What is bacterial prostatitis and how is the disease treated?

Sometimes men face a nasty illness like bacterial prostatitis. To start treatment on time, it is important to know by what signs the disease can be determined and what diagnoses and therapy will be needed.


Bacterial prostatitis is an infectious disease of the prostate. Symptoms of the disease include pain in the perineum, increased body temperature, body intoxication and other signs. Such a condition may require emergency hospitalization as it may pose a threat to the patient's health and life.

Forms of bacterial prostatitis

Depending on the course and symptoms manifested, bacterial prostatitis is divided into two forms - acute and chronic.

Focused

The acute form manifests unexpectedly and is accompanied by several unpleasant symptoms. The acute form of bacterial prostatitis requires immediate medical attention. This pathological process is caused by Escherichia coli, staphylococci, enterobacteria.

Acute prostatitis is easily diagnosed through laboratory tests. Severe symptoms and clinical picture allow an accurate diagnosis. Treat this form of prostatitis in a complex way, using medications and physical therapy.

Chronicle

Chronic bacterial prostatitis has a pathogenic pathogen that can be determined through laboratory tests and studies. The main pathogens are gonococci, chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma. The inflammatory process can also be caused by tuberculosis bacteria or Candida fungi, if the man is infected with HIV.

Types of bacterial prostatitis

Bacterial prostatitis is classified by the type of pathogen:

  • tuberculous (Koch's bacillus);
  • gonorrhea (gonococcus);
  • fungi (various types of fungi);
  • chlamydia (chlamydia);
  • viral (herpes causing agents, human papillomavirus, influenza);
  • mixed (several different infections).

It is possible to determine the exact causative agent only under laboratory conditions, as the symptoms are the same for everyone.

Causes and risk factors

Bacteria enter the prostate, causing acute or chronic prostatitis. Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause this disease. In some cases, the cause cannot be determined.

causative agentsbacterial prostatitis are considered:

  • colibacillus;
  • klebsiella;
  • Proteus;
  • fecal enterococci;
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Possiblemicrobiological reasonsprostatitis are:

  • staphylococci (saprophytic, golden, epidermal);
  • genital mycoplasma;
  • chlamydia trachomatis;
  • ureaplasm;
  • Trichomonas.

FORrisk factorsprostate infection with the subsequent development of the inflammatory process in the form of one or another form of bacterial prostatitis are:

  • intraprostatic reflux (reflux of urine into the prostate ducts during urination);
  • pelvic injury;
  • unprotected anal sex;
  • urinary tract infections;
  • having an indwelling urethral catheter or intermittent bladder catheterization;
  • transurethral diagnosis and therapeutic interventions;
  • HIV AIDS;
  • previous prostate biopsy.

Bacterial Prostatitis Symptoms

Usually, in bacterial prostatitis, the symptoms are so pronounced that it's hard not to pay attention to them. Signs of illness include:

  • elevated body temperature (in the anus is usually higher than in the armpits);
  • fever and chills;
  • difficult and painful urination, especially at night;
  • possible development of constipation due to prostate enlargement;
  • lower body pain (lower back, perineum, lower abdomen);
  • general body intoxication;
  • secretion from the urethra and blood in the semen.
A man with bacterial prostatitis needs treatment

Stages of bacterial prostatitis

The clinical picture of bacterial prostatitis manifests itself depending on the stage of the disease and the degree of involvement of the prostate tissue in the inflammatory process. Shared:

  • Primary or catarrhal prostatitis.It is characterized by inflammation of the walls of the prostate. It is perfectly possible to cure it with antibiotics in 10 days.
  • Secondary or follicular.It is characterized by the formation of abscesses in glandular tissue. It is accompanied by a high fever. This form is also effectively treated with antibacterial medications.
  • Tertiary or parenchymal.The pathological process at this stage extends to the entire organ - the prostate enlarges, swells and changes shape. If you don't get the treatment right, the tertiary stage can progress to chronic prostatitis.
  • Possible complications and consequences for men

    The consequences and complications of bacterial prostatitis include:

    • vesiculitis (inflammation of the seminal vesicles) - manifested by groin pain, premature ejaculation, painful erection;
    • colliculitis (inflammation of the seminal tubercle) - differs in several symptoms - burning and tickling in the posterior urethra, painful sensations during orgasm, blood in the semen;
    • power violation;
    • prostate sclerosis;
    • infertility;
    • prostate cyst;
    • prostate abscess;
    • stones in the prostate.

    Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is one of the most serious consequences of chronic prostatitis.

    Asymptomatic inflammation is the mildest form in terms of absence of complaints. This type of prostatitis is diagnosed with the development of complications of the reproductive function.

    Is bacterial prostatitis dangerous for women?

    Prostatitis in women does not occur, but its severe consequences are common. If a man is affected by bacterial prostatitis, it is simply irresponsible to say that the woman is not in danger: Chlamydia, Ureaplasma, Trichomonas, Mycoplasma, Gonococcus, Gardnerela and other infections she receives from a partner pose a serious danger to the woman and lead to development of various gynecological diseases.

