
• Less urine when you urinate
• Rectal pain or pressure
• Fever and chills (often only with an acute infection)
• Pain in your lower back or pelvis
• Discharge through the urethra during bowel movements
• Erectile dysfunction or loss of sex drive
• Throbbing sensations in the rectal or genital area

The symptoms of prostatitis may look like other medical conditions or problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is prostatitis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will review your past health and sexual history. He or she will also do a physical exam. Other tests may include:

• Urine culture. This test collects prostatic fluid and urine. They are checked for white blood cells and bacteria.
• Digital rectal exam (DRE). In this test, the healthcare provider puts a gloved finger into the rectum to check the part of the prostate next to the rectum. This is done to look for swelling or tenderness.
• Prostate massage. The healthcare provider massages your prostate gland to drain fluid into the urethra. This fluid is then checked under a microscope to look for inflammation or infection. This test is usually done during a digital rectal exam (DRE).
• Semen culture. A semen sample is tested in the lab for bacteria and white blood cells.
• Cystoscopy. A thin, flexible tube and viewing device is put into the penis and through the urethra. Your healthcare provider uses the device to look at your bladder and urinary tract for structure changes or blockages.
• Transrectal ultrasound. A thin transducer is inserted into the rectum next to the prostate to show images of the prostate.
•  CT scan. This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.

How is prostatitis treated?

Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on:

• How old you are
• Your overall health and health history
• How sick you are
• How well you can handle specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
• How long the condition is expected to last
• Your opinion or preference

Treatment depends on what type of  prostatitis you have.

Chronic prostatitis

You may take antibiotics until infection can be ruled out. Depending on the symptoms, other treatments may include:

• Medicines to help relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder, decrease inflammation, and ease pain
• Prostate massage to release the fluid that is causing pressure in the prostate
• Heat from hot baths or a heating pad to help ease discomfort

Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Treatment usually involves taking antibiotics for 4 to 12 weeks. This type of prostatitis is hard to treat and the infection may come back. If antibiotics don’t work in 4 to 12 weeks, you may need to take a low dose of antibiotics for a while. Rarely, you may need surgery to remove part or all of the prostate. This may be done if you have trouble emptying your bladder.

Acute bacterial prostatitis

For this type of prostatitis, you usually take antibiotics for 2 to 4 weeks. It’s important to take the full course of antibiotics, even when you don’t have symptoms. This is to stop the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. You may also need pain medicines. You may be told to drink more fluids. In severe cases, you may need to stay in the hospital.

Always see your healthcare provider for more information about the treatment of prostatitis.

Key points about prostatitis

• Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland caused by infection. It can be one of several types.
• Prostatitis is not contagious and is not an STD.
• Any man can get prostatitis at any age. Symptoms of prostatitis may include urinating more often, burning or stinging during urination, pain during urination, and fever and chills. Your healthcare provider usually diagnoses prostatitis by your symptoms and by checking your urine and semen for signs of infection.
• Antibiotics are used to treat prostatitis. In rare cases, you may need surgery.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

Prostate Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

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What is a prostate infection?

A prostate infection (prostatitis) occurs when your prostate and the surrounding area become inflamed. The prostate is about the size of a walnut. It’s located between the bladder and the base of the penis. The tube that moves urine from the bladder to the penis (urethra) runs through the center of your prostate. The urethra also moves semen from the sex glands to the penis.

Several types of infections can affect the prostate. Some men with prostatitis experience no symptoms at all, while others report many, including intense pain.

There are four types of prostatitis:

Acute bacterial prostatitis: This type is the least common and lasts a short time. It can also be life-threatening if left untreated. This is the easiest type of prostatitis to diagnose.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Symptoms are less intense and develop over several years. It’s more likely to affect young and middle-aged men and cause recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Chronic prostatitis, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome: This condition causes pain and discomfort around the groin and pelvic area. It can affect men of all ages.

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: The prostate is inflamed but there are no symptoms. It’s usually discovered when a doctor is diagnosing another problem.

