Calcific prostatitis is a disease in which stony inclusions (or stones) form in the ducts of the prostate. It occurs as a result of chronic prostatitis. Stones are formed by lime salts, phosphates and prostate secretions. Patients of different age groups are faced with the problem: 30 - 40 years old (due to chronic prostatitis), 40 - 60 years old (due to prostate adenoma), from 60 years old (due to a deterioration in intimate function).
There are exogenous and endogenous types of stone. The composition of exogenous stones can be compared to those in the urinary tract. They can arise from prostatic adenoma and chronic inflammation and are most common in the distal parts of the prostate. The patient can live with endogenous stones for many years because they do not cause any discomfort, let alone pain. Its cause is congestive prostatitis. Symptoms and treatment of calcareous prostatitis require the attention of professionals.
Causes of calcific prostatitis
Chronic calcific prostatitis leads to inflammation and congestion of the prostate. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, absence of intimate contacts or their irregularity, as well as insufficient physical activity lead to incorrect emptying of the prostate. When infection of the genitourinary tract is observed in combination with these factors, the nature of prostate secretion gradually changes.
The disease can also be caused by urethro-prostatic reflux, in which a small amount of urine enters the prostate ducts when urinating from the urethra. The salts present in urine gradually turn into stones. Urethro-prostatic reflux occurs as a result of trauma to the urethra, as a result of transurethral resection of the prostate gland, urethral stricture. Urine can enter the prostate after changes that occur during surgical procedures on the genitals, the use of catheters, or the presence of stones in the kidneys or bladder. Stones are primarily composed of urate, oxalate and phosphate.
Chronic calcific prostatitis can affect reproductive function.
Symptoms of calcareous prostatitis
A sign of calcareous prostatitis is pain in the lower abdomen, perineum, testicles, sacrum and scrotum. The diameter and number of stones directly affect the intensity of the pain.
The pain often increases during and after sexual intercourse, after sitting on hard objects, while walking or due to vibrations. Aching pain can radiate into the penis and scrotum.
Signs of calcareous prostatitis may include the following phenomena:
- frequent urination;
- urinary incontinence;
- the appearance of a small amount of blood in the sperm;
- anaphrodisia;
- erectile dysfunction.
A month after the first symptoms appear, a disruption in the patient's general condition may occur: malaise, reduced performance, depression, irritability and a slight increase in temperature can be observed.
Diagnosis of calcific prostatitis
When examining a patient, a specialist can only assume that the patient is suffering from a disease. Ultrasound of the prostate, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography help to detect and confirm the diagnosis of calcareous prostatitis.
The next step is a series of laboratory tests that determine the presence of stones in the prostate, as well as the presence and degree of the inflammatory process. The following tests are most commonly needed:
- general urine test (confirmation is the presence of blood, a large number of leukocytes, proteins and epithelial cells);
- general blood test (increased ESR, increased leukocyte count);
- Spermogram (blood is observed, motility and sperm count decrease);
- Determination of the level of prostate-specific antigen for the purpose of detecting oncological tumors;
- Examination of prostate secretions (amyloid bodies, more leukocytes and epithelium are noted).
Later, during instrumental examination, certain signs allow confirming the diagnosis:
- You can find out whether there are stones directly in the prostate through an ultrasound examination;
- A CT scan of the prostate helps find out the location and determine the size;
- With magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate it is also possible to obtain information about how stones form.
Treatment of calcific prostatitis
Treatment of calcareous prostatitis is prescribed and carried out by a specialist; he uses surgery or medication.
When treating calcareous prostatitis, the doctor usually chooses a drug method, provided that the size of the stone is no more than 4 mm. The patient takes anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and drugs that normalize blood circulation, orally and by injection. Herbal medicines are also used. During drug treatment, constant monitoring by the treating doctor is important.
Physiotherapy is effective and in many cases facilitates the passage of stones. Magnetic field therapy, for example, is used successfully, as it significantly improves microcirculation in the blood and has a pain-relieving and calming effect. Ultrasound therapy is often prescribed, in which the emitter comes into contact with the skin through a special gel.
Drug electrophoresis, in which the drug is administered through the surface of the skin or mucous membrane using an electric current, shows good results. In this case, you will have to abandon prostate massage, in contrast to the treatment of chronic prostatitis, in which it is effectively used.
Relatively recently, low-frequency laser treatment of the prostate began to be used in combination with medications. With such therapy, the stones are gradually broken down and excreted in the urine.
For large stones, drug treatment does not bring results; To treat calcific prostatitis, surgical intervention is performed. The surgeon removes the stones through an incision in the perineum or suprapubic area.
Calcific prostatitis is often associated with BPH. In this option, prostatectomy, adenomectomy or TUR of the prostate is chosen.
Prostatectomy is the removal of the prostate gland, which is performed under general anesthesia. The seminal vesicles are also removed during the operation. The operation can be performed on the abdomen. The perineum or the anterior abdominal wall is prepared. After removal, stitches are applied.
It is also possible to operate with an endoscope by making several punctures in the abdominal cavity. In this case, rehabilitation occurs faster.
Adenomectomy is used for large adenomas. Access is through the abdominal cavity. The operation can cause a number of complications: bladder fistulas, infections of the urogenital organs, urinary incontinence, etc.
Transurethral resection of the prostate involves removing a hyperplastic area of the prostate through the urethra using a resectocystoscope. This surgery is less likely to cause side effects and the recovery period is shorter.
Proper nutrition is important not only for prevention, but also in the treatment of chronic calcific prostatitis. The diet is prescribed by the attending physician based on various criteria and factors. In principle, meat, fish and mushroom broths as well as sauces, spicy dishes, spices, garlic, onions and radishes are excluded from the daily diet. Limit consumption of legumes, cabbage, whole milk and other foods that promote bloating. The doctor recommends drinking plenty of fluids.
The earlier the patient sees a specialist, the better the prognosis for the treatment of this disease. If treatment of calcareous prostatitis is not carried out, loss of reproductive function, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, sclerosis or abscess of the prostate, and injury to the tissues near the stone are possible.
Prevention of calcareous prostatitis
Prevention of this disease is relevant for men of all ages and includes:
- preventive examinations, lack of self-medication;
- Elimination of nicotine from life and appropriate alcohol consumption;
- maintaining an age-appropriate sex life;
- prevention of genital infections;
- physical activity;
- Carrying out treatment of infectious diseases.