Prostatitis: causes, symptoms, treatment with drugs and folk remedies

Prostatitis is an inflammatory process localized in the prostate gland.This pathology is quite common and is often diagnosed in men of reproductive age.The prostate (the second name for the prostate gland) is located under the bladder and partially surrounds the urinary tube (urethra).Therefore, even a slight dysfunction of this organ leads to disorders in the functioning of the genitourinary system.

Causes of the development of prostatitis

Prostatitis is classified as an inflammatory process, but this does not mean that it is caused exclusively by pathogenic microorganisms.Doctors (andrologists deal with diseases of the male reproductive system) identify several reasons for the development of the pathology in question:

1. Stagnation of blood in the pelvis.This refers to a violation of blood microcirculation in the prostate gland and nearby organs, which causes an enlargement of the organ.A violation can occur against the background of a sedentary lifestyle, obesity (it does not have to be critical) or in the postoperative period.
2. Infection of the genitourinary system.Very often, when examining a patient with prostatitis, doctors isolate gonococci, staphylococci, chlamydia and trichomonas.Very rarely, an infection can penetrate the prostate gland against the background of sore throat or flu: in this case, the inflammatory process in question is differentiated as a complication.
3. Regular injuries to the pelvic organs.For this reason, prostatitis develops in drivers: they constantly receive stress on the perineum, the prostate gland experiences tremors and vibrations.
4. Entry of bacteria through the biological fluids of the body.Every human body has colonies of bacteria living in the intestines and urethra.Under normal conditions they are absolutely harmless, and only under favorable conditions (weakened immunity, prolonged use of drugs, chronic diseases, human immunodeficiency virus) do they become pathogenic and cause inflammatory processes.These bacteria can enter the prostate gland through blood or lymph.

In addition, when diagnosing the inflammatory process in the prostate gland, factors that serve as provocateurs of the pathology can be considered:

• regular hypothermia - this may be due to the peculiarities of working conditions or ignorance of the rules of wearing clothes during specific periods of the year;
• disorders in the functioning of the endocrine system - excessive or insufficient production of male hormones, diagnosed diabetes mellitus;
• too active sexual life, as well as prolonged abstinence: the prostate gland is depleted;
• any chronic diseases: there are officially registered cases of the development of prostatitis against the background of bronchitis, caries, cystitis and untreated urological infections.

Symptoms of the inflammatory process

Andrologists distinguish between main and indirect signs of a developing inflammatory process in the prostate gland.The main symptoms are clearly expressed:

• urination becomes more frequent, regardless of the amount of fluids consumed;
• the immediate moment of urine outflow is painful, the man feels pain and burning in the urethra;
• body temperature increases (hyperemia) to critical levels.

To these symptoms is quickly added a burning sensation throughout the perineum and pain during bowel movements.

Indirect signs of the inflammatory process in the prostate gland are not so obvious, but men should not ignore them:

• ejaculation becomes too accelerated - the time of sexual intercourse is reduced;
• erection can be quite long during the night;
• decreased libido – partial or complete;
• White “flakes” or “strings” appear in the urine.

Note: These indirect signs indicate the beginning of the development of the inflammatory process in question: it is highly treatable and proceeds without complications.

Prostatitis is classified into acute and chronic forms, each of which has its own symptoms.

Acute form of prostatitis

Acute prostatitis always begins suddenly and manifests itself:

• increase in temperature;
• prolonged pain in the perineum;
• frequent need to go to the bathroom;
• passing a very small amount of urine when the bladder feels full.

Note: The most dangerous condition in the acute form of inflammation of the prostate is urinary retention.In this case, the man will experience a strong desire to go to the toilet, but urine will not be released even with strong effort.Acute urinary retention is accompanied by severe pain in the area of \u200b\u200bthe anatomical location of the bladder, a feeling of pressure: patients describe their condition as "the bladder is about to burst."The condition requires immediate medical attention, which consists of the use of a catheter: it is inserted into the urethra and bladder, literally “pushing apart” the swollen gland.As soon as the catheter reaches the bladder, the outflow of urine begins and the patient immediately feels relief, his condition returns to normal for a short time.

Chronic form of prostatitis

This type of pathology in question is practically asymptomatic - occasionally a man feels short-term pain in the perineum (similar to low back pain), notices changes in sexual intercourse - it can lengthen or shorten.In addition, the patient becomes irritable, sleep becomes restless at night, the flow of urine may become weak (this is due to narrowing of the urinary canal), and in the morning white clots may appear in the urine in the form of flakes or threads.

