Symptoms of prostatitis can be detected a few days after the onset of the disease. Depending on the age, the individual condition of the patient and other nuances, the disease can manifest itself clearly or proceed more calmly. Early access to a doctor and timely diagnosis guarantee successful treatment, the absence of complications and relapses.
Risk group
Inflammation of the prostate in men is diagnosed more and more often. The essence of the disease is simple. The gland, which in the normal state is very small, increases considerably, compresses the urinary tract and the seminal ducts, causing problems with urine flow and normal ejaculation. There are many reasons for the onset of the disease. The following patients are at risk:
- middle and old age;
- overweight and obese;
- smokers and alcoholics;
- who had diseases of the urogenital region (urethritis, cystitis, orchitis, balanitis, balanoposthitis, pyelonephritis);
- having an irregular sex life;
- practicing coitus interruptus as the main method of contraception;
- under treatment with strong drugs (hormonal agents, antibiotics).
A few decades ago, the symptoms of the disease were observed in middle-aged and elderly patients. But today, the disease is increasingly common among 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 sexually active young men. The cause of the disease is bacteria that has penetrated 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 through 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 sharp 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 manifestations of other diseases. That is why patients do not rush to the doctor, taking painkillers or antipyretics on their own. One sign that should alert you is going to the bathroom 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 urine flow becomes painful, itching and burning are felt in the urethra, the external genitalia are irritated and redden.
Another characteristic manifestation is a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder. The invaded gland presses on the ureter, urine is secreted drop by drop or flows spontaneously. Perhaps nighttime incontinence and pus, ichor or mucus may be released from the urethra.
Almost simultaneously observed disorders of sexual function. An enlarged prostate blocks the flow of testosterone, a man notes a decrease in libido, premature ejaculation, worsening erection.
Against the background of the inflammatory process and failures in the genital area, the patient becomes nervous, irritable, surges of aggression or depressed and depressed mood are possible.
Fatigue is very common. An active person gets tired quickly, experiences drowsiness, but even a long sleep does not bring cheerfulness. Decreased efficiency, the body does not resist infections. As a result, even a cold ends with complications that further aggravate 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 points. Usually, the first characteristic manifestations occur a few days or weeks after the onset of the disease. These include:
- 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;
- urine flow problems;
- dull, aching pain in the lower abdomen;
- discomfort in the scrotum and lower back;
- general malaise;
- 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, increase or weaken considerably. With chronic inflammation of the prostate, characteristic signs do not make themselves 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 any discomfort a few months after the onset of the disease.
Acute infectious prostatitis, the symptoms of which become noticeable after a few days, is manifested by a sharp rise in temperature, burning and pain in the urethra, a constant desire to go to the toilet. The patient experiences chills and fever. Possible stool problems. In the inflammatory process, the tissues become loose and easily damaged. The patient delays going to the toilet, the feces are compressed and difficult to pass through the rectum. In 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 more cloudy, acquires an unpleasant odor. Urine comes out drop by drop or lingers 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 proceeds in a latent or acute form, with it there is a set 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, pulsating. It can be located in the perineum, extending to the lower back, legs, lower abdomen, scrotum, or penis. The pain occurs at rest or during overexertion; painkiller blockages or the use of strong medications can relieve an attack. Antibiotics do not help, since the inflammatory component is absent.
Prostatodynia is characterized by problems with urination. Among them:
- slow flow;
- drip leak;
- incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- frequent false desires;
- dysuria (total absence of urine).
How to make a diagnosis
With prostatitis of any kind, the main thing is not to delay treatment for a long time. Only a urologist is able to understand what forms the disease will take and what to choose for a quick recovery. The peculiarity of inflammation of the prostate 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 in well-being is characteristic of a whole list of diseases, from the common flu to rectal cancer.
A series of tests and an ultrasound to assess the condition of the prostate will help to avoid mistakes and inappropriate treatments.
If the cause of the disease is a urinary tract infection, then it is necessary to get rid of it and only then proceed to the elimination of symptoms of prostatitis.
A few decades ago it was believed that the disease is typical of older men, but today quite young people who lead an active lifestyle also suffer from this disease. Having found the characteristic symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor who will make a diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment.