According to statistics, prostate inflammation occurs in 15% of the male population. This is a dangerous disease that, without treatment, leads to the formation of cysts and stones in the prostate gland, erectile dysfunction (impotence) and infertility. You need to know the symptoms of prostatitis in order to consult a urologist in time and cure the disease without consequences. Inflammation is divided into acute and chronic forms, each of which has distinctive features.
Symptoms and signs common to all types of prostatitis
Despite the fact that prostatitis is acute and chronic, experts have identified a number of common symptoms and signs of the disease in men, which are inherent in both conditions: the main first and others.
Moderate pain in the perineum and scrotum
Aching and pulling sensations in the groin are the first sign of prostatitis in men. The symptom is constantly worried. Soreness increases and decreases. A person cannot accurately indicate the localization of discomfort, since pain is often given to the lower back, sacral region.
When a symptom appears, a man tries to sit up or lie down, slightly bent over and pulling his knees up to his stomach.
To treat discomfort, analgesics from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used. The drugs have a good analgesic effect and do not cause serious adverse reactions.
They are not recommended for men with gastritis or stomach ulcers.
Increased urination (pollakiuria)
With prostatitis, a man starts running to the toilet every 1. 5-2 hours. If you drink a couple of liters of beer or too much water in the heat, the condition becomes completely unbearable: the urge occurs every 20-30 minutes.
After going to the toilet, there is a feeling of incomplete urination.
With pollakiuria, no pills will help. The option "drink less water" also does not work in this case. Desires can occur even with a tiny amount of urine in the bladder.
Malaise
Weakness and weakness often occur at the very beginning of the disease. Many do not attach much importance to them, attributing everything to overwork.
If a man after 40 suddenly has severe fatigue, incomprehensible aching sensations in the muscles and joints, a decrease in interest in work, this may indicate the development of prostatitis. This symptom alone does not allow diagnosing the pathology, but when combined with 2-3 other symptoms, inflammation of the prostate is very likely.
To improve his well-being, a man needs to rest more, to normalize the daily routine. A good 7-8 hour sleep is very important, and you should fall asleep no later than 11 pm. A good effect will be from vitamins both in natural form and in the form of dietary supplements (use is recommended after an in-person consultation with a specialist).
Sluggish stream of urine
Urination with a too weak and short stream, spray in all directions are typical complaints of men who are faced with inflammation of the prostate gland. Seeing such a problem, a person tries to strain and squeeze out a "powerful stream", but nothing comes of it. For prostatitis, it is precisely the sluggish stream that is characteristic, not the release of urine in drops, which is more often observed with prostate adenoma in the middle and late stages of its development.
The symptom is primarily associated with swelling or dystrophic changes in the tissues of the prostate gland, which blocks the lumen of the urethra. NSAIDs that relieve puffiness can provide some relief in the acute process, but they will be ineffective in chronic inflammation. You can remove edema at home with the help of prostate massage, but for this a man must have certain skills.
Mucous discharge from the urethra
Drops of secretion appear on the glans penis during the day. Allocations are caused by self-massage of the prostate, which occurs when walking fast, playing sports, running. As a result, part of the inflammatory secretion moves along the urethra and is released outward. Often the mucus is cloudy, has an unpleasant odor, and sometimes the color leaves much to be desired.
Men who are confronted with a symptom need to strictly observe hygiene. The genitals should be washed at least 2-3 times a day, since the secretion accumulated on the head is an excellent medium for the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. The genitals can be rinsed with an antiseptic solution or chamomile decoction, which helps to destroy harmful microorganisms.
Pain when urinating
A symptom of prostatitis are cramps and burning sensations (burning) in the urethra that occur during urination. Discomfort is more pronounced in the morning, since a large amount of inflammatory exudate accumulates in the prostate during the night. Resi worries a man not only during the act, but also within 15-20 minutes after it.
