Symptoms of prostatitis can be seen a few days after the onset of the disease. Depending on the patient's age, individual condition and other nuances, the disease may manifest itself clearly or progress more calmly. Early access to a doctor and timely diagnosis guarantee successful treatment, the absence of complications and relapses.
Risk group
Men are increasingly being diagnosed with prostatitis. The essence of the disease is simple. The gland, which is normally very small, becomes dramatically enlarged, compressing the urinary tract and vas deferens, causing problems with urine output and normal ejaculation. There are many reasons for the development of the disease. The following patients are at risk:
- middle and older age;
- overweight and obese;
- smokers and alcohol drinkers;
- who had diseases of the urogenital area (urethritis, cystitis, orchitis, balanitis, balanoposthitis, pyelonephritis);
- irregular sex life;
- practicing coitus interruptus as the main means of contraception;
- is being treated with strong drugs (hormonal agents, antibiotics).
A few decades ago, symptoms of the disease were observed in middle-aged and elderly patients. But nowadays, the disease is more and more common in young active men who have no particular health problems. Urologists distinguish 4 types of prostatitis: acute and chronic infectious, non-bacterial, prostatodynia.
The acute infectious form occurs more often 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 pathogens 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 proper treatment, acute infectious prostatitis can become chronic. It is characterized by periods of rest alternating with sudden deterioration of well-being. As the disease progresses, the attacks become more frequent and last longer.
The onset of the disease: how to determine it
The first symptoms of prostatitis can easily be confused with the manifestations of other diseases. That is why patients do not rush to the doctor, they take painkillers or antipyretics on their own. A sign that warns you that you are going to the toilet too often. The man begins to notice that little urine is released, that it becomes dark in color or becomes almost transparent. Gradually, the outflow of urine becomes painful, itching and a burning sensation appear in the urethra, the external genitalia become irritated and reddened.
Another characteristic manifestation is a constant feeling of bladder fullness. The overgrown gland presses on the ureter, urine is secreted drop by drop or leaks spontaneously. Perhaps nocturnal incontinence, pus, ichor or mucus may be released from the urethra.
Disorders of sexual function can be observed almost simultaneously. The enlarged prostate blocks the flow of testosterone, the man notices a decrease in libido, premature ejaculation, and deterioration of erection.
Against the background of the inflammatory process and failures of the genitals, the patient becomes nervous and irritable, aggressiveness or an outburst of depressed, depressed mood is possible.
Fatigue is very common. An active person gets tired quickly, experiences sleepiness, but even a long sleep does not bring joy. Efficiency decreases, the body cannot resist infections. As a result, even a cold ends with complications that further worsen the patient's condition.
Signs and manifestations
In men, the symptoms of prostatitis 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 appear 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;
- problems urinating;
- dull aching pain in the lower abdomen;
- discomfort in the scrotum and lower back;
- general malaise;
- short-term temperature rise.
In the case of prostatitis, the patient may experience sleep and appetite problems, often constipation, which alternates with diarrhea. The main symptoms of prostatitis, which are characteristic of the non-bacterial form, appear and disappear, become more pronounced or significantly weaken. In the case of chronic inflammation of the prostate, the characteristic signs do not make themselves felt for a long time.
They can be so lethargic that the man shows no concern and attributes the deterioration of his health to a cold, stress, and 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 noticeable after a few days, is manifested as a sharp increase in temperature, burning and pain in the urethra, as well as a constant desire to visit the toilet. The patient experiences chills and fever. Possible stool problems. In the inflammatory process, tissues loosen and are easily damaged. The patient postpones going to the toilet, the stool is compacted and hardly passes through the rectum. In severe cases, the formation 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 blood and pus in the urine. Urine becomes more cloudy and has an unpleasant smell. The urine comes out in drops or drags on for several hours, causing severe swelling. It speaks of any acute inflammatory process. At the first signs of prostatitis, it is recommended to contact 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 older men. The disease takes place in a latent or acute form, and there are 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, and 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, it can spread to the lower back, legs, lower abdomen, scrotum or penis. The pain occurs at rest or when overexerting, the use of pain-relieving blockades or strong drugs can relieve the attack. Antibiotics do not help, since the inflammatory component is missing.
Prostatodynia is characterized by problems with urination. Among them:
- sluggish stream;
- drip leak;
- incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- frequent false urges;
- dysuria (complete absence of urine).
How to make a diagnosis
In case of prostatitis of any kind, the most important thing is not to delay the treatment for a long time. Only a urologist can understand what forms the disease takes and what to choose for a quick recovery. The peculiarity of prostatitis is that the disease can easily be confused with other diseases.
For example, urination problems are characteristic of chronic or acute urethritis or cystitis. Lower abdominal pain and the appearance of blood in the urine may indicate pyelonephritis.
Finally, the general deterioration of well-being is characteristic of a whole list of diseases, from the banal flu to rectal cancer.
A series of tests to assess the state of the prostate and an ultrasound scan help to avoid errors and inappropriate treatment.
If the cause of the disease is a urinary tract infection, then it must be got rid of, and only then should you proceed to eliminate the symptoms of prostatitis.
A few decades ago, it was thought that the disease was characteristic of older men, but today very young people with active lifestyles also suffer from this disease. Once you find the characteristic symptoms, immediately consult a doctor, who will make a diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment.