By prostatitis, urologists understand inflammatory processes in the prostate gland that arise from various causes.The prostate gland belongs to the genitourinary 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 understand what the first symptoms of prostatitis can indicate the beginning of the disease and tell where to turn for help.
Symptoms of chronic abacterial prostatitis
The disease occurs as a result of prostate tissue damage or the effect of a number of other factors:
- sedentary lifestyle and accompanying disorders of blood microcirculation;
- urine flow to the prostate gland;
- narrowing of the lumen of the urethra due to a tumor, stone or inflammatory process;
- sharp contraction of pelvic muscles;
- hypothermia, smoking, alcohol abuse.
Symptoms of this form appear gradually, their severity increases with 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 tissues of the prostate gland, other symptoms of the disease appear:
- urge to urinate at night;
- pain in the perineum (can spread to the head of the penis, anus, thighs and lower abdomen);
- no or weak erection;
- pain during ejaculation;
- increase in body temperature to 37.5-37.8 ° C.
If the integrity of the tissue of the prostate gland or adjacent areas of the urethra is disturbed, blood may be observed in the urine or semen.The male pays attention to small flakes of red or brown color.
Symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis
Bacterial prostatitis is caused by pathogenic and opportunistic microflora.Microorganisms can live in a man's intestines or skin;if hygiene rules are not followed, they can enter the prostate through the urethra and develop rapidly in the tissues of the gland.Another option is that the pathogen penetrates the urethra and then the prostate during unprotected sex.If the biopsy of the prostate gland is performed incorrectly, it is also possible to get infected.
Once in the mucous membrane of the prostate gland, bacteria develop rapidly, the colony literally grows in 2-3 days.In this case, the first signs of prostatitis:
- chills, fever, increased body temperature;
- pain in the perineum, lower back or lower abdomen;
- urinary disorders (pain, intermittent urination, frequent urge).
Without treatment or incorrect treatment tactics, the disease progresses.After a few days, constipation, acute urinary retention, pain in muscles, joints and lymph nodes may appear.Symptoms of intoxication are also possible - nausea, vomiting, weakness.
The interval between the first symptoms and the most striking clinical picture can be 3-4 days.
Symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis
The chronic form of bacterial prostatitis occurs as a result of improper management of the acute course, as well as damage to the bladder and improper catheterization.It is possible that the inflammatory process in the adjacent 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 due to the following symptoms:
- urinary problems;
- dull, aching pain in the perineum;
- problems with erection.
Periods of aggravation are replaced by calmness.A man may mistakenly think about recovery and not consult a doctor.This relationship 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
There are no characteristic symptoms of prostatitis;it can be confused with other diseases with similar symptoms - cystitis, urethritis, chlamydia.
Knowing the first symptoms of the disease will not help to make an accurate diagnosis.It is more effective to focus on clinical manifestations.
Acute bacterial prostatitis is characterized by the following symptoms detected during urine and blood examination and laboratory examination:
- the body temperature in the anus is 0.5 ° C higher than the temperature in the armpit;
- increase in the number of leukocytes in the urine;
- decrease in the number of eosinophils;
- increased C-reactive protein;
- an increase in the level of PSA in the blood.
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 whom to contact for treatment
Prostatitis refers to diseases that do not threaten the patient's life in the initial stage.You can take painkillers for severe pain, but this is an exception to the rule.It is better not to take such pills in order not to confuse the clinical picture and not to give the correct diagnosis to the doctor.You can take antipyretics to fight high fever.
First aid is provided in a medical institution with a competent approach.For this, a man should contact a urologist where he lives or stays.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 independently.
These drugs are prescribed taking into account the type of pathogen;uncontrolled use can increase bacterial resistance and aggravate the manifestation of intoxication.
The consequences of ignoring the first signs
Most men prefer not to see a doctor, especially when it comes to problems with the genitourinary system.This relationship can be dangerous.Prostatitis is a serious disease and can cause negative consequences:
- the transition to a chronic form that is practically not treated;
- the development of infertility;
- spread of infection to nearby organs;
- decrease in capacity;
- occurrence of sepsis.
The last situation directly threatens the patient's life.The probability of death is 30-50%, and the delay in medical care increases this value by 8% every hour.
Let's summarize
Knowing the first signs of prostatitis in men helps to suspect problems in the body.A more accurate diagnosis is made based on instrumental examination and the results of blood and urine laboratory tests.Prostatitis can threaten a person's life, so self-treatment is unacceptable.If you delay going to the doctor, the disease can become chronic, which is very difficult to cope with.