To reduce discomfort, you can use drugs from the group of herbal uroseptics. Medicines have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, they relieve symptoms and prevent inflammatory diseases of the urethra against the background of prostatitis.
Imperative urge
Men describe this feeling as a sudden and painful urge to urinate. There is a fear of "not reaching", because the sensations are painful and very strong.
Often there is a false urge, when urine flow does not occur, and after a few minutes the pain subsides. Sometimes this symptom is accompanied by urinary incontinence, when a few drops of liquid appear on the laundry.
The only advice from doctors in such a situation is not to try to endure the urge. Frequent visits to the toilet cause psychological discomfort, but when you try to forcefully compress the muscles, the pain intensifies.
Acute prostatitis: what hurts at the same time and what sensations of the disease
Acute prostatitis in men has 9 distinctive symptoms, which are mainly observed with a sharp manifestation of inflammation of the prostate gland. We will tell you in detail about each.
Excruciating groin pain
Men complain of severe cramps, spasms and unpleasant throbbing in the groin area.
Soreness worries a person constantly, increases with prolonged sitting in a motionless position, with urination. Sometimes the pain is so severe that it is impossible to walk normally.
The symptom occurs suddenly, it may be preceded by hypothermia or unprotected sexual intercourse.
Discomfort must be treated. Pain relievers are used to quickly relieve symptoms of prostatitis in men. NSAIDs are the drug of choice.
Heat
An active inflammatory process in the prostate gland is always accompanied by a rise in temperature. In acute prostatitis, fever reaches values of 39-39. 5 ° C. The body temperature rises suddenly, sometimes preceding the onset of pain or other typical symptoms.
The symptom may be accompanied by alternating periods of chills and increased sweating.
Temperatures above 38 ° C need to be knocked down. Standard antipyretic drugs are enough. You should not use acetylsalicylic acid to lower the temperature. It has many proven side effects when used improperly, so it's best to stick with safe products.
Cloudy urine
With prostatitis, an inflammatory exudate is released from the gland, which appears during urination.
Because of this, the urine becomes cloudy, sometimes individual inclusions of mucus or pus can be seen in it. Inflammation of the prostate gland is characterized by a change in the last portion of urine, while at the beginning of urination, the stream has a familiar appearance. The turbidity is often accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
If such a symptom appears, it is worth using drugs from the uroseptic group. Here, not herbal remedies are better suited, but medicines with an antibacterial effect, which are more effective in this particular case.
Purulent discharge from the urethra
The appearance of a few drops of pus from the mouth of the urethra is a typical sign of bacterial prostatitis.
The symptom can occur during the day, as well as at the end of each urination. If prostate disease is caused by trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or other sexually transmitted infections, there may be a profuse discharge of frothy, foul-smelling pus.
Symptomatic treatment is carried out with uroseptics. Men are advised to observe hygiene and regularly wash the groin area with a solution of chamomile or an antiseptic to prevent irritation and maceration of the skin of the penis.
At the same time, it is important to start antibiotic therapy as soon as possible in order to prevent complications that are fraught with, at first glance, harmless discharge.
Retention of urine
With a sharp edema of the prostate gland, urination is impossible, since the lumen of the initial urethra is completely blocked. The man feels the urge to go to the toilet, there is a bursting feeling in the suprapubic region.
When you try to urinate, the pain intensifies, but there is no result.
Herbal preparations, which contain, for example, sabal fruit extract, help fight urinary retention. They facilitate bladder emptying and relieve excruciating suprapubic discomfort.
Headaches
Symptoms of acute prostatitis include manifestations of intoxication. The inflammatory process in the prostate gland is accompanied by the production of specific biochemical markers that affect the state of the whole organism.
The disease is often accompanied by a high fever, against the background of which a headache of a pressing or constrictive nature also occurs.
To relieve pain, analgesics from the NSAID group are suitable. If the discomfort is mild, medication can be dispensed with.