Note: the chronic form of the inflammatory process in the prostate gland can develop unnoticed by the patient.The fact is that at a young age acute prostatitis manifests itself with mild symptoms, and if a young man is addicted to alcohol or is too passionate about his work, he does not have time to pay attention to changes in urination or periodic pain in the perineum.The symptoms of acute prostatitis disappear over time, but this does not mean that the disease has regressed: it has simply become chronic.

Treatment methods for prostatitis

Treatment of the inflammatory process in the prostate gland should be carried out only under the supervision of an andrologist.It not only diagnoses prostatitis itself (often its symptoms are identical to prostate cancer), but also reveals the true cause of its occurrence.In general, different therapeutic methods can be used to treat inflammation of the prostate.

Pharmacological treatment

For prostatitis, antibacterial agents (antibiotics) can be prescribed, but only if during the examination pathogenic bacteria were isolated and recognized as the cause of the development of the pathology.Along with antibiotics, the patient is prescribed probiotics or prebiotics - drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora and resist the development of pathological processes in it.

If the inflammatory process began due to the negative impact of external factors (hypothermia, injury), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will be prescribed.

In case of hormonal disorders, a man must undergo a course of hormone therapy.

Note: treatment with drugs is very variable, so it must be selected on an individual basis - self-medication in this case is strictly prohibited.

Physiotherapy

Treatment of inflammation of the prostate gland must be carried out comprehensively.And against the background of the use of drugs, some physical procedures will be effective:

1. Electrical stimulation accelerates metabolic processes, causes more active hormone production and restores the structure of the gland.
2. Magnetic therapy is a painless procedure that helps reduce the level of inflammation and eliminate swelling in the prostate gland.
3. Prostate massage - performed only after treatment of acute inflammation;the procedure is painful, but very effective.

Traditional medicine

Note: Recipes from the category of traditional medicine should not become the only method of treatment - they can only speed up the therapeutic process and enhance the effect of taking medications and performing physical procedures.

The most effective and safe methods of traditional treatment include:

1. Eating pumpkin seeds.They contain zinc, which is an essential element for men's health, so with prostatitis it is necessary to eat 30 raw seeds 30 minutes before meals during the entire course of therapy.
2. Pumpkin and honey balls.Peel 100 grams of raw pumpkin seeds, grind them in a meat grinder (or in a blender, but not into fine crumbs) and mix with 200 grams of honey.Roll small balls from the resulting mass and store them in the refrigerator.Before eating (30 minutes before) you need to eat 1-2 balls: it is not necessary to chew them, it is better to dissolve them slowly.Treatment with this prescription continues until the symptoms of prostatitis disappear.
3. Decoction of hazelnut leaves.You can collect the hazelnut leaves yourself, or you can buy the dry raw materials at the pharmacy;there is one glass of boiling water per tablespoon of original material.The decoction is prepared like a normal tea for 20 minutes, filtered and taken 50 ml at least 4 times a day.Note: Hazel bark is also sold in pharmacies - it can also be used in the treatment of prostatitis and according to the same prescription.But keep in mind that for the bark the preparation time is doubled.
4. Parsley juice.Prepare it from the green leaves of the plant and take 1 dessert spoon 3 times a day before meals.
5. Parsley seed decoction.You need to take 1 tablespoon of parsley seeds, pour 400 ml of boiling water and leave for 2 hours (you can do this in a thermos).You need to take the decoction every day in the morning and evening in the amount of 1 tablespoon.

In any case, no matter how safe the remedy may seem, you should consult your doctor first.For example, if a man, in addition to prostatitis, has cholelithiasis, then the use of pumpkin seeds is strictly prohibited for him: any prescription is carried out on a strictly individual basis.

Diet and lifestyle

To achieve the best result during therapeutic measures in relation to prostatitis, it is necessary to follow a certain diet.You should exclude fatty meats, smoked and too salty foods, baked goods and chocolate from your diet.The menu may include fish and seafood, milk and its derivatives, steamed vegetables.It is very useful for prostatitis to consume freshly prepared fruit and vegetable juices - they will help strengthen and restore the immune system.

During therapy, it is necessary to eliminate alcohol and lead an active lifestyle: at least do morning exercises, walk more and get rid of extra pounds.

Prostatitis is not considered a life-threatening disease in men, but ignoring its symptoms can lead to the development of serious complications.One of the most difficult consequences is male infertility and loss of erectile function, which often occurs with prolonged chronic prostatitis.