Prostatitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the prostate gland, can arise from various factors including infections, hypothermia, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle. This ailment is accompanied by a range of uncomfortable and painful symptoms, such as difficult and frequent urination, perineal and lower back pain, reduced libido and potency, and disruptions in erectile function and ejaculation. If left untreated, prostatitis can lead to severe complications, including prostatic abscesses, impaired kidney function, infertility, and even prostate cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment as early as possible under the guidance of a medical professional. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most effective suppositories for prostatitis, as recommended by urologists and andrologists.
The most effective treatment approach
One of the most efficacious and safe methods for treating prostatitis is the use of suppositories, which are inserted into the rectum. These medication forms offer several advantages over other types of drugs such as tablets, capsules, or injections. Firstly, suppositories provide the shortest and most direct route to the prostate, bypassing the liver and stomach where active ingredients may be degraded. Secondly, they have a localized effect, reducing the risk of side effects on other organs and systems. Thirdly, they offer prolonged action, gradually releasing medicinal components over several hours. Lastly, they are convenient to use and do not require special storage conditions.
Duration of suppository treatment
We will share insights that you won't find in any instructions or annotations. The course of treatment with suppositories for prostatitis typically ranges from 1 to 3 months, depending on the stage and form of the disease, as well as the physician's prescription. This extended duration is necessitated by the chronic and stubborn nature of prostatitis, which often relapses and requires comprehensive therapy. Even if the symptoms of prostatitis have subsided, it is essential to continue preventive treatment to avoid recurrent inflammation and complications. Prostatitis suppositories should be used daily, with one suppository inserted in the morning and evening, after bowel movements and hygienic procedures. It is advisable to perform a small enema with a syringe to cleanse the lower intestinal tract before each insertion. The suppository should be inserted as deeply as possible into the rectum, and the patient should lie on their side for 15-20 minutes to allow for dissolution and absorption.
Top 12 effective suppositories for prostatitis
There is a wide variety of suppositories available for treating prostatitis, differing in composition, mechanism of action, indications, and contraindications. Price-wise, they can be categorized into two groups: affordable (domestic suppositories) and premium (branded, well-marketed products). Some exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, regenerative, immunomodulatory, or antitumor effects. Others improve blood circulation, metabolism, trophism, and secretion of the prostate, as well as normalize the function of the genitourinary system. A third category combines multiple beneficial properties for a comprehensive effect. We have compiled a ranking of the top 12 most effective suppositories for prostatitis, as recommended by medical professionals:
1. Methyluracil suppositories
These suppositories contain methyluracil, a synthetic anti-inflammatory and regenerative substance that stimulates cell and tissue renewal, accelerates wound and ulcer healing, and enhances immunity and resistance to infections. They help reduce inflammation and swelling of the prostate, improve its function, and prevent the development of fibrosis and sclerosis. Methyluracil suppositories are used for chronic and atrophic prostatitis, as well as prostatitis complicated by proctitis, paraproctitis, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures.
2. Ichthyol suppositories
These suppositories contain ichthyol, a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic component derived from mountain tar. This substance possesses pronounced antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and deodorizing properties. Ichthyol suppositories help eliminate infection, reduce inflammation and pain, improve blood circulation and lymph drainage, and cleanse and disinfect the rectum and prostate. They are used for acute and chronic prostatitis, especially of infectious and purulent nature, as well as for proctitis, paraproctitis, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures.
3. Mumijo suppositories
These suppositories contain mumijo, a unique natural product that is a concentrate of beneficial substances formed in mountain caves. Mumijo contains over 80 components, including amino acids, vitamins, trace elements, enzymes, and hormones. It has strong immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, regenerative, and antibacterial effects. Mumijo helps eliminate the cause and symptoms of prostatitis, improve the condition of the prostate and genitourinary system, restore potency and libido, and prevent complications and relapses. It is used for all forms and stages of prostatitis, as well as for adenoma, cancer, and infertility of prostatic origin.
4. Propolis suppositories
These suppositories contain propolis, a natural bee product that is a mixture of wax, resin, essential oils, flavonoids, vitamins, and trace elements. Propolis possesses strong antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiallergic, antitumor, anesthetic, and healing properties. Propolis suppositories help destroy infections, reduce inflammation and pain, accelerate tissue regeneration, boost immunity, and protect the prostate from degenerative changes. They are used for all forms and stages of prostatitis, as well as for adenoma, cancer, and impotence of prostatic origin.
5. Herbal suppositories
These suppositories contain plant extracts that encompass a wide range of beneficial substances such as alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, coumarins, phytoncides, and essential oils. Herbal suppositories have diverse effects depending on their composition and combination of herbs. For example, suppositories with calendula, chamomile, sage, and eucalyptus have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and wound-healing properties. Those with tansy, yarrow, nettle, and St. John's wort improve blood circulation, metabolism, trophism, and secretion of the prostate. Suppositories with ginkgo biloba, ginseng, eleuthero, and leuzea enhance immunity, tone, adaptation, and potency. They are used for various types of prostatitis and accompanying diseases of the genitourinary and nervous systems.
6. Therapeutic mud suppositories
These suppositories contain therapeutic mud, a natural mineral product formed as a result of prolonged interaction between organic and inorganic substances, water, salt, microorganisms, and sunlight. Therapeutic mud contains numerous biologically active components such as humic acids, amino acids, vitamins, trace elements, and enzymes. It has general strengthening, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, resorptive, detoxifying, and normalizing effects. It helps eliminate toxins, improve blood circulation and lymph drainage, restore hormonal balance and endocrine function, and activate the immune system and the body's defense mechanisms. It is used for chronic and calculous prostatitis, as well as for prostate adenoma and cancer.
7. Insect extract suppositories
These suppositories contain animal extracts obtained from various species of insects such as bees, wasps, ants, and beetles. Insect extracts, for example from larvae, contain numerous biologically active substances including peptides, amino acids, enzymes, hormones, vitamins, and trace elements. They have strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic, resorptive, anti-edema, antiallergic, antitoxic, and blood circulation-enhancing effects. They help improve blood circulation and oxygen supply to the prostate, strengthen local immunity and protection against infections, eliminate spasms and cramps of the bladder and ureters, and increase the strength and duration of erections. Suppositories with insect extracts are used for chronic and congestive prostatitis, as well as for adenoma, cancer, and impotence of prostatic origin. One such product is «Adenoprosin,» available in online pharmacies.
8. Disodium EDTA suppositories
These suppositories contain disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Trilon B), a chemical chelating agent capable of binding and removing heavy metals, radionuclides, calcium, and other harmful substances from the body. Trilon B has powerful detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, anti-sclerotic, and antitumor effects. It helps cleanse the prostate of toxins and stones, improve blood circulation and metabolism, prevent fibrosis and sclerosis, and activate apoptosis and necrosis of tumor cells. It is used for chronic and calculous prostatitis, as well as for prostate adenoma and cancer. Trilon B is a chemical substance that can bind and remove calcium ions that form calcifications in the prostate. Calcifications are hard deposits that can cause inflammation, pain, and impaired prostate function. Trilon B is introduced into the rectum in the form of suppositories, which dissolve and enter the prostate through blood vessels and lymph nodes. There, the substance forms complexes with calcium ions that are easily soluble in water and excreted from the body through the kidneys and bladder. Thus, Trilon B helps cleanse the prostate of calcifications and improve its condition. However, it is a prohibited substance in Russia, as it can harm health if used incorrectly. Therefore, before using it, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow the dosage and treatment regimen.
9. Essential oil blend suppositories
These suppositories contain aromatic plant oils obtained from flowers, leaves, bark, seeds, and fruits of various plants such as frankincense, myrrh, lavender, sandalwood, or pumpkin seeds. Essential oils contain many beneficial substances such as terpenes, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and phenols. They have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, relaxing, antidepressant, and aphrodisiac effects. Such remedies help relieve stress and tension, improve mood and emotional state, enhance sexual desire and pleasure, increase testosterone and sperm production, and improve the quality and duration of erections. Essential oil suppositories are used for psychosomatic and depressive prostatitis, as well as for decreased libido and potency.
10. Prostate extract suppositories
Suppositories with prostate extract are produced from the prostate glands of cattle (mature bulls). The extract contains protein fractions that have a positive effect on the tissues and function of the prostate. It can be in the form of a lyophilizate (powder for injection) or solution. To obtain the lyophilizate, a freeze-drying method is used, in which moisture is removed from the extract at low pressure and temperature. To obtain the solution, the extract is dissolved in water for injection. Special molds are used to make suppositories, into which the melted main component (cocoa butter, fat, lanolin, etc.) is poured with the addition of prostate extract. After solidification, the suppositories are packaged in blisters or foil and stored in a refrigerator. For treatment, they are inserted into the rectum once or twice a day for 10-15 days. Such products are available in Russian pharmacies in a wide range. The cost ranges from 900 to 2000 rubles for one package of 10 suppositories.
11. Diclofenac and indomethacin suppositories
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play an important role in the treatment of prostatitis. This category includes various substances that reduce pain and inflammation, but they all irritate the rectal mucosa and have side effects on the cardiovascular system. Suppositories with diclofenac and indomethacin are among the most aggressive. They have an analogue called Amelotext, containing an NSAID called meloxicam. This is a latest-generation non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces inflammation in any tissue by acting very selectively on COX receptors. Amelotext suppositories do not irritate the anus, do not cause burning or stinging sensations, but still reduce inflammation in the prostate. They also have significantly less negative effect on the heart and blood vessels. They are available in dosages of 7.5 mg and 15 mg. You can use half of a 7.5 mg suppository twice a day, i.e., 3.75 mg at a time (insert using lubrication). This means they can be used for a long period (3 to 6 weeks) with minimal side effects.
12. Antibiotic suppositories
Prostatitis suppositories with antibiotics are one way to treat bacterial prostatitis, an inflammatory disease of the prostate gland caused by various microorganisms. The antibiotic is administered through the rectum to ensure its high concentration in the prostate tissues and destroy the infectious agents. One such drug is Vitaprost Plus, which contains lomefloxacin (a broad-spectrum antibiotic) and prostate extract — an anti-inflammatory and prostate-tropic agent. Such suppositories, thanks to their antibacterial component, are effective against most gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, improve blood microcirculation, reduce edema, and eliminate pain syndrome. This is the only drug on the pharmaceutical market with such composition; it has no analogues. However, you can always have them made to order with any composition in the prescription department of a state pharmacy, or use complex enemas instead of antibiotic suppositories.
Where to buy prostatitis suppositories
Most of the listed suppositories are sold in pharmacies and online stores, where you can find various brands, prices, and reviews about them. However, suppositories with Trilon B are impossible to find in Russia, as it is a prohibited substance that can harm health if used incorrectly. Suppositories with disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid can either be made independently according to folk recipes, or you can try to find them on American or European internet sites. We have seen such products there, for example, PurO3 EDTA Suppositories (a photo of this product is at the beginning of the article).
Urologists' life hacks and advice
To alleviate their condition and prevent complications, people suffering from prostatitis are given various pieces of advice by doctors. We have collected the most important and useful life hacks:
- Drink plenty of water to reduce urine concentration and decrease bladder irritation.
- Reduce stress by regularly engaging in physical exercises and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, and fatty foods that can exacerbate inflammation and spasms.
- Avoid consuming carbonated liquids, especially caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages, as they irritate the prostatic mucosa during urination.
- Take warm baths or apply warm compresses to the perineum to relax muscles and relieve pain syndrome.
- Do regular pelvic floor exercises that help strengthen the muscles supporting the prostate and improve blood circulation in this area.
- Maintain genital hygiene to prevent infection and the development of chronic prostatitis.
- Avoid prolonged sitting, which can impair blood circulation, as well as cause pressure on the prostate and worsen symptoms.
- Avoid prolonged abstinence or frequent masturbation to prevent stagnation or overstrain of prostate tissues.
- Consult with an andrologist or urologist about the possibility of using natural remedies such as pumpkin seeds, flower pollen, propolis, or herbal teas, which may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
- Do not interrupt the course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms have improved or disappeared.
These tips and life hacks can help you cope with prostatitis and improve your quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we want to say that suppositories for prostatitis are one of the most effective and safe ways to treat this disease. Among them, there are both expensive options with well-promoted brands and cheap ones known since ancient times, but no less effective. However, it should not be forgotten that they are not a panacea and cannot replace full-fledged medical therapy (antibiotics and physiotherapy procedures). Therefore, before using any suppositories, it is necessary to consult a urologist who will select the optimal drug, dosage, duration, and treatment regimen, as well as monitor the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. Only in this way can you get rid of prostatitis and regain your health, happiness, and confidence. We wish you a speedy recovery!
