Prostatitis, like any other disease, manifests itself with certain symptoms. It is important for a man to know exactly the first signs, as they are a signal for a doctor's visit and further examination. We will talk about how various forms of inflammation of the prostate and first aid measures are manifested in the article.
Briefly about prostate and prostatitis
The prostate of an adult man is a glandular organ that consists of two lobules and a capsule as well as the adjacent prostate urethra. The prostate performs three functions at the same time:
- Regulates the semen density by producing prostate juice and thinning the ejaculate with it.
- Blocks the urethra at the time of orgasm.
- Participates in the production of certain hormones or controls their levels in the body.
When a man's reproductive system fails, the first signs are associated with these functions of the prostate.
As a result of the penetration of pathogenic microflora into 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 prostate secretion deteriorates. This leads to the development of edema and enlargement of the gland. As a result, the tissues are compressed, the man has a feeling of heaviness in the perineum or slight pain in the lower abdomen - the first sign of impending prostatitis.
The clinical picture largely depends 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 abrupt and develop quickly. Often 2-4 days pass between the onset of the inflammatory process and the first sign.
In this case, the clinical picture depends on the stage of the disease.
Acute catarrhal inflammation
The first sign of this type of prostatitis is a feeling of heaviness in the perineal area and increased urination at night. Body temperature does not rise with this form, because men often ignore existing problems or try to solve them on their own, which provokes the next stage.
Acute follicular inflammation
At this stage, the first signs of prostatitis are more pronounced. Many men no longer risk self-medication, but go to the doctor. The complaints will be very different:
- There is a dull pain in the perineum that can radiate to the tailbone or anus.
- Urination is painful, the man has difficulty, which means that acute urinary retention can develop.
- Pain during bowel movements that prevents the man from going to the bathroom.
These are the first symptoms of follicular acute prostatitis. In addition there is a fever of up to 38 degrees, general depression of the body, weakness, lethargy. A man becomes irritable, the libido decreases, erectile dysfunction can occur.
These symptoms persist, and if not adequately treated, the next stage will develop.
Acute parenchymal inflammation
The inflammatory process has already spread to the parenchymal tissue and is therefore developing rapidly. The first thing a sick man notices is an increase in body temperature to high levels (from 39 ° C), chills, dry mouth. The pain becomes severe, throbbing, can be felt both in the perineum and lower back, in the abdomen, genitals.
Urination also changes. A man will first notice an intermittent flow and then be unable to empty his bladder at all due to severe pain. If you do not call the ambulance, there are signs of indigestion - flatulence, constipation, abdominal pain of various localization. Fatty mucus is expelled from the anus.
You can understand that parenchymal acute prostatitis began by its characteristic feature: the pain subsides when you lie on your back and lift your legs. This is a clear signal that urgent medical attention is needed.
The first signs of chronic prostatitis
Chronic prostatitis is a persistent inflammation of the prostate, so the first signs usually begin in an acute form. However, from time to time a man expects periods of exacerbation, and here you need to understand what symptoms are accompanied by them. Most often men complain of the following health problems:
- Burning sensation around the glans, especially during ejaculation or urination;
- Slight pain in the perineum can radiate to the pubic bone.
- Slight increase in body temperature.
With chronic prostatitis, erectile problems inevitably begin, as well as the ability to participate in the conception of a child. This is due to a deterioration in the functioning of the prostate, as a result of which the blood supply to the penis changes and the quality of sperm cells deteriorates.
At the first signs of worsening prostatitis, you must undergo treatment. It is not recommended to use pills previously prescribed by a doctor without prior examination.
The clinical picture of the disease
Regardless of the form of the inflammatory process and the reasons that caused it, a man exhibits a noticeable triad of symptoms, differing only in the intensity of their manifestation. Prostatitis is always accompanied by urinary disorders, pain and erectile dysfunction.
Urine with prostatitis is excreted drop by drop or its flow is intermittent. Sometimes the stream is sprayed, and then it becomes problematic for a man to relieve a small need while standing. The urge to urinate is more common at night, especially closer in the morning. With stones in the prostate, urine may turn pink due to the admixture of blood.
In prostatitis, epithelial and other cells accumulate in the urethra, and bacteria can multiply too. This results in a burning sensation that increases at the time of urination or ejaculation.
Pain cannot be avoided either. Depending on the severity of the pathological process, they can be:
- whine;
- stupid;
- shooting (pulsing).
Their most common location is the perineal area just below the testicles. Irradiation of the tailbone, sacrum, pubic bone and penis is not excluded. There may also be pain in the anus, especially when pushing, since a man often encounters constipation.
The body temperature rarely rises to 38 degrees. The exception is parenchymal and purulent prostatitis, in which this indicator can reach 40 degrees and is accompanied by chills, severe depression, and sometimes confusion. In such cases, with prostatitis, the temperature threatens the patient's life.
First aid for prostatitis
Treatment of prostatitis is also possible on an outpatient basis, if it is not about purulent processes. But even in this case, one cannot do without going to the doctor for a referral for an examination and to choose the treatment tactics. However, the first signs of prostatitis can appear when a man cannot call an ambulance. Hence, you need to know some of the principles of first aid.
- If the temperature rises above 38 degrees, you can take an antipyretic.
- To relieve pain, it is good to lie on your back and raise your legs as high as possible (leaning against the wall or furniture).
- If the pain is particularly severe, you can drink an antispasmodic or use a suppository.
You need to see a doctor as soon as possible, while at the reception you need to tell the reception what medication you have taken in what dosage.
Conventional methods can only be used after the diagnosis has been confirmed and only with the approval of the attending physician.
How prostatitis manifests itself in analyzes
Prostatitis refers to diseases in which only symptoms appear. For example, there may be a burning sensation when urinating with urethritis, and pain in the lower abdomen may occur with appendicitis or cystitis. The final diagnosis is therefore not made based on the patient's symptoms, but based on the results of laboratory tests using blood, urine, semen, and prostate juice. The data of the 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 in the prostate.
- The presence of leukocyte cells in urine and blood tests.
- decrease in the number of grains of leukocytes against the background of an increase in the number of leukocytes during secretion of the prostate;
- blood in the urine or semen;
- Reduction of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in blood tests.
- Pain on palpation in the prostate, change in size and consistency.
- Change in echogenicity, graininess and contour based on the TRUS results.
The combination of these signs with complaints about well-being allows us to make an accurate diagnosis, which means that the treatment is correctly prescribed. The patient's quality of life, the speed of his recovery, and in some cases his life, all depend on it.
Conclusion
Knowing the first signs of prostatitis in men, you can timely control changes in well-being and take action in advance. When pain in the perineum began, the flow of urine became scarce and the urge to urinate increased - this is a reason for suspicion of inflammation of the prostate and a signal to see a doctor. In these cases, it is better not to self-medicate.