Bacterial prostatitis is understood as an inflammatory process that can continue in acute or chronic form in the tissues of the prostate gland. The disease manifests itself in the groin area with severe pain, fever, signs of intoxication and therefore requires close attention of medical staff.
We will tell you what causes prostatitis, how it manifests itself and how it is treated.
Why does bacterial prostatitis occur?
According to research institutes, bacterial prostatitis affects sexually active men aged 25-50 years. The reason is the entry of pathogenic microflora into the genitourinary system from the mouth of the urethra.
The following types of pathogens are often found in the prostate gland:
- staphylococcus;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli;
- enterococci.
These organisms are considered opportunistic. They constantly live in a person's skin and mucous membranes and cause inflammation only under the influence of certain factors. According to urologists, the most likely causes of the disease are:
- Ignore the rules of personal hygiene.
- A man's desire for anal sex (in 80% of cases, acute bacterial prostatitis is caused by E. coli living in the rectum of a potential sexual partner).
- Incorrect or too frequent catheterization.
- Infiltration of infection from the bladder, urethra or testicles.
- Some diseases (including AIDS and diabetes).
- Disorders of urine flow.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
Under the influence of the vital activity of microorganisms, the consistency of prostate secretion is disturbed. In the body, stagnant processes begin, which become the cause of unpleasant symptoms. It also triggers an extensive inflammatory process, an increase in prostate size and other disorders.
The main symptoms of the disease
Bacterial prostatitis often has an acute course, because the symptoms begin unexpectedly for men, develop rapidly and have different manifestations. Depending on the type of pathogen, the age of the pathological process and the state of the immune system, a man may complain of the following problems:
- Rise in body temperature to 39 degrees, fever and chills.
- Acute pain in the groin or lower abdomen. It can give to the testicles, hip joints, anus.
- Do not urinate often, especially at night. Almost always a man pays attention to the burning sensation on the head of the penis. Acute urinary retention may begin as the disease progresses or an adenoma develops.
- Painful sensations in the anal region, often constipation.
- Flu-like symptoms - pain in muscles and joints, general weakness.
If bacterial prostatitis is caused by STIs, there may be a different colored discharge from the penis, often with an unpleasant odor. In this case, we are probably talking about urethroprostatitis.
The intensity of symptoms depends mainly on the stage of the inflammatory process. Thus, with the parenchymal form, the temperature can rise to 40 degrees and the pain becomes paroxysmal, and painkillers can not help.
Methods of diagnosing the disease
The doctor makes an initial diagnosis based on a man's complaints and medical history - information about lifestyle, existing chronic diseases, history and conditions of the first symptoms. To determine the type of pathogen, the patient is sent to the urine delivery for bacteriological analysis. If the disease is chronic, it is possible to collect prostate secretions for research.
The following types of laboratory diagnostics can also be used:
- PCR research;
- general and biochemical blood test;
- Blood test for PSA.
Rectal palpation of the prostate gland is not performed in the acute form. If there is no fever and the man is not worried about severe pain, the doctor can touch the prostate with his finger from the wall of the rectum and determine its approximate size, shape and consistency.
The diagnosis is confirmed or denied by TRUS results. This is an ultrasound examination in which a transducer is inserted into the patient's rectum. As a result, they get a clear picture of changes in the tissues of the body, the localization of the inflammatory process. To rule out cancer, especially in suspected cases, they may send you for an MRI or CT scan for a prostate biopsy.
How to treat bacterial prostatitis
Bacterial prostatitis cannot be treated without antibiotics. Folk remedies will only have a short-term effect, the pathogen will remain in the body and can cause various complications. And there is no best antibiotic, a man should keep this in mind. The choice of drug depends on the type of pathogen, as well as the functioning of the patient's organs and systems.
Antibiotics can be taken for up to two months according to standard treatment regimens. However, the exact dose, course duration and frequency of administration are selected individually, taking into account various indicators of health status.
In addition to antibiotic therapy, doctors prescribe strengthening treatments. Vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed for this purpose, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are selected, and in some cases immunomodulators are prescribed. Antipyretics and painkillers are also prescribed. If you have a problem with urinary excretion with bacterial prostatitis, doctors may place a catheter.
You should follow bed rest throughout the course and protect yourself from stress and anxiety.
Use of suppositories for bacterial prostatitis
Various rectal suppositories can be prescribed locally to combat prostatitis. They cannot cure bacterial prostatitis, but they will significantly alleviate the patient's condition.
Urologists often prescribe:
- suppository with papaverine - relieves pain and improves blood microcirculation;
- propolis candles - improve the functioning of the immune system, eliminate edema, help reduce pain;
There is no information on the effectiveness of magnetic candles with barium ferrite. This method of treatment is not used in traditional medicine.
In acute bacterial prostatitis, prostate massage and any activity based on warming are prohibited.
If the treatment tactics are chosen correctly and the man is not self-medicating, the prognosis is favorable. Otherwise, the disease may become chronic or develop certain diseases.
What complications can occur
Complications of bacterial prostatitis can occur when a man does not see a doctor for a long time or does not receive specialized care. Outcomes vary from sepsis to death.
The following diseases often occur against the background of an untreated disease:
- pyelonephritis;
- cystitis;
- prostate abscess.
In some cases, erectile dysfunction or infertility may develop. A man with bacterial prostatitis should be treated in an inpatient department to prevent unwanted consequences.
Sexual intercourse with bacterial prostatitis
The likelihood of sexual intercourse with this form of inflammation of the prostate gland depends on which pathogen is the pathological cause and at what stage. If the perpetrator is CYBE, intimate contact is prohibited.
In the acute phase, a person does not have time for passionate pleasures. Unbearable pain, urinary incontinence, fever are often accompanied by a weak erection, as libido disappears. Chronic intimate life is possible, but only with the use of barrier contraception and after consulting a doctor.
Bacterial prostatitis can be dangerous for a woman - she is at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. The sick person must remember this.
The result
Bacterial prostatitis can be treated if it is chronic and the man does not consult a doctor in time and rely on dubious methods, pills and prescriptions. The chronic form is more difficult to respond to therapeutic effects, so a clinical examination will be required to monitor the health status.