Remember, while this guide provides valuable information, it's crucial to understand that every case of prostatitis is unique. What works for one individual may not be as effective for another. Therefore, personalized medical advice is irreplaceable.
Additional considerations for prostatitis management
Lifestyle modifications
While suppositories can be an effective treatment option, managing prostatitis often requires a multifaceted approach. Lifestyle modifications can play a crucial role in alleviating symptoms and preventing recurrences:
- Diet: Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the prostate. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts, may be particularly beneficial.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, particularly exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, can improve blood flow to the prostate and reduce symptoms. However, it's important to avoid exercises that put excessive pressure on the perineum, such as cycling, which may exacerbate symptoms.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can worsen prostatitis symptoms. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can be beneficial.
- Sexual Health: Maintaining a healthy sex life can help prevent stagnation in the prostate. However, it's important to find a balance, as both prolonged abstinence and excessive sexual activity can potentially worsen symptoms.
Complementary therapies
In addition to conventional treatments and lifestyle modifications, some men find relief from complementary therapies:
- Acupuncture: Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help alleviate pain and urinary symptoms associated with prostatitis.
- Biofeedback: This technique can help men gain better control over their pelvic floor muscles, potentially reducing pain and improving urinary function.
- Herbal Supplements: Certain herbs, such as saw palmetto, pygeum, and beta-sitosterol, have been traditionally used to support prostate health. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any herbal regimen, as these can interact with other medications.
The importance of proper diagnosis
Before embarking on any treatment plan, it's crucial to obtain a proper diagnosis. Prostatitis can be classified into four categories:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
Each type requires a different approach to treatment. For instance, bacterial forms of prostatitis typically require antibiotics, while CP/CPPS may respond better to a combination of treatments including anti-inflammatories, alpha-blockers, and lifestyle modifications.
Potential complications of untreated prostatitis
Leaving prostatitis untreated can lead to several complications:
- Chronic Pain: Ongoing discomfort can significantly impact quality of life.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Prostatitis can lead to erectile dysfunction and decreased libido.
- Fertility Issues: Chronic prostatitis can affect sperm quality and quantity.
- Abscess Formation: In severe cases of bacterial prostatitis, abscesses may form in the prostate.
- Sepsis: Although rare, severe cases of acute bacterial prostatitis can lead to a life-threatening blood infection.
The role of mental health
The psychological impact of prostatitis should not be underestimated. Chronic pain and urinary symptoms can lead to anxiety, depression, and a decreased quality of life. It's important for men dealing with prostatitis to seek psychological support if needed. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and support groups can be particularly helpful in managing the mental health aspects of this condition.
Emerging treatments
Research into prostatitis treatment is ongoing, and several promising therapies are on the horizon:
- Phage Therapy: This involves using viruses that specifically target bacteria to treat bacterial prostatitis, potentially offering an alternative to antibiotics.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Early research suggests that stem cells may help regenerate damaged prostate tissue and reduce inflammation.
- Targeted Drug Delivery: New methods of delivering medications directly to the prostate are being developed, which could increase efficacy and reduce side effects.
- Microbiome Modulation: Understanding and potentially modifying the microbiome of the urinary tract and prostate may offer new treatment avenues.
The importance of follow-up care
Even after symptoms improve, it's crucial to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. This allows for monitoring of the condition, adjustment of treatments as necessary, and early detection of any recurrences or complications.
Conclusion
Prostatitis is a complex condition that requires a comprehensive approach to management. While suppositories can be an effective part of the treatment plan, they are just one piece of the puzzle. A holistic approach that combines medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and attention to mental health is often the most effective way to manage prostatitis and improve quality of life.
Remember, every case of prostatitis is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms and needs. With proper care and management, many men with prostatitis can find significant relief and return to a healthy, active lifestyle.
Stay informed, be proactive about your health, and don't hesitate to seek help when needed. Your prostate health is an important part of your overall well-being, and it deserves your attention and care.