Chalcolithic prostatitis is a disease in which stony inclusions (or stones) form in the ducts of the prostate gland. It occurs as a consequence of chronic prostatitis. Stones appear from limestone salts, phosphates and prostate secretions. The problem is faced by patients of different age categories: 30 - 40 years (due to chronic prostatitis), 40 - 60 years (due to prostatic adenoma), after 60 years (due to the decline of intimate function).
There are types of exogenous and endogenous stones. The composition of exogenous stones can be compared to that present in the urinary tract. They can result from prostatic adenoma and chronic inflammation and are most often found in the distal parts of the prostate. The patient can live with endogenous stones for many years, since they do not cause discomfort, much less pain. Their cause is congestive prostatitis. Symptoms and treatment of calculous prostatitis require the attention of professionals.
Causes of chalcolithic prostatitis
Chronic calculous prostatitis causes inflammation and congestion in the prostate gland. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, abstinence from intimate contacts or their irregularity, as well as insufficient physical activity cause improper emptying of the prostate glands. If, in combination with these factors, an infection of the genitourinary tract is observed, the nature of prostatic secretion gradually undergoes changes.
The disease can also be caused by prostatic reflux, in which, when urinating through the urethra, a small amount of urine enters the prostatic ducts. The salts present in the urine gradually transform into stones. Urethroprostatic reflux occurs as a result of trauma to the urethra, following transurethral resection of the prostate gland, urethral stricture. Urine can enter the prostate after changes that occur during genital surgery, the use of catheters, or the presence of stones in the kidneys or bladder. The stones are mainly urates, oxalates and phosphates.
Chronic calculous prostatitis can compromise reproductive function.
Symptoms of chalcolithic prostatitis
A sign of chalcolithic prostatitis is pain in the lower abdomen, perineum, testicles, sacrum and scrotum. The diameter and number of stones directly influence the intensity of the pain.
Often the pain becomes stronger during and after sexual intercourse, after sitting on something hard, when walking or under vibrations. Aching pain may radiate to the penis and scrotum.
The signs of stone prostatitis can be 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 appearance of the first symptoms, the patient may feel a disturbance in his general condition: malaise, decreased performance, depression, irritability and a slight increase in temperature.
Diagnosis of calculous prostatitis
When examining a patient, a specialist can only assume that the patient has a disease. Prostate ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography help detect and confirm the diagnosis of stone prostatitis.
The next stage is a series of laboratory tests that determine the presence of stones in the prostate gland, as well as the presence and degree of the inflammatory process. Most often the following tests are necessary:
- general urinalysis (confirmation is the presence of blood, a large number of leukocytes, proteins, epithelial cells);
- general blood test (increased ESR, increased number of leukocytes);
- spermogram (blood is observed, motility and the number of spermatozoa decrease);
- determination of the level of prostate specific antigen for the purpose of detecting oncological tumors;
- examination of prostatic secretions (amyloid bodies, more leukocytes and epithelium are noted).
Subsequently, during the instrumental examination, some signs allow us to confirm the diagnosis:
- You can find out if there are stones directly in the prostate by doing an ultrasound;
- A CT scan of the prostate gland will help find out its location and determine its size;
- With MRI of the prostate gland it is also possible to obtain information on the method of stone formation.
Treatment of chalcolithic prostatitis
Treatment of chalcolithic prostatitis is prescribed and carried out by a specialist; uses surgery or medications.
The doctor usually chooses a medicinal method in the treatment of stone prostatitis, provided that the size of the stone is not more than 4 mm. The patient takes anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and drugs that normalize blood circulation orally and by injection. Herbal medicine is also used. During pharmacological treatment, constant monitoring by the treating doctor is important.
Physiotherapy is effective and in many cases facilitates the process of passing stones. For example, magnetic therapy is successfully used, which significantly improves blood microcirculation and has an analgesic and calming effect. Ultrasound therapy is often prescribed; during the procedure the emitter comes into contact with the skin through a special gel.
Good results are achieved with drug electrophoresis, in which the drug is administered through the surface of the skin or mucosa using an electric current. In this case, it is necessary to abandon the prostate massage procedure, unlike the treatment of chronic prostatitis, in which it is actually used.
Relatively recently, in combination with drugs, the use of low-frequency laser treatment of the prostate began. When carrying out such therapy, the stones are gradually broken down and excreted in the urine.
For large stones, drug treatment does not bring results; surgery is performed to treat stone prostatitis. The surgeon removes the stones through an incision in the perineum or suprapubic area.
Chalcolithic prostatitis is often accompanied by BPH. With this option you choose prostatectomy, adenomectomy or TUR of the prostate.
Prostatectomy refers to the removal of the prostate gland, which is performed under general anesthesia. During the operation the seminal vesicles are also removed. The operation can be abdominal. In this case, the perineum or anterior abdominal wall is dissected. After removal, stitches are applied.
It is also possible to operate with the endoscope by making multiple punctures in the abdominal cavity. In this case rehabilitation is quicker.
Adenomectomy is used for large adenomas. Access is through the abdominal cavity. The operation can have a number of complications: bladder fistulas, infection of the genitourinary organs, urinary incontinence, etc.
Transurethral resection of the prostate involves excising a hyperplastic area of the prostate through the urethra using a resectocystoscope. This operation is less likely to cause side effects and the recovery period is shorter.
Correct nutrition is important not only for preventive purposes, but also in the treatment of chronic calculous prostatitis. The diet is prescribed by the doctor, based on various criteria and factors. Basically, meat, fish and mushroom broths, as well as sauces, spicy dishes, spices, garlic, onions, radishes are excluded from the daily diet. Limit the consumption of legumes, white cabbage, whole milk and other foods that promote flatulence. Your doctor recommends drinking plenty of fluids.
The sooner the patient consults a specialist, the more favorable the prognosis for the treatment of this disease will be. If treatment of chalcolithic prostatitis is not carried out, loss of reproductive function, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, sclerosis or abscess of the prostate gland, and injury to tissues located near the stone are possible.
Prevention of chalcolithic prostatitis
Prevention of this disease is relevant for men of any age and includes:
- preventive examinations, lack of self-medication;
- eliminate nicotine from life and reasonable alcohol consumption;
- maintain an age-appropriate sex life;
- prevention of genital infections;
- physical activity;
- carry out the treatment of infectious diseases.