What are prostate calcifications
The prostate consists of many small glands and ducts where secretions are formed. When the secretion stagnates, protein bodies are formed in it, which over time become saturated with calcium salts. This is how the primary stones appear. Secondary ones are formed when urine flows into the prostate ducts, for example, when the outflow of urine is disrupted, and their composition is similar to urinary stones. On ultrasound, calcifications appear as bright spots or clusters, sometimes with an acoustic shadow.
- Primary - from stagnant prostate secretions
- Secondary - due to urine reflux
- Single and multiple
- Small point and large stones
Causes and risk factors
With age, the outflow of secretions from the prostate worsens, so calcifications are more common the older a man is. Chronic inflammation damages the ducts and promotes salt deposits, and the stones themselves can maintain inflammation by serving as a haven for bacteria. Impaired urination due to prostate adenoma and narrowing of the urethra increases pressure in the urethra and the reflux of urine into the ducts.
- Age over 40–50 years
- Chronic prostatitis
- Prostate adenoma
- Narrowing of the urethra
- Sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting
- Irregular sex life
Symptoms
In most cases, calcifications do not appear in any way. If there are complaints, they are usually associated with concomitant prostatitis or adenoma, and from symptoms alone it is impossible to say whether the stones are to blame. Pain and discomfort are characteristic of chronic inflammation, and a weak stream and frequent urges are characteristic of an enlarged prostate.
- Pain or discomfort in the perineum, above the pubis
- Pain during ejaculation
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent urges, including at night
- Weak or intermittent stream
- Blood in sperm
Diagnostics
The main method is transrectal ultrasound of the prostate, which accurately shows the size and location of calcifications, as well as the volume of the prostate. The urologist asks about symptoms and performs a digital rectal examination. Tests of urine and prostate secretions help identify inflammation, and cultures help identify bacteria. Uroflowmetry and residual urine measurement evaluate outflow. PSA is determined by age in order not to miss other prostate diseases, since calcifications themselves are not a sign of cancer.
- TRUS of the prostate
- Digital rectal examination
- General urine test
- Analysis and culture of prostate secretions
- Uroflowmetry, residual urine
- PSA according to indications and age
Treatment
Asymptomatic calcifications do not need to be treated, and they cannot be dissolved with tablets. For chronic bacterial prostatitis, the doctor prescribes antibiotics based on culture results; for symptoms of adenoma, medications that make urination easier, such as alpha-blockers. Prostate massage for large stones is usually not recommended, as it can injure the tissue. With severe symptoms and large stones, especially against the background of adenoma, endoscopic removal through the urethra is possible. Regular sex life, physical activity and avoidance of prolonged sitting are helpful.
- Observation in the absence of complaints
- Antibiotics for bacterial prostatitis by culture
- Alpha blockers for urinary problems
- Endoscopic removal when indicated
- Physical activity, regular sex life
- Annual examination by a urologist after 50 years