Read more: Is it prostatitis or BPH? »

The cause of prostate infection isn’t always clear. For chronic prostatitis, the exact cause is unknown. Researchers believe:

• a microorganism can cause chronic prostatitis
• your immune system is responding to a previous UTI
• your immune system is reacting to nerve damage in the area

For acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, bacterial infections are the cause. Sometimes, bacteria can get into the prostate through the urethra.

You are at increased risk of prostate infection if you use a catheter or have a medical procedure involving the urethra. Other risk factors include:

• bladder obstruction
• infection
• sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• enlarged prostate or injury, which can encourage infection

Symptoms of a prostate infection vary depending on the type.

Acute bacterial prostatitis

Symptoms of an acute bacterial prostatitis are serious and happen suddenly. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• burning or pain during urination
• nausea and vomiting
• body aches
• inability to empty your bladder
• fever and chills
• pain in your abdomen or lower back

You should notify your doctor if any of the following symptoms last longer than a few days:

• experience trouble urinating, whether starting or having a weak stream
• think you have a UTI
• have the need to urinate frequently
• experience nocturia, or the need to urinate two or three times during the night

You may also notice an unpleasant odor or blood in your urine or semen. Or feel severe pain in your lower abdomen or when urinating. These may be signs of an acute bacterial prostatitis infection.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Symptoms of a chronic infection, which may come and go, aren’t as severe as an acute infection. These symptoms develop slowly or remain mild. Symptoms can last more than three months, and include:

• burning while urinating
• frequent or urgent urination
• pain around the groin, lower abdomen, or lower back
• bladder pain
• testicle or penis pain
• trouble starting a stream of urine or having a weak stream
• painful ejaculation
• UTI

Chronic prostatitis

The symptoms of chronic prostatitis are similar to the symptoms experienced with chronic bacterial prostatitis. You may also experience feelings of discomfort or pain for three or more months:

• between your scrotum and anus
• central lower abdomen
• around your penis, scrotum, or lower back
• during or after ejaculation

See a doctor if you have pelvic pain, painful urination, or painful ejaculation.

A prostate infection diagnosis is based on your medical history, a physical exam, and medical tests. Your doctor can also rule out other serious conditions such as prostate cancer during the exam. During a physical exam, your doctor will conduct a digital rectal exam to test your prostate and will look for:

• discharge
• enlarged or tender lymph nodes in the groin
• swollen or tender scrotum

Your doctor may also ask about your symptoms, recent UTIs, and medications or supplements you’re taking. Other medical tests that can help your diagnosis and treatment plan include:

• urinalysis or semen analysis, to look for infections
• a prostate biopsy or a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
• urodynamic tests, to see how your bladder and urethra store urine
• cystoscopy, to look inside the urethra and bladder for blockage

Your doctor may also order an ultrasound to get a closer look. The cause will help determine the correct course of treatment.

Bacterial prostatitis

During treatment, your doctor may recommend you increase your liquid intake to help flush out bacteria. You may find it beneficial to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and acidic or spicy foods.

For bacterial prostatitis, you will take antibiotics or antimicrobials for six to eight weeks. If you have a severe acute infection, you may need hospitalization. During this time, you’ll receive fluids and antibiotics intravenously.

A chronic bacterial infection requires at least six months of antibiotics. This is to prevent recurring infections. Your doctor may also prescribe alpha-blockers to help your bladder muscles relax and lessen symptoms.

You may need surgery if there’s a blockage in the bladder or some other anatomic problem. Surgery can help improve urine flow and urinary retention by removing scar tissue.

Chronic prostatitis

Treatment for chronic prostatitis depends on your symptoms. Your doctor will provide antibiotics in the beginning to rule out a bacterial infection. Other medications to help ease discomfort and pain include:

• silodosin (Rapaflo)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen and aspirin
• glycosaminoglycan (chondroitin sulfate)
• muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine and clonazepam
• neuromodulators

Alternative treatments

Some people may find benefits from:

• warm baths or prostatic massage
• heat therapy from hot water bottles or heating pads
• Kegel exercises, to help train the bladder
• myofascial release, to help relax soft tissues in the lower back
• relaxation exercises
• acupuncture
• biofeedback

Always talk to your doctor before trying complementary or alternative medicine. Treatments like supplements and herbs may interact with medications you’re already taking.

Read more: Kegel exercises for men »

It’s important to take all the medication your doctor prescribes to eliminate the bacteria. But bacterial prostatitis may recur, even with antibiotics. This may be because the antibiotics aren’t effective or don’t destroy all the bacteria.

You may need to take medications for a longer period or try different ones. Ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist, like a urologist, if you have recurring prostatitis. They can test to determine the specific bacteria causing the infection. To gather this information, your doctor will remove fluid from your prostate. After identifying the bacteria, your doctor may prescribe different medications.

In the case of an infection, bacterial prostatitis will clear up with proper treatment. Chronic prostatitis may require several different treatments.

Complications of acute prostatitis include:

• bacteria in the bloodstream
• formation of abscess
• inability to urinate
• sepsis
• death, in extreme cases

Complications of chronic prostatitis may include:

• difficulty urinating
• sexual dysfunction
• chronic pelvic pain
• chronic pain with urination

It’s possible to have elevated PSA levels with a prostate infection. Levels typically return to a normal range within one to three months. Follow up with your doctor after completing treatment. If your levels don’t decrease, your doctor may recommend a longer course of antibiotics or a prostate biopsy to look for prostate cancer.

Prostate infections, even chronic ones, have nothing to do with prostate cancer. Nor do they increase your risk for prostate cancer. A prostate infection is also not contagious or caused by your partner. You can continue to have sexual relations as long as you’re not experiencing discomfort.

Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms of a prostate infection. These may include discomfort when urinating or pain around the groin or lower back. It’s best to get an early diagnosis so you can start treatment. In some cases, such as an acute bacterial prostatitis, early treatment is important for your outlook.

treatment of prostatitis symptoms and signs

Table of contents

Prostatitis is a disease associated with inflammation of the prostate gland. It can develop in men of any age, wear a chronic or acute course. There are problems in diagnosis, so often patients seek help from a doctor when prostatitis is in advanced form and traditional treatment does not help. The danger lies in the high probability of developing prostate cancer and complete infertility.

If prostatitis is diagnosed in time, then the treatment lasts only 2 weeks, after which the man will only need to follow the doctor’s recommendations and periodically undergo a follow-up examination. In this case, there will be no complications after the inflammation of the prostate – the reproductive abilities are preserved in full, even if the prostatitis proceeded with acute symptoms.

Prostatitis does not develop “from scratch”, the cause of the onset of the inflammatory process is Escherichia coli, mycoplasmas, streptococci, staphylococci, Trichomonas and other pyogenic microorganisms. Their peculiarity lies in the very rapid reproduction and rapid destruction of prostate tissues. The main causes of the disease are:

• any inflammatory diseases of the urinary system – cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis;
• chronic stool disorders – in particular, constipation, in which men have a need to push hard and prostatitis develops as an organ’s response to pressure;
• infections from distant foci – severe forms of tonsillitis, pneumonia, influenza, when prostatitis is directly related to the penetration of infectious agents into the tissues of the gland;
• frequent hypothermia or, conversely, overheating – may be associated with the peculiarities of labor activity;
• lack of regular sexual life, hypodynamia – prostatitis provokes stagnation of secretion in the tissues of the prostate gland, more often it is the cause of prostatitis in a 40-year-old man;
• weakened immune system due to serious hormonal disorders;
• sexually transmitted infections – gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia;
• frequent urinary retention – an enlarged bladder puts a lot of pressure on the prostate gland;
• injuries in the pelvic area.

Most often, prostatitis develops after infection enters the prostate tissue through the urethra, much less often it occurs through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Prostatitis has one very important provoking factor – a general weakening of the immune system, if it happened as the body’s response to stress, constant fatigue, nervous exhaustion, emotional “outbursts”.

Men should have a regular sexual life and make their lifestyle active. Otherwise, stagnation of secretion occurs in the tissues of the prostate gland, which is an ideal environment for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms – prostatitis develops rapidly. Inevitably, prostate cells experience oxygen starvation, which only increases the chances that prostatitis will go beyond the organ – inflammation will also affect nearby organs.

