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 examinations. We will talk about how different forms of inflammation of the prostate gland and first aid measures manifest themselves in the article.
Briefly about prostate and prostatitis
The prostate gland of an adult male is a glandular organ, which consists of two lobules and a capsule, as well as the adjacent prostatic urethra. The prostate performs 3 functions simultaneously:
- Regulates sperm density by producing prostate juice and diluting the ejaculate with it.
- Blocks the urethra at the time of 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 associated with these functions of the prostate.
As a result of the invasion of pathogenic microflora in the prostate or after its injury, hypothermia and stagnant processes, inflammation begins. In this case, the blood microcirculation is disturbed, the outflow of lymph, venous blood and prostatic secretion worsens. This leads to the development of edema and the enlargement of the gland size. As a result, the tissues are compressed, the man has a feeling of heaviness in the perineum or a slight aching 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 not to notice the first symptoms of acute prostatitis: they appear suddenly and develop rapidly. Often 2-4 days pass between the onset of the inflammatory process and 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 region and an increase in nocturnal urination. The body temperature does not rise with this form, because men often ignore the existing problems or try to cope with them 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. Complaints will be very different:
- There is a dull pain in the perineum, it can radiate to the coccyx or anus.
- Urination is painful, man has difficulty, which means that acute urinary retention may develop.
- Pain during bowel movements, as a result of which the man cannot go to the toilet.
These are the first symptoms of acute follicular prostatitis, to these can be added fever up to 38 degrees, general depression of the body, weakness, lethargy. A man becomes irritable, libido decreases, erectile dysfunction may appear.
These symptoms persist and, in the absence of adequate treatment, the next stage develops.
Acute parenchymal inflammation
The inflammatory process has already spread to the parenchymal tissue, so it is developing rapidly. The first thing a sufferer will notice is an increase in body temperature to high values (from 39 ° C), chills, dry mouth. The pain will become severe, throbbing, it can be felt both in the perineum and in the lower back, abdomen, genitals.
Your urination will also change. A man will notice intermittent flow first, so he won't be able to empty his bladder at all due to the severe pain. If you do not call an ambulance, there will be signs of indigestion: bloating, constipation, abdominal pain of different localization. Fetid mucus is discharged from the anus.
You can understand that acute parenchymal prostatitis began by its characteristic: the pain subsides if you lie on your back and lift your legs. This is a clear signal that medical attention is urgently needed.
The first signs of chronic prostatitis
Chronic prostatitis is a prolonged inflammation in the prostate gland, so the first signs very often begin in the acute form. However, a man from time to time expects periods of exacerbation, and here it is necessary to understand what symptoms will be accompanied. Most often, men complain of the following health problems:
- Burning sensation around the glans, especially during ejaculation or urination;
- Slight 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 the conception of a child. This is due to the deterioration of the functions of the prostate, as a result of which the blood supply to the penis changes, and the quality of sperm also deteriorates.
At the first signs of exacerbation of prostatitis, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment. It is not recommended to use pills prescribed by a doctor earlier without a preliminary examination.
The clinical picture of the disease
Regardless of the form of the inflammatory process and the reasons that caused it, a man will have a noticeable triad of symptoms, with a difference only in the intensity of their manifestation. Prostatitis is always accompanied by reduced urination, pain and erectile dysfunction.
Urine with prostatitis is excreted in drops or its flow is intermittent. Sometimes the jet is sprayed and therefore it is problematic for a man to relieve a small need while standing. The urge to urinate occurs more often at night, especially closer to the morning. With stones in the prostate, urine can turn pink due to the admixture of blood.
With prostatitis, epithelial cells and other cells accumulate in the urethra, and bacteria can also multiply. This leads to a burning sensation that intensifies at the time of urination or ejaculation.
Even pain cannot be avoided. Depending on the severity of the pathological process, they can be:
- whining;
- stupid;
- shutter (button).
Their most common location is the perineal area, just below the testicles. Irradiation to the coccyx, sacrum, pubis, penis is not excluded. Also, pain can occur in the anus, especially when pushing, because a man often encounters constipation.
As for the body temperature, it rarely rises to 38 degrees. The exception is 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 life of the patient.
First aid for prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis is also possible on an outpatient basis, if it is not a question of purulent processes. But even in this case one cannot help but go to the doctor for referral for examination and the choice of treatment tactics. However, the first signs of prostatitis can appear when a man is unable to 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 pain, it is good to lie on your back and lift your legs as high as possible (lean against the wall or furniture).
- In case of particularly severe pain, you can drink an antispasmodic or insert suppositories.
As soon as possible, you will need to consult a doctor, while at the reception you will have to tell which drugs you have taken and in what dosage.
Traditional methods can only be used after confirming the diagnosis and only with the permission of the attending physician.
How prostatitis manifests itself in analyzes
Prostatitis refers to diseases that have no symptoms inherent only to them. For example, a burning sensation when urinating may be associated with urethritis, and pain in the lower abdomen may be associated with appendicitis or cystitis. Therefore, the final diagnosis is not made 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 are also taken into account.
The following diagnostic features are characteristic of prostatitis:
- Presence of bacteria or fungi in the urine and prostate fluid.
- The presence of leukocyte cells in urine and blood tests.
- Decrease in the number of leukocyte grains against the background of an increase in the number of leukocytes in the secretion of the prostate;
- Blood in the urine or semen;
- Decrease in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in blood tests.
- Pain on palpation of the prostate, change in its size and consistency.
- Modification of echogenicity, graininess, contour based on TRUS results.
The combination of these signs with complaints about well-being allows for an accurate diagnosis, which means that the treatment will be prescribed correctly. The patient's quality of life, the speed of his recovery and in some cases his life depend on this.
Conclusion
By knowing the first signs of prostatitis in men, you can cope with changes in well-being over time and take action early. If pain in the perineum began, urine flow became poor and the urge to urinate became more frequent - this is a reason to suspect inflammation of the prostate and a signal to see a doctor. It is best not to self-medicate in these cases.