Chronic bacterial prostatitis is one of the most common types of disease. This form of the disease is characterized by a high incidence, and a lack of timely treatment can lead to a variety of disorders - sexual dysfunction and the development of prostatic hyperplasia. But what is the cause of the disease and what are the consequences if left untreated? Let's take a closer look at these issues.
What is bacterial prostatitis?
Chronic bacterial prostatitis occurs in 15-20% of people with the underlying disease. This disease is common in middle-aged men, as they still have a normal sex life and are quite likely to get harmful bacteria into their bodies. Harmful microorganisms suffering from this type of prostatitis fall directly into the area of the prostate gland, where they actively multiply and disrupt the function of an organ so important to a man.
However, inflammation can be promoted not only by the bacteria themselves but also by their metabolites.
Unlike other subtypes of the disease, bacterial chronic prostatitis has more pronounced symptoms, and microorganisms can spread not only inside the gland but beyond, disrupting the function of the bladder and other nearby organs.
Causes of the disease
The main causative agent of bacterial chronic prostatitis is bacteria that can enter the body both during intercourse and from the environment. Of the pathogenic microbes, the following should be noted:
- Chlamydia;
- Streptococcus;
- Staphylococcus;
- Klebsiella;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
- Trichomonas;
- Gonococcus;
- Enterobacteriaceae;
- Escherichia coli.
The most common cause of the disease is E. coli, as it is found in 80% of patients with prostatitis.
Individual factors and diseases can also exacerbate the course of the disease and trigger its development. There is a high probability of developing chronic prostatitis in a man who:
- He pursues an inactive lifestyle;
- suffers from pyelonephritis or cystitis;
- has weak immunity;
- Consumes alcoholic beverages and tobacco products;
- Often supercooled;
- Prone to stress;
- Suffering from constipation;
- She has an ugly sex life;
- Often comes in direct contact with sources of infection;
- have hormonal disorders;
- He has no normal intimate life.
It is worth noting that chronic prostatitis is usually preceded by its acute form, so the patient has some time to prevent the disease from developing. The cause of the permanent form is that the bacteria spread through the circulatory, lymphatic and other systems of the body, and as soon as the immune system is weakened, for example in the case of a cold, the prostate gland can become inflamed. , thereby causing inconvenience and many other consequences.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis are similar to other types. The patient may experience:
- Pain in the lower abdomen;
- The inflammatory process is accompanied by an increase in body temperature;
- Muscle fatigue and general weakening of the body are observed;
- Urination may be accompanied by pain;
- There are pains in the anus and rectum.
It is worth noting that in contrast to the acute form, the symptoms of chronic prostatitis are less pronounced. As the disease worsens, blood clots can be seen in the urine and the pain syndrome increases significantly.
If you do not pay attention to this symptom and do not see a doctor in time, the chances of complications are quite high in the following forms:
- Formation of purulent processes in the urogenital system;
- Prostate adenomas;
- Problems with the outflow of urine;
- Stone-like prostatitis;
- Infertility;
- Sexual dysfunction.
Similar complications can occur if inappropriate treatment or self-medication is prescribed without first consulting a doctor.
Diagnosis of the disease
Chronic bacterial prostatitis can be diagnosed by:
- General blood test - helps to determine the shift of the leukocyte formula to the left, which indicates the course of inflammatory processes in the body;
- routine urine test - determines the increase in the content of leukocytes and erythrocytes, which are produced to fight harmful microorganisms;
- Three glass urine samples - this analysis is similar to the usual one, only the changes in the 3 glass urine samples will be more noticeable;
- Analysis of prostate secretion - in the presence of bacterial prostatitis, specific protein fragments appear in secret;
- Uroflowmetry - observation of the patient to determine the daily amount of urine is usually performed by the patient in the hospital setting and the results of the calculations are reported to the treating physician.
Diagnostic methods are determined directly by a professional. It is not possible to make a diagnosis based on a classic examination and interview.
Treatment methods
In the treatment of bacterial prostatitis, a treatment is prescribed consisting of:
- Antibacterial drugs, the duration of admission is 1, 5-2 weeks;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - help relieve inflammation and relieve pain in the patient;
- Muscle relaxants - prescribed for severe pain that prevents the patient from emptying the bladder, relaxing the walls of the bladder.
An optional symptom of bacterial prostatitis is a depressive condition in which the patient is prescribed antidepressants. This helps reduce stress levels throughout the body, reducing the production of hormones that can negatively affect the course of the disease.
In addition, in the case of chronic bacterial prostatitis, physiotherapy courses are often prescribed, which may include one or more procedures:
- Electrophoresis - introduction of special drugs under special frequency electrical voltage;
- Ultrasound - activates the process of tissue regeneration, eliminates inflammation, prevents scarring and normalizes metabolism;
- Magnetotherapy - aims to normalize the circulatory process;
- Electrical stimulation of smooth muscles - allows congestion to be relieved, improves the movement of secretory secretions;
- Laser therapy - normalizes the performance of the prostate gland.
In some cases, prostate massage can also be used as a preventative measure to help relieve pain and improve organ function.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis has been increasingly observed in patients in recent years. This is primarily due to the increase in registrations of STDs, especially chlamydia and candidiasis. This type of disease can occur regardless of age, although it most often affects weaker middle-aged organisms.