By bacterial prostatitis is meant an inflammatory process in the tissues of the prostate, which can occur in acute or chronic form. The disease manifests itself in severe pain, fever, and signs of intoxication in the lumbar region, so medical staff requires increased attention.
We will tell you what causes prostatitis, how it manifests and how it is treated.
Why does bacterial prostatitis occur?
According to research institutes, bacterial prostatitis affects sexually active men between the ages of 25 and 50. This is due to the entry of the pathogenic microflora into the urinary system through the mouth of the urethra.
The following types of pathogens are most commonly found in the prostate gland:
- staphylococcus;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli;
- enterococcus.
These organizations are considered opportunistic. They constantly inhabit a person’s skin and mucous membranes and only cause inflammation due to certain factors. Urologists have shown that the causes of the disease are most likely to be:
- Ignoring personal hygiene rules.
- A man has a passion for anal sex (in 80% of cases, acute bacterial prostatitis is caused by E. coli in the rectum of a potential sexual partner).
- Improper or too frequent catheterization.
- Infection from the bladder, urethra or testicles.
- Certain diseases (including AIDS and diabetes).
- Violation of urine output.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
As a result of the vital activity of microorganisms, the consistency of prostate secretion is disrupted. Stagnant processes begin in the body, which become the cause of unpleasant symptoms. In addition, this condition causes an extensive inflammatory process, an increase in prostate size, and other disorders.
The main symptoms of the disease
Bacterial prostatitis is often acute, as symptoms begin unexpectedly in men, develop rapidly, and have a variety of manifestations. Depending on the type of pathogen, the age of the pathological process and the condition of the immune system, a man may complain of the following problems:
- Rise in body temperature to 39 degrees, fever and chills.
- Sharp pain in the groin or lower abdomen. It can be given to the scrotum, hip joints, anus.
- Frequent urination, especially at night. The man almost always pays attention to the burning sensation of his penis. Acute urinary retention may begin as the disease progresses or adenoma develops.
- Painful sensations in the anal area, often constipation.
- Flu-like symptoms - muscle and joint pain, general weakness.
If bacterial prostatitis is caused by STIs, different colored secretions may appear from the penis, most often with an unpleasant odor. In this case, we may be talking about urethroprostatitis.
The intensity of the symptoms is highly dependent on the stage of the inflammatory process. So in parenchymal form, the temperature can rise to 40 degrees and the pain becomes paroxysmal while painkillers don’t help.
Methods of diagnosing the disease
The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis based on the man's complaints and medical history, such as lifestyle information, existing chronic illnesses, the time and conditions of the first symptoms. To clarify the type of pathogen, the patient is sent to the urine for bacteriological analysis. If the disease is chronic, it is possible to collect prostate secretion for research.
The following types of laboratory diagnostics can also be used:
- PCR research;
- general and biochemical blood tests;
- blood test for PSA.
In the acute form, rectal palpation of the prostate gland is not performed. If there is no fever and the man is not bothered by severe pain, the doctor can touch the prostate through the wall of the rectum, determine its approximate size, shape, and texture.
The diagnosis is confirmed or refuted by the results of TRUS. This is an ultrasound scan in which a transducer is inserted into a patient's rectum. As a result, they get a clear picture of the changes in the tissues of the organ, the localization of the inflammatory process. They may be sent for MRI or CT scan to rule out cancer, especially in cases of doubt for a prostate biopsy.
How to treat bacterial prostatitis
Bacterial prostatitis cannot be cured without antibiotics. Folk remedies have only a short-term effect, the pathogen remains in the body and can cause various complications. Also, there is no best antibiotic, a man should remember that. The choice of drug depends on the type of pathogen and the work of the patient's organs and systems.
Antibiotics can be taken according to the usual treatment regimen for up to two months. However, the exact dose, duration of treatment and frequency of dosing will be selected individually, taking into account different indicators of health status.
In addition to antibiotic therapy, doctors also provide strengthening treatments. To this end, vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are selected, and in some cases immunomodulators are prescribed. Antipyretics and painkillers are also prescribed. If you have urinary problems with bacterial prostatitis, doctors may place a catheter.
During the course, you should observe bed rest, take care of yourself against stress and anxiety.
Use of suppositories for bacterial prostatitis
Various rectal suppositories may be prescribed to combat inflammation of the prostate at the local level. They cannot cure bacterial prostatitis, but they significantly alleviate the patient's condition.
Most often, urologists prescribe:
- suppositories with papaverine - relieve pain and improve blood microcirculation;
- candles with propolis - improve the functioning of the immune system, eliminate edema, help reduce pain;
There is no information on the effectiveness of magnetic candles containing barium ferrite. This method of treatment is practically not used in traditional medicine.
In case of acute bacterial prostatitis, prostate massage and all activities based on warm-up are prohibited.
If the treatment tactics were chosen correctly and the man did not participate in self-medication, the prognosis is favorable. Otherwise, it is possible for the disease to become chronic or for certain diseases to develop.
What are the possible complications
Complications of bacterial prostatitis can occur if a man has not seen a doctor for a long time or if he has been given untrained help. The consequences are different, all the way to sepsis and death.
The most common causes of untreated disease are:
- pyelonephritis;
- cystitis;
- prostate abscess.
In some cases, erectile dysfunction or infertility may develop. To prevent unintended consequences, a man with bacterial prostatitis should be treated in an inpatient ward.
Sex with bacterial prostatitis
The possibility of sexual intercourse with this form of prostatitis depends on the pathogen caused by the pathology and the stage it is in. If the pathogen is STI, intimate communication is prohibited.
In the acute stage, one does not have time for the pleasures of love. Intolerable pain, urinary incontinence, fever are often associated with poor erections because libido disappears. In the case of a chronic form, an intimate life is possible, but using barrier-free contraception and after a medical consultation.
Bacterial prostatitis can be dangerous for a woman - she is at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. A sick person needs to remember this.
Conclusion
Bacterial prostatitis can be cured if it is chronic and the man has seen a doctor in time and does not rely on dubious methods, pills and prescriptions. The chronic form is more difficult to respond to therapeutic effects and will require clinical examination to monitor health.