Viral prostatitis - which virus causes the disease, how is it treated in men?

During the period of sexual activity, men often catch inflammation of the prostate gland. Viral prostatitis is one of the rare, but most dangerous forms of pathology. It is accompanied by severe symptoms and requires immediate treatment.

General description

Prostatitis of viral etiology is a consequence of the ingestion of the influenza virus, herpes, cytomegalovirus (CMV), human papillomavirus (HPV) and some others. A particular danger of the disease is that the disease affects not only the gland, but also neighboring organs.

Depending on the type of virus, its location and clinical features, prostatitis can be diagnosed in one of 3 stages:

• Catarrhal - the process of inflammation affects the mucous membranes of the prostate;
• Follicular - the organ itself is affected from the inside, accompanied by pronounced signs of the disease;
• Diffuse - in addition to the general lesion of the prostate, a purulent formation occurs, which leads to an increase in the organ and severe pain.

The development process takes place according to the following scheme:

• The viral agent enters the tissues of the organ;
• Its reproduction begins, which causes a pathological process;
• The occurrence of inflammatory foci provokes prostate edema and pain syndrome;
• The altered size of the gland puts pressure on the urinary tract, which complicates the process of urinary excretion;
• Viral cells suppress sperm viability, which negatively affects attempts to conceive.

Lack of timely measures (diagnosis and treatment) causes complete impotence and infertility.

Urologists divide viral prostatitis into 2 forms:

• Acute - occurs with a recent infection;
• Chronic - has a long course with relapses.

Chronic viral prostatitis, according to statistics, is diagnosed in 80% of cases due to the long incubation period of agents, after which the disease progresses at a high rate. The viral etiology of recurrent inflammation in a chronic form is associated with the inability to completely remove microbes from the body.

Some pathogenic microorganisms, in particular the causative agents of herpes or human papilloma, are localized in the human body and remain in it throughout life. However, persistent and long-term remission is possible.

Causes of viral prostatitis

The main reason is the localization in the prostate of the viruses of herpes, influenza, rubella, human papilloma, cytomegalovirus. With weak immunity or acute respiratory infections on the legs, inflammation of the prostate becomes a consequence of the activity of the agents that originally caused the cold.

The body is especially vulnerable to viral agents in the following cases:

• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Addiction to alcohol;
• Prolonged or severe hypothermia;
• Vitamin deficiency;
• Chronic overwork;
• Constant and excessive physical activity;
• Exposure to stress;
• Sexual abstinence;
• A "messy" sex life.

It is believed that the overwhelming majority of the adult population of the planet belongs to carriers of HPV and herpes virus. While the agents are in a passive state, nothing threatens a person, but under conditions favorable for activation, the virus manifests itself, causing various diseases, including inflammation of the prostate gland. The influenza virus provokes a disease with a hereditary tendency to pathologies of the prostate.

Diagnosis: Symptoms and Signs

The clinical picture of the disease is similar to prostatitis of any etiology. General symptoms:

• Painful urination;
• Nighttime urges;
• Inability to empty the bladder completely at once;
• Erectile dysfunction;
• Groin pain;
• Decreased libido;
• Violation of ejaculation;
• Difficulty defecating;
• Stomach pain;
• Increased gas production;
• Failures of the emotional background.

In addition, there are specific signs indicating the activity of the herpes virus:

• Hyperthermia and swelling of the penis;
• The presence of symptoms of body intoxication;
• The appearance of formations on the skin with purulent contents;
• Itching;
• Occurrence of ulceration;
• Headaches, malaise;
• Increased body temperature;
• Depression or irritability.

The activation of HPV is characterized by the formation of papillomas and genital warts in the groin or on the genitals. With rubella, soreness and swelling of the testicles are recorded. Cytomegalovirus causes severe discomfort, flu - pain in the joints and muscles.

Diagnosis of viral prostatitis requires a number of studies. At the first visit, the urologist determines the presence of prostatitis, but only tests indicate the etiology.

Basic diagnostic methods:

• Initial examination and history taking;
• Laboratory examination of biomaterials: urine, blood, urethral smear, prostatic secretion;
• Getting semen data;
• Cystoscopy;
• PCR diagnostics.

After 45 years, PSA testing is recommended to rule out malignant tumors.

Viral prostatitis treatment

When a diagnosis of "viral prostatitis" is received, treatment is prescribed only by a doctor. An independent fight against viral agents can only worsen the patient's condition.

The main drug is selected based on the type of virus that caused the pathology. In case of herpetic lesion, the following are indicated:

• Valacyclovir;
• Acyclovir.

Requires oral pills. In the presence of rashes on the skin, an additional ointment is prescribed for their treatment.

With HPV, prostatitis is treated according to the standard scheme, but it is necessary to remove the formed papillomas using:

• Electrocoagulation;
• Cryodestruction;
• Laser impact;
• Conventional surgical method;
• Special local remedies.

The rubella-based treatment regimen for prostatitis assumes therapy for the underlying disease (which is symptomatic, that is, does not have a single approach). For the treatment of pathology provoked by cytomegalovirus and influenza, one should resort to Arbidol, Kagocel and drugs with a similar principle of action.

The therapeutic scheme of prostatitis of viral etiology also includes:

• Immunomodulators;
• Alpha blockers;
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

To increase the duration of remission, massage of the prostate gland is also shown, preventing congestion and improving potency. Various physiotherapy methods show good results.

Also, the urologist provides advice on lifestyle changes. Among them:

• Balanced diet;
• Moderate physical activity;
• Adequate rest;
• Prohibition of prolonged exposure to cold;
• The need to completely eliminate cigarettes and alcohol;
• Regular intimate life with a trusted partner.

Prevention

Viruses enter the body when natural defenses are weakened. Prevention methods are to maintain the functionality of the immune system:

• Eating foods rich in vitamins;
• Sleep for at least 8 hours;
• Daily gymnastics and use of the pool or gym 2-3 times a week;
• Keeping a balance between work and rest;
• Accidental sexual intercourse should be excluded or it is imperative to use barrier contraceptives;
• Avoid contact with people who have cold symptoms;
• Undergo preventive examinations once a year, and after 45 years - every six months.