    Which doctor are you treating?

    urologistis considered the main specialist who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the genitourinary system.

    Andrologist.Although andrology belongs to a very young branch of medicine, specialists in the field are gradually taking its place in the treatment of diseases of the male genitourinary system. The advantage of this doctor is his narrow focus. Unlike a urologist who treats diseases of the male and female genitourinary system, the andrologist specializes exclusively in male problems.

    Diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis

    If bacterial prostatitis is suspected, several tests are performed, including:

    • scrapes and swabs for infection;
    • crops for flora and antibiotic sensitivity;
    • a general blood test helps detect the inflammatory process, when there is an increase in the number of white blood cells, an increase in ESR;
    • sperm count, which examines a decrease in the number of sperm, a violation of their mobility;
    • three-glass urine sample (studies inflammatory changes in urine);
    • general urine analysis;
    • analysis of prostate secretion;
    • uroflowmetry - observation of the daily amount of urine.

    Your doctor will be able to assess how much your prostate is dilated by a digital rectal exam. To clarify the diagnosis, your doctor may refer you for a transrectal ultrasound.

    Treatment of bacterial prostatitis

    As therapy for bacterial prostatitis, medications, physiotherapy, folk remedies and, in severe cases, surgery are prescribed.

    drug treatment

    Medical treatment of prostatitis is carried out with several groups of medications. They can be antibiotics to neutralize the pathogen. However, they do not always help, since the prostate is characterized by malabsorption of antibiotics from the group of protected penicillins, the fluoroquinolones.

    The course of treatment is usually 10 to 14 days and should be completed without fail, as if bacterial prostatitis is not treated, it will recur. Vitamins and medications are also prescribed to strengthen the immune system.

    Taking Medications for Bacterial Prostatitis

    Surgical intervention

    The doctor proposes surgery for prostatitis if no results are achieved in treating a patient with medications, physical therapy, or alternative methods of treatment.

    The surgical intervention includes the following procedures:

  • Transurethral resection of the prostate.The inner part of the organ is removed. Surgery is the best and most commonly used endoscopic treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
    To perform this intervention, the patient undergoes a series of tests, including blood and urine tests. The operation is performed under spinal anesthesia, but general anesthesia can also be used. There are no scars after the operation. Among the disadvantages is pain when urinating in the first few days after the procedure.
  • Laser surgery.The laser destroys diseased tissue. At the same time, the size of the prostate shrinks and the vessels are "sealed" and do not bleed. The operation is performed without incisions and the postoperative period is only three days. Before the intervention, blood and urine tests are performed, urinary tract ultrasound and, as prescribed by the doctor, a prostate biopsy is performed.
    This method is not effective if the prostate volume is large.
  • Open prostatectomy.The operation is performed in cases where the prostate is greatly enlarged, in the presence of complications and in case of damage to the bladder.
    The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen or between the scrotum and anus. Any part of the prostate is removed or completely.
    Before the operation, ultrasound, MRI and cytoscopy are performed, as well as blood, urine and prostate-specific antigen tests.
    One of the advantages of the operation is its effectiveness in treating prostate and related problems. And of the disadvantages - a long post-operative recovery period (more than a month), as well as problems with erectile function.
  • Transurethral incision of the prostate.The doctor does not remove tissue from the prostate, but simply makes an incision to relieve pressure on the urethra, making it easier to urinate. Before the operation, blood and urine tests are performed, as well as an ultrasound of the urinary tract.
    Advantages of the procedure - Prostatitis symptoms are relieved without the risk of retrograde ejaculation, long-term recovery is not necessary. Deficiencies - prostatitis still needs to be treated.
  • Drainage of prostate abscess.The doctor opens the abscess through the perineum or rectum, dissecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue and introducing a drainage into the cavity with pus for removal.
    Before the operation, an appointment is made with a proctologist, blood and urine tests are done.
    The advantages of the operation include the absence of the risk of loss of sexual function. Disadvantages are that the abscess may not be completely removed and bacteria can spread throughout the body.
  • Prostatitis surgery in men is usually the last resort for chronic bacterial prostatitis associated with complications of any kind.

    Physiotherapy

    In the complex treatment of patients diagnosed with prostatitis, physical methods of influence are of great importance. As a result of the physiotherapy procedures, the following is improved:

    • blood flow;
    • lymphatic drainage, which contributes to the elimination of decomposition products from microorganisms;
    • blood and lymph circulation, where inflammatory infiltrates are resolved;
    • outflow of blood and lymph, which helps to reduce congestion in the pelvis;
    • metabolism;
    • cell membrane activity, which promotes the penetration of active drugs into the cell.

    Physical therapy for bacterial prostatitis includes the following methods:

  • Electrophoresis.Impact on the body with ions, which help to relieve inflammation and eliminate pain.
  • Laser Physiotherapy.Laser helps relieve perineal pain and improves blood flow to the pelvic organs. It kills bacteria and removes waste from harmful organisms.
  • Magnetotherapy.By performing this procedure, tissue permeability improves and the effectiveness of drug therapy increases significantly. Furthermore, with the help of magnetotherapy, hemodynamics and congestion are stopped.
  • Exercise for bacterial prostatitis

    Exercise for chronic prostatitis causes the muscles in the pelvic region to contract, which ensures a difference in intra-abdominal pressure. This promotes blood flow to the prostate. Exercise tones the nervous system, makes the adrenal glands work, and removes the residual effects of inflammatory diseases in the prostate.

    You can do the following exercises at home:

  • The man sits on a rubber ball and rolls from left to right, bouncing slightly. It helps to strengthen your pelvic floor and oblique muscles.
  • Kegel exercises. For 5 to 10 seconds, force your buttocks as much as possible, then relax your muscles. This exercise is performed 20-50 times.
  • Lying on your back, bend your knees and rest your heels on the floor. Slowly lift your pelvis, keeping your upper back flat on the floor. When the pelvis is at the top you need to freeze for 15 seconds and then return to the original position. The number of repetitions is 10-15 times.
  • doing a massage

    To achieve the result, exercises are performed every day, being also complemented with prostate massage, which can be performed either independently or with the help of special massagers.

    Prostate self-massage is performed as follows:

  • Drink a liter of water an hour before the procedure to fill your bladder.
  • Clean the intestines with an enema based on a potassium permanganate solution or chamomile infusion. The groin must be rinsed.
  • Hands should be washed well and nails trimmed short.
  • It is necessary to put a glove or condom on the finger that will be used for the massage.
  • The rubber surface of the protective layer is lubricated with petroleum jelly, grease or baby cream.
  • Lie down in a comfortable position and insert your finger into the anus to a depth of 5 cm.
  • On the front wall, you can feel the prostate and begin to stimulate it with light movements from the sides to the center.
  • In hard areas the pressure is gradually increased and in soft areas it is reduced.
  • In the final stage, caressing movements are made down along the central groove.
  • Gently pull your finger out of the anus.
  • Prostate Massage for Bacterial Prostatitis

    During the massage, 3 to 5 drops of liquid (prostate juice) should be released. Immediately after the massage, you need to go to the bathroom and empty your bladder.

    diet therapy

    In prostatitis, it is necessary to reduce the use of alcohol and cigarettes as much as possible. In addition, doctors recommend excluding from the diet:

    • fatty foods, in particular meat, since fat is a source of "bad" cholesterol, which disrupts blood circulation and negatively affects the prostate;
    • energy drinks and synthetics;
    • spices;
    • spicy and smoky.

    It is recommended to eat cooked and steamed foods, lots of vegetables and herbs.

    folk remedies

    Pumpkin seeds.Pumpkin seeds are an ancient remedy for prostatitis. They contain a lot of zinc, which the male body needs. You need to eat 30 seeds daily before meals.

    Hazelnut branches.Boil several hazelnut sprigs with leaves in water for 20 minutes, let it ferment until the broth turns a reddish-brown color. For healing, a weekly course is enough.

    Aspen Bark.Aspen bark should be collected very early in the sap flow period, before buds flower. It is approximately the second half of April. Dry the skin in the oven, take 100g, crush and place in a half-liter jar. Pour 200 g of vodka so that the skin is completely covered. Close the bottle and place it in a dark place for 2 weeks. Filter after 2 weeks. Take 1 teaspoon in three three-week courses with a 10-day break.

    Prognosis for bacterial prostatitis

    The prostatitis of bacterial origin depends on the stage and type of the disease. The duration of the disease also affects the prognosis - the longer the inflammation is sustained, the longer it takes to treat the complications of prostatitis.

    In acute prostatitis, the prognosis is favorable. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is often a recurrent form, even when conservative therapy is prescribed. With long-term treatment of the chronic form, changes in potency may occur.

    prevention measures

    Prevention of bacterial prostatitis can be divided into primary and secondary.

    Primary prevention of prostatitis:

    • healthy lifestyle;
    • Good nutrition;
    • play sports.

    Preventive measures at home are important - performing exercises that activate blood flow in ailing organs and improve muscle tone.

    Also, men should study Kegel exercises. They were developed for a woman's postpartum recovery, but are used to train a man's anal and rectum muscles.

    Gym exercises are useful: bicycle, birch, bridge, candles. They train your pelvic muscles. It is recommended to perform leg swings, apnea exercises and contrast bathing.

    Secondary prevention of prostatitis:

    • drug treatment;
    • regular examination by the urologist, regardless of the manifestations;
    • within a year of treatment, have quarterly exams thereafter - once every six months.

    For secondary prevention, rectal suppositories are used. They act through the rectum. These drugs usually have few contraindications. Also, to prevent the recurrence of bacterial prostatitis, biologically active drugs are prescribed.

    The sooner prostatitis is detected, the easier it will be to cure. So don't neglect regular visits to the doctor. After diagnosis, the doctor will select the appropriate medications and prescribe a course of therapy. If the disease progresses, taking your medications at the right time will quickly alleviate your symptoms and help you stay active and functional.