Urologists understand prostatitis as inflammatory processes in the prostate that arise for various reasons.The prostate belongs to the genitourinary system and is surrounded by other organs and tissues, so the symptoms, especially in the initial stage, do not allow the disease to be identified.Let's try to find out what are the first signs of prostatitis that may indicate the onset of the disease and tell you where to go for help.
Signs of chronic abacterial prostatitis.
The disease occurs due to injury to the prostate tissue or due to the influence of other factors:
- sedentary lifestyle and concomitant disorders of blood microcirculation;
- reflux of urine into the prostate gland;
- narrowing of the lumen of the urethra due to a tumor, stone or inflammatory process;
- sudden contraction of the pelvic muscles;
- hypothermia, smoking, alcohol abuse.
Symptoms of this form appear gradually and increase in severity over time.At first, men may complain of a frequent urge to urinate, accompanied by a burning sensation in the area of the urethral opening.
At this stage, prostatitis can be confused with urethritis, so laboratory diagnosis is important.
As the inflammatory process progresses in the prostate tissues, other signs of the disease appear:
- urge to urinate at night;
- pain in the perineum (may radiate to the head of the penis, anus, thighs and lower abdomen);
- absent or weak erection;
- pain during ejaculation;
- increase in body temperature to 37.5-37.8 °C.
If the tissue integrity of the prostate or adjacent areas of the urethra is damaged, blood may be seen in the urine or semen.The man pays attention to the small scarlet or brown scales.
Signs of acute bacterial prostatitis.
Bacterial prostatitis is caused by pathogenic and opportunistic microflora.Microorganisms can live in the intestines or on the skin of a man;If hygiene rules are not followed, they can enter the prostate through the urethra and quickly develop in the tissues of the gland.Another option is the penetration of the pathogen into the urethra and beyond the prostate during unprotected sexual intercourse.It is also possible to become infected if the prostate biopsy is done incorrectly.
Once on the mucous membrane of the prostate, bacteria develop rapidly and the colony grows literally in 2-3 days.The first signs of prostatitis in this case will be:
- chills, fever, increased body temperature;
- pain in the perineum, lower back, or lower abdomen;
- impaired urination (pain, intermittent stream of urine, frequent urge).
Without treatment or incorrect treatment tactics, the disease will progress.After a few days, constipation, acute urinary retention, pain in muscles, joints and lymph nodes may appear.Signs of poisoning are also possible: nausea, vomiting, weakness.
The interval between the first symptoms and the most striking clinical picture can be 3-4 days.
Signs of chronic bacterial prostatitis.
The chronic form of bacterial prostatitis occurs due to inadequate treatment of the acute course, as well as injury to the bladder and improper catheterization.It is possible that the inflammatory process in adjacent organs spreads to the prostate.
A man may miss the first signs of chronic prostatitis: the symptoms of this form are characterized by mild severity, and periods of remission are possible.The disease can be suspected based on the following symptoms:
- problems urinating;
- dull aching pain in the perineum;
- problems with erection.
Periods of exacerbation alternate with periods of calm.A man may mistakenly think about getting cured and not visit a doctor.This attitude is dangerous: the inflammatory process progresses, the prostate tissue degenerates and the organ loses its functions.As a result, prostatitis can lead to infertility and lead to sepsis (blood poisoning).
Clinical manifestations of pathology.
Prostatitis does not present characteristic signs;It can be confused with other diseases that have similar symptoms: cystitis, urethritis, chlamydia.
Knowing the first signs of the disease will not help to make an accurate diagnosis.It is more effective to pay attention to clinical manifestations.
Acute bacterial prostatitis is characterized by the following signs, which are revealed during examination and laboratory tests of urine and blood:
- the body temperature in the anus is 0.5 °C higher than the temperature in the armpits;
- increased number of leukocytes in the urine;
- decreased number of eosinophils;
- increased C-reactive protein;
- increased level of PSA in the blood.
A blood test to determine the PSA content is not mandatory, but it helps to get a clearer picture of the pathological process.
How to provide first aid and who to contact for treatment.
Prostatitis refers to diseases that do not threaten the patient's life in the initial stage.For severe pain, you can take pain relievers, but this is an exception to the rule.It is better not to take these types of pills so as not to blur the clinical picture and prevent the doctor from making the correct diagnosis.To combat high fever, you can take antipyretics.
With a competent approach, first aid is provided in a medical institution.To do this, the man must go to a urologist in his place of residence or stay.If for some reason it is impossible to visit the doctor on your own, you should call an ambulance.
Taking antibiotics on your own is strictly prohibited.
These drugs are prescribed taking into account the type of pathogen;Uncontrolled use can increase bacterial resistance and aggravate the manifestation of poisoning.
Consequences of ignoring the first signs
Most men prefer not to consult a doctor, especially when it comes to problems in the genitourinary system.This attitude can be dangerous.Prostatitis is a serious disease and can have negative consequences:
- transition to a chronic form that is practically untreatable;
- development of infertility;
- spread of infection to nearby organs;
- decreased power;
- the appearance of sepsis.
This last condition directly threatens the patient's life.The probability of death is 30-50%, and each hour of delay in medical care increases this value by 8%.
let's summarize it
Knowing the first signs of prostatitis in men helps to suspect problems in the body.A more accurate diagnosis is made on the basis of instrumental examination and the results of laboratory tests of blood and urine.Prostatitis can threaten a man's life, so self-treatment is unacceptable.If you postpone visiting the doctor, the disease can become chronic, which is very difficult to cope with.