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 may manifest itself clearly or proceed more quietly. Early access to a doctor and timely diagnosis guarantee successful treatment, the absence of complications and relapses.
Risk group
Prostate inflammation in men is diagnosed more and more often. The essence of the disease is simple. The gland, which is normally very small, increases dramatically, compresses the urinary tract and the seminal canal, causing problems with the production of urine and normal ejaculation. There are many reasons for the occurrence of this disease. The following patients are at risk:
- middle age and older;
- overweight and obese;
- smokers and alcohol abusers;
- who have diseases of the urogenital region (urethritis, cystitis, orchitis, balanitis, balanoposthitis, pyelonephritis);
- have an irregular sex life;
- practicing coitus interruptus as the main method of contraception;
- undergoing treatment with strong drugs (hormonal agents, antibiotics).
A few decades ago, symptoms of the disease were observed in middle-aged and elderly patients. But today, this disease is becoming more common in young active men who do not have any special 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 have entered the urethra and ureter. The source of infection is often the causative agent 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 periods of rest alternating with a sharp decline 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 see a doctor, take painkillers or antipyretic drugs themselves. A sign that should alert you is going to the toilet too often. The man begins to notice that little urine is released, it becomes dark in color or becomes almost transparent. Gradually, the process of passing urine becomes painful, itching and burning are felt in the urethra, the external genitalia become irritated and red.
Another characteristic manifestation is a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder. An enlarged gland presses on the ureter, urine is secreted drop by drop or leaks spontaneously. There may be incontinence at night, and pus, ichor or mucus may be discharged from the urethra.
Sexual dysfunction is observed almost simultaneously. An enlarged prostate blocks the flow of testosterone, a man sees a decrease in libido, premature ejaculation, worsening erections.
Against the background of inflammatory processes and failure in the genital area, the patient becomes nervous, irritable, outbreaks of aggression or a depressed and depressed mood are possible.
Fatigue is very common. Active people get tired quickly, sleepy, but a long sleep does not bring cheerfulness. Decreased efficiency, the body cannot resist infection. As a result, even the common cold ends with complications that worsen the patient's condition.
Signs and manifestations
Symptoms of prostatitis in men can be overt or hidden. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the presence or absence of other chronic diseases, age and other important factors. Usually the first manifestation of symptoms occurs 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 emptied;
- problems with urine production;
- dull aching pain in the lower abdomen;
- discomfort in the scrotum and lower back;
- general lethargy;
- short-term temperature rise.
With prostatitis, the patient may experience sleep and appetite problems, often constipation, alternating with diarrhea. The main symptoms of prostatitis, characteristic of the non-bacterial form, appear and disappear, become more pronounced or weaken significantly. With 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 colds, stress, fatigue at work. According to statistics, almost a quarter of sick people do not feel discomfort within a few months after the onset of the disease.
Acute infectious prostatitis, the symptoms of which become noticeable 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 has chills and fever. Possible stool problem. In the inflammatory process, tissue becomes loose and easily damaged. The patient delays going to the toilet, the stool is compressed and hardly passes through the rectum. In severe form, the development of hemorrhoids, the appearance of cracks in the rectum and unpleasant consequences are possible.
A significant symptom of acute prostatitis is the appearance of traces of blood and pus in the urine. Urine becomes more cloudy, acquires an unpleasant odor. Urine comes out drop by drop or lasts for several hours, causing severe swelling. Everything speaks of an acute inflammatory process. At the first signs of prostatitis, it is recommended to contact a therapist who will issue 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 older men. The disease persists in a latent or acute form, thus there is a set of characteristic signs 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 always feels very different pains: pulling, aching, throbbing. It can be localized in the perineum, extending to the lower back, legs, lower abdomen, scrotum or penis. Pain occurs at rest or during too much energy; Blocking painkillers or the use of strong drugs can relieve attacks. Antibiotics do not help, because the inflammatory component is not present.
Prostatodynia is characterized by problems with urination. Among them:
- moist 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 form the disease will take and what to choose for a quick recovery. The peculiarity of prostate inflammation is that this 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 indicate pyelonephritis.
Finally, a general decline in well-being is characteristic of a whole list of diseases, from the common cold to rectal cancer.
A series of tests and ultrasound examinations to assess the condition of the prostate will help avoid mistakes and incorrect treatment.
If the cause of the disease is a urinary tract infection, it is necessary to eliminate it and only then proceed to eliminate the symptoms of prostatitis.
A few decades ago, it was believed that this disease was typical for older men, but today relatively young people who lead an active lifestyle also suffer from this disease. After discovering the characteristic symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor who will establish the diagnosis and choose the right treatment.