Symptoms of prostatitis can be detected a few days after the onset of the disease. Depending on the age, individual condition of the patient and other nuances, the disease can manifest itself clearly or progress more calmly. Early access to the doctor and timely diagnosis guarantee successful treatment, absence of complications and recurrence.
Risk group
Inflammation of the prostate in men is diagnosed more and more often. The essence of the disease is simple. The gland, which is normally very small, enlarges dramatically, compressing the urinary tract and seminal ducts, causing problems with urine output and normal ejaculation. There are many reasons for the occurrence of the disease. The following patients are at risk:
- middle and old age;
- overweight and obesity;
- smokers and alcohol addicts;
- who had diseases of the urogenital area (urethritis, cystitis, orchitis, balanitis, balanoposthitis, pyelonephritis);
- irregular sex life;
- practicing coitus interruption as the main means of contraception;
- undergo treatment with strong drugs (hormonal drugs, antibiotics).
A few decades ago, symptoms of the disease were observed in middle-aged and elderly patients. But today the disease is more and more common in young active men who do not have any particular health problems. Urologists distinguish 4 types of prostatitis: acute and chronic infectious, non-bacterial, prostatodynia.
The acute infectious form is more common in young, sexually active men. The cause of the disease is bacteria that entered the urethra and ureter. The source of infection is often the causative agents of sexually transmitted diseases: streptococci, gonococci, pale spirochetes, trichomonas, chlamydia. In some cases, bacteria enter the urethra from the rectum. This happens with insufficient hygiene of the genitals. In the absence of adequate treatment, acute infectious prostatitis can become chronic. It is characterized by alternating periods of rest with a sudden deterioration in well-being. As the disease progresses, attacks become more frequent and last longer.
The onset of the disease: how to determine it
The first symptoms of prostatitis are easily confused with the manifestations of other diseases. That is why patients do not rush to the doctor, taking painkillers or antipyretics on their own. A sign that should warn you is going to the toilet too often. A person begins to notice that a little urine is released, becomes dark in color or becomes almost transparent. Gradually, the process of urine outflow becomes painful, itching and burning are felt in the urethra, the external genitalia are irritated and red.
Another characteristic manifestation is a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder. An overgrown gland presses on the ureter, urine is secreted drop by drop or leaks spontaneously. Perhaps nocturnal incontinence, and pus, pus or mucus may be released from the urethra.
Almost simultaneously observed disorders of sexual function. An enlarged prostate blocks the flow of testosterone, the man notices a decrease in libido, premature ejaculation, worsening of erection.
Against the background of the inflammatory process and failure in the genital area, the patient becomes nervous, irritable, attacks of aggression or a depressed, depressed mood are possible.
Fatigue is very common. An active person gets tired quickly, feels sleepy, but even a long sleep does not bring cheerfulness. Reduced efficiency, the body cannot resist infections. As a result, even a simple cold ends up with complications that further worsen the patient's condition.
Signs and manifestations
Symptoms of prostatitis in men can be obvious or hidden. Everything depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the presence or absence of other chronic diseases, age and other important points. Usually, the first characteristic manifestations appear a few days or weeks after the onset of the disease. This includes:
- repeated false urge to urinate;
- pain in the urethra during and after urination;
- local edema in the genital area;
- feeling that the bladder is not completely empty;
- problems with urine output;
- dull aching pain in lower abdomen;
- discomfort in the scrotum and lower back;
- general weakness;
- short-term rise in temperature.
With prostatitis, the patient may have problems with sleep and appetite, often constipation, which alternates with diarrhea. The main symptoms of prostatitis, characteristic of the non-bacterial form, appear and disappear, become more pronounced or significantly weaker. In chronic inflammation of the prostate, characteristic signs are not felt for a long time.
They can be so lethargic that a man does not show concern, attributing the deterioration of health to a cold, stress, fatigue at work. According to statistics, almost a quarter of patients do not feel discomfort within a few months after the onset of the disease.
Acute infectious prostatitis, the symptoms of which become visible after a few days, manifests itself as a sudden increase in temperature, burning and pain in the urethra, a constant desire to visit the toilet. The patient experiences chills and fever. Possible stool problems. In the inflammatory process, tissues become loose and easily damaged. The patient delays going to the toilet, the stool is compressed and barely passes through the rectum. In a severe form, the development of hemorrhoids, the appearance of cracks in the rectum and other unpleasant consequences are possible.
A striking symptom of acute prostatitis is the appearance of traces of blood and pus in the urine. Urine becomes cloudy, takes on an unpleasant smell. Urine comes out drop by drop or is retained for several hours, causing severe swelling. Everything speaks of an acute inflammatory process. At the first signs of prostatitis, it is recommended to consult a therapist who will give a referral to a urologist.
Prostatodynia and its symptoms
Prostatodynia is a non-inflammatory form of prostatitis. It occurs in 30% of middle-aged and elderly men. The disease takes place in a latent or acute form, and there are a number of signs characteristic of non-infectious prostatitis.
The main difference of this form of the disease is the absence of high temperature, edema, suppuration. At the same time, the patient constantly feels pain of a very different nature: pulling, aching, throbbing. It can be localized in the perineum, spread to the lower back, legs, lower abdomen, scrotum or penis. Pain occurs at rest or during overexertion; Blockades of painkillers or the use of strong drugs can relieve the attack. Antibiotics do not help, because there is no inflammatory component.
Prostatodynia is characterized by problems with urination. Among them:
- slow flow;
- drip leakage;
- incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- frequent false urges;
- dysuria (complete absence of urine).
How to make a diagnosis
With prostatitis of any nature, the main thing is not to delay treatment for a long time. Only a urologist can understand what forms the disease will take and what to choose for a quick recovery. The peculiarity of prostate inflammation is that the disease is easily confused with other diseases.
For example, problems with urination are characteristic of chronic or acute urethritis or cystitis. Pain in the lower abdomen and the appearance of blood in the urine can signal pyelonephritis.
Finally, a general deterioration of well-being is characteristic of a whole range of diseases, from the banal flu to rectal cancer.
A series of tests and an ultrasound examination to assess the state of the prostate will help to avoid mistakes and incorrect treatment.
If the cause of the disease is an infection of the urinary tract, it should be resolved and only then should the symptoms of prostatitis be removed.
A few decades ago, it was believed that the disease was typical for older men, but today quite young people who lead an active lifestyle also suffer from this disease. After you have discovered the characteristic symptoms, immediately consult a doctor who will make a diagnosis and choose the correct treatment.