Unlike other forms of inflammatory diseases of the reproductive and excretory system in men, chronic prostatitis in the early stages usually occurs against a background of almost complete absence of characteristic symptoms. This factor is often the reason why the patient does not turn to a specialist due to the absence of a physical ailment, which complicates further treatment.
The main signs of chronic prostatitis are fully manifested when the disease becomes acute, while in periods of remission the symptoms may be completely absent. In order to avoid complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor for the diagnosis of the disease if there are even small changes in general well-being.
The first signs of the disease
The signs of chronic prostatitis in the initial stages can vary somewhat and change depending on the initial cause that served as the development of the disease. Thus, for example, two main factors are mainly distinguished, the presence of which causes the manifestation of symptoms of the disease.
The first and main reason is the contamination of the body with pathogenic viruses and bacteria, which must also be attributed to those transmitted through intimacy. In such cases, the inflammatory process first occurs in the genital area, spreading through the flow of lymph and blood to the prostate gland.
Due to the peculiarities of this form of the disease, its main symptoms are pain, itching, burning in the area of the prostate gland and reproductive organs. In addition, there is a decrease in potency, as well as the release of pus during urination and ejaculation.
During an exacerbation of the disease in men, there is often a general deterioration of physical well-being, a significant increase in temperature, loss of appetite and weakness. All these symptoms indicate the presence of a purulent abscess in the body and are the reason for an urgent appeal to a specialist.
The bacterial form of prostatitis is characterized by the fact that the main cause of the disease is the presence of congestion in the body. This pathology develops in the context of a lack of regular intimate life, good nutrition and physical activity.
In this case, in addition to the main signs of an inflammatory disease of the prostate, the patient may be disturbed by symptoms such as systemic stool disorder, periodic dizziness, weakness and worsening of digestion.
The main stages of chronic prostatitis
As you know, it is much easier to completely eliminate the main signs and symptoms of a disease of any kind when the diagnosis and appropriate treatment were made in the initial stages. For chronic prostate in men, three main stages of disease development are characteristic:
- First. At this stage of the development of the inflammatory process, any characteristic signs are almost completely absent. However, a significant number of men still have some negative changes in the body, for example: pain, burning sensation at the time of ejaculation, lack of sexual desire, reduced productive function and increased desire to go to the toilet.
- The second stage of the disease is characterized by the presence of pathological changes in the prostate gland, healthy tissues are replaced by neoplasms that look like scars, as a result of which the organ can no longer fully perform its original functions. During this stage in men, there is a significant deterioration in potency or a complete absence of erection, systematic increased sweating, the appearance of severe pain and itching during urination.
- The third stage is characterized as the most advanced form of the disease. During this period, the prostate almost completely loses its natural functions, healthy tissues are replaced by pathogenic neoplasms, which leads to an increase in the size of the gland. This pathology leads to compression of the ways of excretion of urine and the bladder. Taking this into account, the patient feels almost no passing pain in the genital area and a feeling of overcrowding of the bladder. The complete elimination of the signs of the disease in men at this stage of the disease is possible only with the use of complex treatment, which must be used for a long time.
urinary disorder
As part of the development of the inflammatory process in the prostate, pathological changes also occur in the area of the male excretory system. Healthy prostate tissues are partially or completely replaced by scar formations, as a result of which the pressure on the bladder increases manifold. This aspect contributes to the manifestation of the following signs of chronic prostatitis:
- The patient feels a constant desire to visit, however, after the act of urination, the feeling of fullness of the bladder does not go away.
- Urination is often accompanied by sharp pain, itching and burning. These signs become more noticeable as the disease progresses.
- In the most advanced cases, the patient may notice the presence of bloody or purulent discharge in the urine, which indicates the presence of a focus of inflammation in the bladder. At the same time, the urine becomes cloudy, almost completely loses its transparency and acquires a strong unpleasant odor.
- The majority of men note the involuntary release of a small amount of urine between visits to the toilet.
Reproductive system dysfunction
One of the most unpleasant symptoms of chronic prostatitis is a disorder of the reproductive system in men, which is expressed by the appearance of the following pathologies:
- Decreased libido, i. e. lack of sexual desire.
- Reduction in the average duration of sexual intercourse, as well as an increase in the time interval between them.
- The appearance of pain, burning, itching directly during an intimate act. Also, this discomfort can appear after intimacy.
- Reduced potency in general or significant impairment of reproductive function. Most patients notice sexual impotence already in the initial stages of the disease.
- Involuntary ejaculation. In most cases, if there is an inflammatory process in the pelvic organs, ejaculation occurs within a few minutes immediately after the start of sexual intercourse or before it occurs.
local symptoms
In addition to the main symptoms of prostatitis described above, most men are also concerned about additional signs caused by the development of the inflammatory process, for example:
- Itching and burning of the skin in the prostate and genitals. Usually, to eliminate such signs, local agents are used: creams, gels, ointments. However, if the discomfort manifests itself only in this way, this may also indicate an allergic reaction of the body to external negative factors.
- Prostate pain. In addition, pain may occur in the hips, abdomen, genitals. In chronic prostatitis, these signs are more pronounced during the period of exacerbation of the disease.
- The patient may also be bothered by periodic discharge from the genitals, which may contain pus or bloody streaks. Usually this symptom is characteristic of advanced forms of the disease, especially in the absence of the necessary treatment.
Psychological aspects
Certain disturbances in the patient's usual behavior can also be characterized as the main symptoms of chronic prostatitis. The pain that occurs systematically, burning, itching, urination disorder and sexual impotence cause depressive states and nervous disorders.
In the absence of timely psychological help, as well as in the context of systemic stress, the general condition of the patient worsens significantly, the man becomes more nervous, anxious, irritable. In addition, the appetite worsens, insomnia appears.
To stabilize the patient's condition and prevent mental disorders, the patient must be provided with a comfortable atmosphere. The use of certain drugs that have a sedative effect is also acceptable.
Additional features
An acute inflammatory process is often accompanied by a significant deterioration in general well-being, fever and a feeling of general weakness. These symptoms are typical for chronic prostatitis in the acute stage, however, their manifestations in the initial stages of the development of the disease are not excluded.