Painful bowel movements
When emptying the intestines, there is strong pressure on the inflamed gland, so the man feels a sharp pain. Sometimes the pain becomes so intense that the person tries to restrain the urge so as not to feel discomfort.
Occasionally, with prostatitis, tenesmus is observed - "unsuccessful" painful urge to defecate.
Unpleasant sensations cannot be dealt with at home. The pain will disappear only after the acute inflammatory process subsides. Do not hold back the urge to have bowel movements, as constipation can occur, which will aggravate the situation.
Lumbosacral pain
An unpleasant symptom of prostatitis is due to the general innervation (supply of nerve endings) to the pelvic organs, due to which the soreness spreads to nearby parts of the body.
The pain can be dull and aching or sharp. Also characterized by sharp "lumbago" in the lumbar region, which occur when straining, defecation, urination.
To eliminate the symptom, pain relievers from the NSAID section are suitable. You should not use warm baths or warming the lumbar zone to relieve discomfort, as this can intensify the acute inflammatory and purulent process, accelerating its development.
Body aches
The symptom develops as one of the components of the intoxication syndrome in prostatitis. The man complains of discomfort in the joints and muscles: it seems that they are simultaneously twisted, stretched and squeezed.
The malaise is similar to the onset of a cold or flu.
There are no medicines or folk remedies to eliminate discomfort. This symptom mainly occurs against the background of fever, therefore, after knocking down the temperature (in any convenient way), the aches in the body disappears, and the state of health improves.
Diagnosing chronic prostatitis at home by signs and symptoms
Chronic prostatitis is distinguished by a number of signs, thanks to which it can be diagnosed at home, even before going to the urologist.
Painful ejaculation
Unpleasant sensations bother the man when approaching orgasm: pulling pains begin in the scrotum and perineum, which are given to the penis. Discomfort reaches its maximum intensity during ejaculation, when a person may experience sharp spastic pains.
This situation is repeated with each intercourse, but the strength of the painful sensations varies.
To reduce discomfort, urologists recommend a man to have regular sexual intercourse (at least 2 times a week). This helps to eliminate the congestion in the prostate gland. After ejaculation, warm sitz baths are helpful to relieve pulling pains.
Frequent night trips to the toilet
Symptoms of chronic prostatitis include nocturia - abnormally frequent urination at night. The patient has to wake up 2-3 times or more to go to the toilet.
The urge to urinate is quite painful, and the discharge of urine is accompanied by discomfort in the perineum and in the lower abdomen. The symptom can occur regardless of the amount of liquid drunk at night.
There are no symptomatic treatments. To reduce the frequency of nighttime awakenings, you need to limit drinking water and drinks in the evening, try to completely empty your bladder before bedtime.
Constipation
The prostate gland increases in size and presses on the rectum, so the act of defecation is difficult. Men complain of persistent constipation lasting 3-4 days or more. When you try to strain, pain occurs in the perineum, sacral region. Symptoms bother a person for weeks or even months.
To improve stool, doctors recommend eating more vegetables and fruits, whole grain cereals. These foods are rich in fiber, which increases the volume of feces and makes them softer. Prunes, fresh plums, kefir and other fermented milk products have a natural laxative effect. For prolonged constipation, you can use laxative tablets or suppositories.
Subfebrile temperature
An increase in thermometer readings to 37-37. 5 ° C occurs with an exacerbation of chronic prostatitis. In this case, headache, malaise, body aches and other typical symptoms of the disease join.
The use of antipyretics is inappropriate for indications up to 38 degrees on a medical thermometer. Treatment of relapse should be carried out, due to which, in fact, subfebrile condition arose.
Weakening erection
With chronic prostatitis, sexual problems can occur not only in old age, but also in young men after 30 years.
Patients complain that during arousal the erection is not firm enough. This causes both psychological and physical discomfort. For fear of "failure", the man avoids sexual intercourse, which further exacerbates the problem.
