The first symptoms of prostatitis in men

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 sign to visit a doctor and a more detailed 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 a glandular organ, consisting of two lobes and a capsule, as well as the adjacent prostatic urethra. The prostate performs 3 functions at the same time:

1. Regulates the density of semen by producing prostate juice and diluting the ejaculate with it.
2. Blocks the urethra at the time of orgasm.
3. 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 into the prostate or after its injury, hypothermia begins, as well as stagnant processes, inflammation. In this case, the blood microcirculation is disturbed, the outflow of lymph, venous blood and prostate secretion worsens. This leads to the development of edema and enlargement of the gland. As a result, the tissues are compressed, a 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 to miss the first symptoms of acute prostatitis - they appear suddenly and develop quickly. Often 2 to 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, as well as increased urination at night. Body temperature does not rise with this form, because men often ignore existing problems or try to deal with them on their own, thus causing the next stage.

Acute follicular inflammation

At this stage, the first signs of prostatitis will be more pronounced. Many men are no longer at risk of self-medicating, but they go to the doctor. The complaints will be very different:

1. There is a dull ache in the perineum, which may radiate to the coccyx or anus.
2. Urination is painful, the man has difficulties, which means that acute urinary retention may develop.
3. Pain when defecating, so the man cannot go to the bathroom.

These are the first symptoms of acute follicular prostatitis, they can be added fever up to 38 degrees, general depression of the body, weakness, lethargy. The man becomes irritated, the 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 patient will notice is an increase in body temperature to high values ​​(from 39 ° C), chills, dry mouth. The pain will become intense, stabbing, it can be felt both in the perineum and in the lower back, in the abdomen, in the genitals.

Urination will also change. A man will first notice an intermittent stream and then he will not be able to empty his bladder at all due to the severe pain. If he does not call an ambulance, there will be signs of indigestion: bloating, constipation, abdominal pain of different localization. Foul mucus comes out of the anus.

You can understand that acute parenchymal prostatitis has started with its characteristic feature: the pain subsides if you lie on your back and lift your legs. This is a clear sign that medical attention is urgently needed.

The first signs of chronic prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis is a prolonged inflammation of the prostate gland, which is why the first signs most often begin acutely. However, a man from time to time expects periods of exacerbation, and here you need to understand what symptoms will be accompanied. Most of the time men complain about the following health problems:

1. Burning around the glans penis, especially during ejaculation or urination;
2. Mild pain in the perineum, may radiate to the pubis;
3. 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 a deterioration in the functions of the prostate, so the blood supply to the penis changes and the quality of the sperm also deteriorates.

At the first signs of exacerbation of prostatitis, you should undergo 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, a man will have a remarkable triad of symptoms, with a difference only in the intensity of their manifestation. Prostatitis is always accompanied by urination problems, pain, and erectile dysfunction.

Urine with prostatitis is excreted in drops or its flow is intermittent. Sometimes the jet is sprayed and then it is troublesome for a man to relieve a small need while standing. The urge to urinate occurs more often at night, especially closer to morning. With stones in the prostate, the urine may turn pink due to impurities in the blood.

With prostatitis, epithelial and other cells accumulate in the urethra, and bacteria can also multiply. This leads to a burning sensation that intensifies when you urinate or ejaculate.

The pain can't be helped either. Depending on the severity of the pathological process, they can be:

• whine;
• stupid;
• shot (by pressing).

Its most common location is the perineal region, just below the testicles. Irradiation to the coccyx, sacrum, pubis and penis is not excluded. Also, pain can occur in the anus, especially when pushing, because a man often suffers from constipation.

As for body temperature, it rarely rises above 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 we are not talking about purulent processes. But even in this case, you cannot do without going to the doctor for a referral for an examination and the choice of treatment tactics. However, the first signs of prostatitis can appear when a man cannot call an ambulance, so he should know some of the principles of first aid.

1. When the temperature rises above 38 degrees, you can take an antipyretic.
2. 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).
3. For particularly severe pain, you can drink an antispasmodic or insert suppositories.

As soon as possible, you should consult a doctor, while at the reception you will have to indicate what medications you have taken and in what dose.

Traditional methods can be used only after confirming the diagnosis and only with the permission of the attending physician.

How prostatitis manifests in tests

Prostatitis refers to diseases that have no symptoms inherent only to them. For example, a burning sensation when urinating can be with urethritis and pain in the lower abdomen, 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 digital rectal examination, TRUS, and other instrumental methods are also taken into account.

The following diagnostic features are hallmarks of prostatitis:

1. Presence of bacteria or fungi in urine and prostate fluid.
2. The presence of leukocyte cells in urine and blood tests.
3. Decrease in the number of leukocyte grains against the background of an increase in the number of leukocytes in the secretion of the prostate;
4. Blood in urine or semen;
5. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate in blood tests.
6. Pain on palpation in the prostate, change in size and consistency.
7. Change in echogenicity, granularity, contour based on TRUS results.

The combination of these signs with complaints about well-being allows us to make an accurate diagnosis, which means that the treatment will be prescribed correctly. The quality of life of the patient, the speed of his recovery and, in some cases, her life depends on this.

Conclusion

Knowing the first signs of prostatitis in men, you can navigate the changes in well-being in time and take action in advance. If the pains in the perineum begin, the stream of urine has become scanty and the need to urinate has become more frequent; this is a reason to suspect an inflammation in the prostate and a signal to consult a doctor. It is better not to self-medicate in these cases.