Prostatitis, like any other disease, manifests itself with certain symptoms. It is important for a man to know exactly the first signs, because they are a signal to visit a doctor and further examination. We will talk about how different forms of inflammation of the prostate gland and first aid measures manifest themselves in the article.
Briefly about the prostate and prostatitis
The prostate gland of an adult male is an organ of the gland that consists of two lobules and a capsule, as well as the adjacent prostate urethra. The prostate performs 3 functions simultaneously:
- Regulates the density of sperm by producing prostate juice and diluting the ejaculate with it.
- Blocks the urethra during orgasm.
- Participates in the production of certain hormones or controls their level in the body.
If a man's reproductive system fails, the first signs will be related to these prostate functions.
As a result of the invasion of pathogenic microflora in the prostate or after its injury, hypothermia, as well as stagnant processes, inflammation begins. In this case, the microcirculation of the blood is disturbed, the outflow of lymph, venous blood and secretion of the prostate worsens. This leads to the development of edema and an increase in the size of the gland. As a result, the tissues are compressed, the man has a feeling of heaviness in the perineum or mild, pain in the lower abdomen - the first sign of impending prostatitis.
The clinical picture will largely depend on the form of the inflammatory process and the reasons that caused it.
Symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis
It is very difficult to miss the first symptoms of acute prostatitis - they appear suddenly and develop quickly. It often takes 2-4 days from the beginning of the inflammatory process to the first sign.
In this case, the clinical picture will depend on the stage of the disease.
Acute catarrhal inflammation
The first sign of this type of prostatitis will be a feeling of heaviness in the perineal area, as well as increased urination at night. Body temperature does not rise with this form, as men often ignore existing problems or try to cope on their own, thus provoking the next stage.
Acute follicular inflammation
At this stage, the first signs of prostatitis will be more pronounced. Many men no longer risk self-medication, but go to the doctor. The complaints will be very different:
- There is dull pain in the perineum, it can radiate to the coccyx or anus.
- Urination is painful, the man has difficulty, which means that acute urinary retention may develop.
- Pain during defecation, due to which the man cannot go to the toilet.
These are the first symptoms of acute follicular prostatitis, then fever up to 38 degrees, general depression of the body, weakness, lethargy can be added to them. The man becomes irritable, libido decreases, erectile dysfunction may occur.
These symptoms persist and in the absence of appropriate treatment the next stage develops.
Acute parenchymal inflammation
The inflammatory process has already spread to the parenchymal tissue, which is why it is developing rapidly. The first thing a sick man will notice is a rise in body temperature to high values (from 39 ° C), chills, dry mouth. The pain will become strong, throbbing, can be felt both in the perineum and in the lower back, abdomen, genitals.
Urination will also change. The man will first notice an intermittent flow and then will not be able to empty his bladder at all due to severe pain. If you do not call an ambulance, there will be signs of indigestion - bloating, constipation, abdominal pain with different localization. Fetid mucus is secreted from the anus.
You can tell that parenchymal acute prostatitis has started by its characteristic feature: the pain subsides if you lie on your back and lift your legs up. This is a clear signal that medical care is urgently needed.
The first signs of chronic prostatitis
Chronic prostatitis is a prolonged inflammation of the prostate gland, so the first signs begin, most often, in an acute form. However, a person from time to time expects periods of exacerbation and here you need to find out what symptoms will be accompanied. Most often, men complain of the following health problems:
- Burning around the glans penis, especially during ejaculation or urination;
- Mild pain in the perineum, may radiate to the pubis;
- Slight increase in body temperature.
With chronic prostatitis, erection problems inevitably begin, as well as the ability to participate in conceiving a child. This is due to the deterioration of prostate function, which changes the blood supply to the penis and the quality of sperm also deteriorates.
At the first signs of exacerbation of prostatitis you should undergo a course of treatment. It is not recommended to use pills prescribed by a doctor before without a preliminary examination.
The clinical picture of the disease
Regardless of the form of the inflammatory process and the reasons that caused it, the man will have a noticeable triad of symptoms, with a difference only in the intensity of their manifestation. Prostatitis is always accompanied by urinary dysfunction, pain and erectile dysfunction.
Urine with prostatitis is excreted in drops or its flow is periodic. Sometimes the jet is sprayed and then it is problematic for the man to relieve a small need while standing. The urge to urinate occurs more often at night, especially closer to the morning. In prostate stones, the urine may turn pink due to the admixture of blood.
In prostatitis, epithelial and other cells accumulate in the urethra and bacteria can also multiply. This causes a burning sensation that intensifies during urination or ejaculation.
Pain is also unavoidable. Depending on the severity of the pathological process, they can be:
- whining;
- stupid;
- shooting (pulsation).
Their most common location is the perineum, just below the testicles. Irradiation of the coccyx, sacrum, pubis, penis is not excluded. Also, pain can occur in the anus, especially when pressed, as the man often encounters constipation.
As for body temperature, it rarely rises to 38 degrees. Exceptions are parenchymal and purulent prostatitis, in which this indicator can reach 40 degrees and be accompanied by chills, severe depression and sometimes confusion. In such cases, the temperature with prostatitis threatens the patient's life.
First aid for prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis is possible on an outpatient basis, if we do not talk about purulent processes. But even in this case can not be done without going to the doctor for referral for examination and choice of treatment tactics. However, the first signs of prostatitis can appear when a man cannot call an ambulance, so you need to know some of the principles of first aid.
- When the temperature rises above 38 degrees, you can take an antipyretic.
- To relieve the pain, it is good to lie on your back and raise your legs as high as possible (lean against the wall or furniture).
- For particularly severe pain, you can take an antispasmodic or insert suppositories.
You should see a doctor as soon as possible, while at the reception you will have to say which medicines you have taken and in what dose.
Traditional methods can be used only after confirmation of the diagnosis and only with the permission of the attending physician.
How prostatitis manifests itself in tests
Prostatitis refers to diseases that do not have symptoms unique to them. For example, a burning sensation when urinating may be with urethritis, and pain in the lower abdomen may be with appendicitis or cystitis. Therefore, the final diagnosis is not based on the patient's complaints, but on the results of laboratory tests of blood, urine, semen and prostate juice. Data from rectal examination, TRUS and a number of other instrumental methods were also taken into account.
The following diagnostic features are characteristic of prostatitis:
- Presence of bacteria or fungi in urine and prostate fluid.
- The presence of leukocyte cells in urine and blood tests.
- Decrease in the number of leukocytes against the background of an increase in the number of leukocytes in the secretion of the prostate;
- Blood in urine or semen;
- Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate in blood tests.
- Pain on palpation of the prostate, changes in its size and texture.
- Change in echogenicity, granularity, contour based on TRUS results.
The combination of these signs with well-being complaints allows us to make an accurate diagnosis, which means that treatment will be prescribed correctly. The quality of life of the patient, the speed of his recovery and in some cases his life depends on it.
Conclusion
Knowing the first signs of prostatitis in men, you can orient yourself over time to changes in well-being and take action in advance. If the pain in the perineum begins, the flow of urine becomes scarce, and the desire to urinate becomes more frequent - this is a reason for suspicion of inflammation in the prostate and a signal to visit a doctor. It is better not to self-medicate in these cases.