There are many folk remedies than to treat potency problems. Only a few of these: decoctions of thyme and rose hips, tincture of rowan berries, the use of propolis. A man is advised to consume more celery, which has a good effect on erection, and to drink ginger tea.
Decreased performance
With chronic prostatitis, a man feels constant weakness, fatigue, irritability and nervousness.
Concentration and memory inevitably decrease, and it becomes more difficult to perform the usual work tasks. The symptom also applies to physical labor: even with minor sports training or exertion, muscle aches and severe fatigue occur.
During such a period, it is important to take care of yourself, get more rest and not try to complete all tasks to the maximum of your capabilities. After the treatment of prostatitis (or at least achieving a stable remission), the unpleasant symptoms will go away, then it will be possible to plunge headlong into work.
Inability to conceive a child
With the asymptomatic course of chronic prostatitis, men often go to the doctor with a complaint that they cannot conceive a child.
Patients say that they do not have any pain and frequent urination, and even in sex, everything can be normal. This option for the development of pathology is considered unfavorable, since it means that a man is already with an advanced form of the disease.
The production of viable and active sperm is a serious process that is regulated by the sex glands and the brain. No folk recipes and symptomatic remedies will help in this case, it is important to study and solve the problem at the medical level.
Reviews: the opinion of men on the forums
- "I had symptoms of prostatitis more than a year ago. At first, there was a slight pull in the groin and perineum, then the pain became stronger. I noticed that I wake up 2-3 times at night to go to the toilet. I didn't attach much importance. I thought I was frozen somewhere or sat in a draft. Then the problems in sex began: the erection was unstable, the sensitivity decreased, there were no vivid sensations during orgasm. At work, a colleague advised me to bee podmore. I took it for several months (in the form of a tincture, bought it from a local beekeeper), the condition improved, the pains disappeared. "
- "I had pains in the scrotum, perineum, and pulled the lower abdomen. Sometimes a couple of drops of pus came out from the urethra. I read reviews on the Internet, where men described the same symptoms, went to the doctor and they were diagnosed with prostatitis. I know that the disease is serious, so I decided not to delay the treatment. The hospital did a bunch of tests and ultrasound, prescribed pills. The prostatitis was cured, but problems with the intestines began, probably due to antibiotics. Then for another 2 months I had to buy probiotics, then all sorts of kefir and yoghurts to remove abdominal discomfort ".
- "For a long time I thought that I had some kind of digestive problems. I did not even know about prostatitis - I did not know that the lower abdomen hurts and the stool is disturbed. I had exactly these symptoms. I even began to visit the restroom in a small way, but at first I did not pay attention to this sign. It's good that I decided to go to the urologist after all. I was diagnosed with chronic prostatitis. I was treated for a long time, drank different pills, put candles. To be honest, I don't even remember the names, it somehow flew out of my head. Now I feel good. "
- "I know firsthand what prostatitis is. It all started suddenly: there were severe pains in the scrotum and suprapubic area, the urge to urinate was literally every 30 minutes. For a couple of days I suffered so much and went to the urologist. They did a urinalysis and ultrasound of the prostate, took a smear, and the doctor wanted to see what was there rectally with a finger, but I refused, in general . . . It turned out that "acute prostatitis" had developed. The doctor prescribed antibiotics. After 2 weeks I was completely cured, there were no relapses so far, I hope there won't be any further, it's scary, because they say that prostatitis is incurable. "
findings
With any form of prostatitis, the use of symptomatic therapy alone is not effective enough. NSAIDs or analgesics will temporarily relieve pain and fever, and uroseptics will help reduce microbial inflammation. But at the same time, the pathological process in the prostate gland continues to develop, becomes a chronic form. As a result, echographic changes (tissue sclerosis), erectile dysfunction appear, and the risk of prostate cancer increases.
In order not to bring the disease to sad consequences, complex treatment of prostatitis is required. The therapeutic regimen is prescribed by a doctor (urologist, less often - an andrologist), taking into account the characteristics of the disease and the test results.