Symptoms of prostatitis can be noticed 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 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 being diagnosed more and more frequently. The essence of the disease is simple. The gland, which is normally very small, enlarges dramatically, compressing the urinary tract and vas deferens, causing problems with urine output and normal ejaculation. There are many reasons for the appearance of the disease. The following patients are at risk:
- middle and old age;
- overweight and obese;
- smokers and alcohol addicts;
- who had diseases of the genitourinary tract (urethritis, cystitis, orchitis, balanitis, balanoposthitis, pyelonephritis);
- have an irregular sex life;
- to practice coitus interruptus as the primary contraceptive;
- treated with strong drugs (hormone preparations, antibiotics).
A few decades ago, the symptoms of the disease were observed in middle-aged and elderly patients. But today the disease is becoming more and more common among young active men who do not have any particular health problems. Urologists distinguish 4 types of prostatitis: acute and chronic infectious nonbacterial prostatodynia.
The acute infectious form is more common in young, sexually active men. The cause of the disease is bacteria that have penetrated the urethra and ureter. The source of infection is often the causative agents of sexually transmitted diseases: streptococci, gonococci, pale spirochetes, trichomonads, chlamydia. In some cases, bacteria from the rectum enter the urethra. 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 manifestations of other diseases. Therefore, patients do not rush to the doctor and take painkillers or antipyretics themselves. One sign to warn you about is going to the bathroom too often. The man begins to notice that little urine is being passed, turning dark in color or becoming almost transparent. Gradually, the outflow of urine becomes painful, itching and burning in the urethra are felt, the external genitals are irritated and reddened.
Another characteristic manifestation is a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder. The overgrown gland presses on the ureter, urine is secreted drop by drop or leaks out spontaneously. Perhaps nocturnal incontinence, and pus, secretions or mucus can be released from the urethra.
Almost simultaneously observed disorders of sexual function. An enlarged prostate blocks the flow of testosterone, a man notices 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, outbursts of aggression or a depressed, depressed mood are possible.
Fatigue is very common. An active person quickly gets tired, experiences drowsiness, but even a long sleep does not bring happiness. Decreased performance, the body cannot resist infection. Thus, even a cold ends with complications that further aggravate the patient's condition.
signs and manifestations
The symptoms of prostatitis in men can be overt or covert. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the presence or absence of other chronic diseases, age and other important points. As a rule, the first characteristic manifestations appear a few days or weeks after the onset of the disease. These include:
- repeated false urges to urinate;
- pain in the urethra during and after urination;
- local edema in the genital area;
- feeling that the bladder has not completely emptied;
- problems with passing urine;
- dull pain in the lower abdomen;
- Discomfort in the scrotum and lower back;
- general malaise;
- brief rise in temperature.
With prostatitis, the patient may experience problems with sleep and appetite, often constipation, alternating with diarrhea. The main symptoms of prostatitis, characteristic of the nonbacterial form, appear and disappear, become more pronounced or significantly weaken. 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 in health to a cold, stress and fatigue at work. According to statistics, almost a quarter of those affected do not feel any symptoms within a few months after the onset of the disease.
Acute infectious prostatitis, the symptoms of which become noticeable after a few days, are manifested by a sharp rise in temperature, burning and pain in the urethra, a constant desire to visit the toilet. The patient suffers from chills and fever. Possible stool problems. In the inflammatory process, the tissues become loose and easily damaged. The patient puts off going to the toilet, the feces are compressed and can hardly get through the rectum. In severe form, the development of hemorrhoids, the appearance of cracks in the rectum and other unpleasant consequences are possible.
A noticeable symptom of acute prostatitis is the appearance of traces of blood and pus in the urine. Urine becomes cloudy, acquires an unpleasant odor. Urine leaks out drop by drop or stays for several hours, causing severe swelling. Everything points to 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 latent or acute form, with it 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 completely different kind: pulling, aching, throbbing. It can be located in the perineum and extend to the lower back, legs, lower abdomen, scrotum, or penis. Pain occurs at rest or with overexertion, painkiller blockades or the use of strong medication can relieve an attack. Antibiotics do not help, since the inflammatory component is absent.
Prostatodynia is characterized by problems with urination. Among them:
- sluggish current;
- drop leakage;
- incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- frequent false shoots;
- Dysuria (complete absence of urine).
How to make a diagnosis
With prostatitis of any kind, it is important 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 speedy recovery. The peculiarity of prostatitis is that the disease can easily be 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.
After all, a general deterioration in well-being is characteristic of a whole range of diseases, from the banal flu to rectal cancer.
A series of tests and an ultrasound scan to assess the condition of the prostate will help to avoid mistakes and incorrect treatment.
If the cause of the disease is a urinary tract infection, then it is necessary to get rid of it and only then eliminate the symptoms of prostatitis.
If a few decades ago it was believed that the disease was typical of older men, today quite young people leading 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 right treatment.