Types of prostatitis in men, features of the course

Depending on the cause of origin, there are several types of prostatitis:

• bacterial prostatitis – begins against the background of penetration into the tissues of the prostate infection, the diagnosis of this type of prostatitis occurs more often in young and older men;
• congestive prostatitis – caused by a sedentary lifestyle, lack of regular sexual activity in men and injuries of the small pelvis, often accompanied by infection and then the prostatitis becomes a mixed type;
• calculous prostatitis – develops as a result of an untreated chronic form of the course of the disease, more often such prostatitis occurs in elderly men.

According to the form of the course, prostatitis is divided into acute and chronic. Diagnosis of the acute form of the disease is rare, treatment should be carried out only in a hospital, because prostatitis occurs with severe symptoms. Chronic prostatitis is characterized by a “sluggish” clinical picture, periodic remissions, a complete absence of specific symptoms and a rapid transformation into serious problems – the degeneration of healthy prostate cells into malignant ones, the cessation of secretion production, and a decrease in sperm secretion.

Symptoms and diagnosis of inflammation of the prostate gland

Symptoms directly depend on what type of prostatitis begins to develop in the tissues of the prostate gland:

• jet, “drip” urine output), acute pain in the perineum, poor general health;
• calculous prostatitis – weak or no erection, blood in the urine, such symptoms of prostatitis are more common in men 50 years and older;
• congestive prostatitis – discomfort in the perineum and testicles, partial or complete lack of erection, improper urination.

Prostatitis of the chronic form of the course is characterized by a “blurred” clinical picture, all symptoms are unexpressed and may disturb periodically. But if men develop pain in the groin and testicles within 2-3 months, the general body temperature rises, and sexual desire decreases, then this means that you need to see a doctor, confirm the diagnosis of “chronic prostatitis” and undergo treatment. It is worth knowing the following nuances:

• symptoms of prostatitis in men at the age of 50 are a weakening of erection and a feeling of heaviness in the groin, but the pain syndrome may be completely absent;
• The symptoms of prostatitis in men at the age of 30 are always acute and the first sign is a violation of urination: an enlarged prostate compresses the bladder and men simply cannot go to the toilet;
• symptoms of prostatitis in men at the age of 60 may be absent – at this age, prostatitis is often chronic, but a complete lack of erection may be disturbing.

A doctor can prescribe an effective treatment only after diagnosing the disease – prostatitis often has symptoms of other diseases of the genitourinary system. Therefore, the patient’s complaints alone are not enough to make a diagnosis; the following are prescribed:

• rectal examination;
• laboratory examination of prostate secretions;
• test for detection/denial of sexually transmitted infections;
• prostate ultrasound;
• Computed tomography of the organ.

Ultrasound examinations of the pelvic organs and scrotum may be prescribed as additional examinations. It may be necessary to involve narrow specialists to exclude or confirm concomitant diseases.

Treatment – general principles, course duration

The symptoms of prostatitis in a man and his treatment are directly related, because when prescribing therapy, the doctor must first of all alleviate the general condition of the patient. In men, severe pain is often present, which means that treatment should begin with painkillers. How to treat prostatitis is determined by a urologist or andrologist and the following medications will most often be prescribed:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and diuretics – prostatitis is manifested by a violation of the urinary process;
• antispasmodics and muscle relaxants – prostatitis is accompanied by severe pain in the groin;
• prostate supportive and alpha blockers.

Is there a cure for lack of erection due to prostatitis? Yes, with such complaints, the doctor prescribes specific drugs that improve the blood supply to the penis and cleanse the vessels of the prostate gland from toxins and toxins. If the symptoms of prostatitis are detected in men aged 40, then additional drugs to restore erection will not be needed – as soon as the inflammatory process stops, all sexual abilities will be restored. But if venereal diseases (sexually transmitted infections) became the cause of prostatitis in men of 30 years old, then additional treatment and the identified infection will be necessary to restore sexual activity.

The best treatment is complex and therefore, in order to stop prostatitis as soon as possible, you need to follow some doctor’s recommendations: on the organ and reduce its swelling;

As soon as the signs of the disease become less pronounced, it will be necessary to restore sexual activity. Prostatitis will be cured much faster if regular drainage of the prostate gland is ensured and even a slight stagnation of secretion in its tissues is not allowed.

