By prostatitis, urologists understand the inflammatory processes of the prostate gland, which arise from various causes.The prostate belongs to the urogenital system and is surrounded by other organs and tissues, so the symptoms, especially in the initial stage, do not allow to identify the disease.Let's try to figure out what the first signs of prostatitis can indicate the beginning of the disease and tell where to turn for help.
Signs of chronic abacterial prostatitis
The disease develops as a result of damage to the prostate tissue or a number of other factors:
- sedentary lifestyle and concomitant disorders of blood microcirculation;
- urine reflux into the prostate gland;
- narrowing of the lumen of the urethra due to a tumor, stone or inflammatory process;
- sharp contraction of the pelvic muscles;
- hypothermia, smoking, alcohol consumption.
The symptoms of this form appear gradually, and their severity increases 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 mistaken for urethritis, so laboratory diagnosis is important.
As the inflammatory process progresses, other signs of the disease appear in the tissues of the prostate:
- 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;
- an increase in body temperature to 37.5-37.8 ° C.
If the integrity of the prostate tissue or the adjacent areas of the urethra are damaged, blood can be observed in the urine or semen.The man pays attention to small scarlet or brown flakes.
Signs of acute bacterial prostatitis
Bacterial prostatitis is caused by pathogenic and opportunistic microflora.Microorganisms can live in the intestines or on a person's skin;if hygiene rules are not followed, they can enter the prostate through the urethra and rapidly develop in the tissues of the gland.Another possibility is the penetration of the pathogen into the urethra and further into the prostate during unprotected sexual intercourse.An infection can also occur if a prostate biopsy is performed incorrectly.
Once on the mucous membrane of the prostate, the bacteria develop rapidly, the colony literally grows in 2-3 days.The first signs of prostatitis in this case are the following:
- chills, fever, increased body temperature;
- pain in the perineum, lower back, or lower abdomen;
- urination disorder (pain, periodic flow of urine, frequent desire).
Without treatment or incorrect treatment tactics, the disease progresses.After a few days, constipation, acute urinary retention, muscle, joint and lymph node pain may occur.Signs of poisoning are also possible - nausea, vomiting, weakness.
The interval between the first symptoms and the most obvious clinical picture can be 3-4 days.
Signs of chronic bacterial prostatitis
The chronic form of bacterial prostatitis occurs due to improper treatment of the acute course, as well as injury to the bladder and improper catheterization.It is possible that the inflammatory process of neighboring organs spreads to the prostate gland.
A man may miss the first signs of chronic prostatitis - the symptoms of this form are characterized by mild severity, periods of remission are possible.The disease can be suspected based on the following symptoms:
- urination problems;
- dull, aching pain in the perineum;
- problems with erection.
Periods of exacerbation alternate with lulls.A man may mistakenly think of recovery and not see a doctor.This attitude is dangerous - the inflammatory process progresses, the tissue of the prostate degenerates, and the organ loses its functions.As a result, prostatitis can lead to infertility and cause sepsis - blood poisoning.
Clinical manifestations of pathology
Prostatitis has no characteristic signs;it can be confused with other diseases with similar symptoms - cystitis, urethritis, chlamydia.
Knowing the first signs of the disease does not help in making an accurate diagnosis.It is more effective to pay attention to clinical manifestations.
Acute bacterial prostatitis is characterized by the following symptoms, which are revealed during urine and blood tests and laboratory tests:
- the body temperature of the anus is 0.5 °C higher than the temperature of the armpit;
- increased number of leukocytes in the urine;
- decrease in the number of eosinophils;
- increased C-reactive protein;
- an increase in blood PSA levels.
A blood test for 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.In severe pain, you can take painkillers, but this is an exception to the rule.It is better not to take such pills so as not to blur the clinical picture and prevent the doctor from making the correct diagnosis.You can take antipyretics to fight a high fever.
With a competent approach, first aid is provided in a medical institution.For this, the man should contact a urologist in his place of residence or residence.If for some reason it is impossible to see a doctor on your own, you should call an ambulance.
It is strictly forbidden to take antibiotics on your own.
These drugs are prescribed taking into account the type of pathogen;uncontrolled use can increase the resistance of bacteria and aggravate the manifestation of poisoning.
Consequences of ignoring the first signs
Most men do not want to see a doctor, especially when it comes to problems with 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;
- reduced potency;
- incidence of sepsis.
The latter condition directly endangers the patient's life.The probability of death is 30-50%, and every hour of delay in medical care increases this value by 8%.
Let's summarize
Knowing the first signs of prostatitis in men helps to suspect problems in the body.A more accurate diagnosis is established on the basis of instrumental examination and the results of laboratory tests of blood and urine.Prostatitis can endanger a man's life, so self-treatment is unacceptable.If you postpone a visit to the doctor, the disease can become chronic, which is very difficult to cope with.