If drug treatment does not give positive results, prostatitis occurs in a chronic form with frequent relapses, then this is a reason for surgical intervention. The operation can be of two types:

• transurethral resection – the surgeon removes prostate tissue affected by prostatitis;
• prostatectomy – prostatitis poses a real danger to a man’s life, so he is completely removed both the prostate and the seminal vesicles with adjacent tissues.

Operations are not carried out at a young age, because this can lead to complete infertility – prostatitis is treated with therapeutic methods, physiotherapy procedures can be prescribed in addition to medications. How much prostatitis will be treated depends on the stage and form of the disease, the degree of neglect. Usually the treatment lasts 2 weeks, but this figure is very average.

It is possible to cure prostatitis completely, it is only important to consult a doctor in time. Treatment should be prescribed individually, alternative methods will absolutely not help to stop prostatitis, but they can bring the onset of complications closer.

Branches and departments where prostatitis is treated

• 3rd urological department S.A. Maslov

• Department of urolithiasis and endoscopic urology, Head – S.A. Prokhorov

Prostatitis in men. Types, symptoms and effects

What kind of disease is prostatitis, and what are the first symptoms it causes, every man should know. Prostatitis is a common urological pathology in which inflammatory processes progress in the prostate gland. Basically, the disease is diagnosed in men over the age of 35 – 40 years. Predisposing factors contributing to the onset of the disease are reduced immunity, an inactive lifestyle, the abuse of bad habits, and malnutrition. A doctor called a urologist deals with the diagnosis and treatment of pathology. It is to him that you need to sign up for a consultation if you are concerned about the characteristic symptoms. It is important for any man to remember that the earlier the disease is diagnosed and its treatment is started, the greater the chances for a full recovery and recovery. The lack of timely therapy threatens with serious consequences, up to male infertility and prostate cancer. Professional urologists work in the Medial multidisciplinary medical clinic, who will quickly establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most effective treatment regimen, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body.

Essence of pathology

Inflammation of the prostate gland is called prostatitis. The prostate is the male organ responsible for producing a secret that maintains normal sperm activity. In most cases, the disease is infectious in nature. Infection can occur through the urethra, blood or lymph flow, when the infection moves throughout the body from distant inflammatory foci. Microorganisms that can provoke an inflammatory complication:

• Escherichia coli;
• staphylococci;
• enterococci;
• proteas;
• Klebsiella etc.

All these microscopic organisms are conditionally pathogenic microflora, the active vital activity of which is suppressed by the human immune system. But as soon as the immune system is weakened, under the influence of predisposing factors, the infection is activated, causing inflammation in the tissues of the gland.

Depending on the nature of the course, there are such forms of prostatitis:

• acute;
• chronic.

Acute is characterized by pronounced symptoms, with timely seeking medical help, it is successfully cured. The chronic type of pathology occurs due to inadequate or untimely treatment of the acute form. The disease is characterized by recurrent infection, which is manifested by blurred symptoms. Chronic prostatitis cannot be completely cured, but properly selected therapy and preventive measures help prolong remission.

Reasons

The key causes of prostatitis are reduced immunity, untreated urological and venereal infections. Inflammation often occurs against the background of a bacterial infection, which, with the proper functioning of the immune system, is in a latent state. But as soon as the immune system weakens, pathogens become active, causing inflammation of the prostate tissues.

What causes prostatitis:

• Hypothermia. Hypothermia causes stress in the body, contributes to vasospasm, circulatory disorders, and a decrease in immunity.
• Inactive lifestyle. With a sedentary lifestyle, the blood supply to the pelvic organs worsens, which leads to stagnation and the development of inflammation in them.
• Chronic constipation. Hardened stools, which lie in the intestines for a long time, put pressure on the gland, disrupting microcirculation. This creates favorable conditions for the life of pathogenic microflora.
• Injuries. Traumatic damage to the prostate contributes to the deterioration of blood flow and a decrease in local immunity.
• Overweight. Overweight people move little, because of which blood circulation in the internal organs worsens. Stagnant processes lead to swelling and inflammation of the tissues of the prostate gland.
• Violation of the rhythm of sexual activity. Prostatitis can cause both too active sex life and prolonged abstinence.
• Presence of chronic pathologies. Any focus of chronic infection can be potentially dangerous for the prostate and can cause inflammation.
• Conditions that contribute to the suppression of the immune system. The general condition of the body is negatively affected by chronic stress, overwork, regular lack of sleep, and physical overload.

Types of prostatitis

Symptoms of prostatitis depend on its type and nature of the course. There are several types of the disease, each of which has its own characteristics.

Bacterial

The main cause of the occurrence is a bacterial infection that develops against a background of weakened immunity. Bacterial prostatitis is:

• sharp;
• chronic.

In an acute course, pronounced prostatitis syndromes are disturbing:

• sudden rise in temperature;
• urination disorder;
• pain, discomfort in the perineum;
• purulent, bloody inclusions in the urine;
• deterioration in general well-being.

In a chronic course, the symptoms are blurred and manifest weakly. But in the case of relapse, the signs in intensity resemble an acute process.

Calculous

This type of pathology is mainly diagnosed in men over 55 years of age. An inflammatory complication develops against the background of the formation of stones in the tissues of the prostate. Most often, stones are formed due to improper treatment of chronic prostatitis. Another common underlying cause is untreated urolithiasis.

Characteristic signs of calculous prostatitis:

• urination disorder;
• hematuria;
• weakening of erection.

Stagnant

It develops against the background of chronic prostatitis and is associated with impaired microcirculation in the pelvic organs. Also, the stagnant form can manifest itself with a long absence of sexual intercourse, which leads to stagnation of secretions in the gland.

Typical symptoms of congestive prostatitis:

• urinary problems;
• discomfort in the groin and testicles;
• erectile dysfunction.

Purulent

Purulent prostatitis develops against the background of an acute form of the disease, the treatment of which is incorrect or completely absent. Pathology is characterized by a significant increase in body temperature, impaired urination, the presence of purulent inclusions in the urine, acute pain in the groin and perineum. If treatment is not started immediately, there is a high probability of developing an abscess and blood poisoning, which can lead to the death of the patient.

Symptoms

Symptoms and treatment of prostatitis depend on the stage of its progression:

• catarrhal. At this stage, the patient complains of frequent urination, pain when going to the toilet, discomfort in the perineum during physical activity.
• Follicular. The pain symptom becomes more pronounced, disturbs even at rest, can be given to the lower abdomen, lower back. The process of urination is disturbed, the liquid flows out in a thin stream, sometimes urinary retention occurs.
• Parenchymal. The advanced stage, in which general intoxication of the body develops, the body temperature rises significantly, unbearable pain in the perineum disturbs, problems with urination become more pronounced.

Pain syndrome

There are no pain receptors in the prostate, but the pain syndrome occurs due to an increase in the gland in size and irritation of nearby nerve fibers. The more neglected the disease, the more severe the pain worries the person. The pain syndrome can change intensity during sexual abstinence or increased sexual activity. Discomfort spreads to the lower abdomen, lumbar region, perineum, scrotum.

Dysuric syndrome

With inflammation, the prostate increases in size and begins to put pressure on the ureters, due to which their lumen gradually decreases. The patient begins to worry about frequent urination, and after visiting the restroom there is a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.

Sexual deviations

In the initial stages of the development of pathology, a man may be disturbed by frequent erections or, conversely, the lack of sexual arousal. Accelerated ejaculation is explained by a decrease in the sensitivity threshold of the excitation center. If you do not start treatment of prostatitis at the initial stages, complications develop that lead to impotence and infertility.

Diagnostics

If you have characteristic symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis is carried out by a urologist. It is to him that a man should sign up for an initial appointment. During the examination, the doctor will ask about disturbing symptoms, complaints, collect an anamnesis, and conduct a rectal examination of the prostate gland. To confirm the diagnosis, the urologist will give a referral for an additional diagnostic examination, including the following procedures:

• clinical analysis of blood and urine;
• PCR study;
• uroflowmetry;
• gland secretion examination;
• Ultrasound of the prostate;
• CT or MRI.

Treatment

The treatment regimen is determined taking into account the nature of the course and the degree of neglect of the pathology. If the patient’s condition is serious, the doctor decides on hospitalization. Otherwise, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. The patient must strictly follow the instructions of the urologist, adhere to the treatment plan and not self-medicate.

Medical therapy

Antibiotics will help to stop the inflammatory process and destroy the pathogenic microflora. If prostatitis is provoked by viruses or fungi, the antibacterial therapy regimen is supplemented with the appropriate groups of drugs.

To eliminate pathological symptoms, the following groups of drugs are additionally prescribed:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• painkillers;
• muscle relaxants;
• antispasmodics;
• alpha blockers;
• diuretics;
• drugs that normalize the function of the prostate gland.

If a man complains about problems with potency and sexual dysfunction, the doctor prescribes drugs that stimulate blood circulation in the genitals and restore erection.

Supportive care

The effect of drug therapy will be enhanced by supportive measures, including the following rules:

• Drinking the required amount of fluid – at least 1.5 – 2 liters per day.
• Compliance with bed rest.
• Warm therapeutic baths.
• Compliance with a sparing diet, during which salty, spicy, fatty foods, alcohol, coffee, acidic drinks are excluded from the diet.

The patient’s condition is favorably affected by regular sex life, which provides drainage of the prostate and prevents stagnation of the secret.

Surgery

If conservative treatment does not bring the desired effect, the doctor decides to perform a surgical operation. In modern urology, such surgical methods for the treatment of prostatitis are practiced:

• Transurethral resection (TUR). During the operation, the surgeon removes all the affected tissue of the gland.
• Prostatectomy. It involves the removal of the prostate, adjacent tissues, seminal vesicles.

Surgery is not performed on young men, because any of the operations can cause infertility.

Folk remedies

In addition to complex drug therapy, alternative medicine can be used. The treatment regimen must be agreed with the doctor. Self-medication is unacceptable.

To combat inflammation and disturbing symptoms, medicinal herbs are used that are rich in beneficial substances, elements that have a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. On the basis of medicinal herbs, infusions, tinctures, decoctions are prepared, which can be taken orally, make compresses and lotions, add to the bath.

For the treatment of prostatitis, the following herbs are used:

• sage;
• calendula;
• chamomile;
• licorice;
• yarrow;
• nettle;
• parsley;
• St. John’s wort;
• bearberry;
• rosemary;
• centaury;
• ginseng;
• sweet clover;
• chestnut.

In chronic prostatitis, bee propolis is widely used, which is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties and analgesic effect. Adherents of alternative medicine advise making candles from propolis, which are inserted into the rectum. The recipe is this:

1. Grind 20 g of propolis to a powder.
2. Combine the main component with 200 ml of alcohol and evaporate over low heat.
3. Add 2 g of cocoa butter to the resulting mass.
4. Form a candle from the finished composition.
5. The product is inserted into the rectum at night. Treatment is carried out in a course and lasts 1 month.

Consequences

Lack of proper treatment or self-medication can result in serious health problems. The spread of infection leads to the development of such negative consequences as:

• cystitis;
• pyelonephritis;
• vesiculitis;
• colliculitis and urethritis;
• epididymitis;
• prostate sclerosis.

Against the background of such complications, erectile and psychological disorders join. In severe cases, the disease can progress to chronic calculous prostatitis, causing an abscess and other life-threatening complications. Frequent relapses often cause the development of male infertility, adenoma and even prostate cancer.

Prevention

It is much easier to prevent prostatitis than to deal with the disease and its consequences. To prevent inflammation of the prostate or to prolong remission in the chronic form, such simple and affordable preventive measures will help:

• active lifestyle;
• control of proper nutrition and water regime;
• exclusion of bad habits;
• elimination of stress factors;
• hardening;
• observance of the basics of personal hygiene;
• normalization of body weight;
• timely and adequate treatment of infectious pathologies;
• regular, quality, protected sex;
• annual preventive visits to the urologist.