Which Complications Will Arise from Acute Prostatitis

The prostate, as a male-specific sex gland, plays a crucial role in male reproductive health and urinary system function. However, when the prostate becomes inflamed, especially in cases of acute prostatitis, a lack of timely and effective treatment can lead to a series of severe complications, posing a more significant threat to the patient's health.

So, what complications can acute prostatitis cause?

1. Acute Urinary Retention

During an acute prostatitis episode, the prostate becomes congested and swollen, and the inflammation can spread to nearby tissues and organs, including the urethra.

The swelling of the prostate compresses the urethra, narrowing it and obstructing urine flow. Meanwhile, the inflammatory stimulation can cause spasms of the urethral sphincter, further exacerbating the difficulty in urination. In severe cases, the patient may experience an inability to urinate, known as acute urinary retention.

The patient may feel lower abdominal distention and pain, with an urgent need to urinate but being unable to do so. This situation not only brings significant discomfort to the patient but can also lead to bladder overdistension and even affect kidney function.

2. Acute Seminal Vesiculitis or Epididymitis

The prostate is anatomically adjacent to reproductive organs, such as the seminal vesicles and epididymis, with interconnected lymphatic and blood circulations. When acute prostatitis occurs, inflammation can quickly spread to the seminal vesicles and epididymis through these channels, causing acute seminal vesiculitis or epididymitis.

Patients with seminal vesiculitis may experience hematospermia and painful ejaculation, which can severely affect sperm quality and fertility. 

Patients with epididymitis may experience swelling and pain in the epididymis, with redness and heat in the scrotal skin. If epididymitis is not treated promptly or thoroughly, it may lead to epididymal duct obstruction, affecting sperm output and causing infertility.

3. Spermatic Cord Lymphadenopathy or Tenderness

The prostate's lymphatic circulation is connected to the spermatic cord lymphatic system. During acute prostatitis, bacteria, toxins, and other pathogens can enter the spermatic cord lymph nodes through the lymphatic pathways, causing inflammatory reactions and leading to spermatic cord lymphadenopathy and tenderness. In this situation, the patient may feel enlarged and painful lymph nodes in the inguinal region, worsening pain during walking or standing.

4. Sexual Dysfunction

During the onset of acute prostatitis, due to the stimulation of inflammation and physical discomfort, patients may experience sexual dysfunction such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. 

Besides, the inflammation of the prostate can cause physical discomfort and increased psychological stress, leading to a loss of interest in sexual activities.

On the other hand, the inflammation can affect the nerves and blood vessels that control erection and ejaculation, resulting in abnormal sexual function. Additionally, if acute prostatitis is not thoroughly treated and turns into chronic prostatitis, long-term inflammatory stimulation, and psychological factors can also cause persistent damage to sexual function.

5. Other Systemic Complications

If acute prostatitis is severe, bacteria or toxins may enter the bloodstream, causing systemic infection symptoms such as sepsis and bacteremia. Patients may experience chills, high fever, generalized fatigue, and muscle aches, which can be life-threatening in severe cases.

Furthermore, prolonged inflammatory stimulation may lead to abnormal immune responses, triggering allergic diseases such as arthritis, neuritis, and iritis.

In conclusion, if acute prostatitis is not treated promptly, it can lead to various severe complications, severely affecting the patient's physical and mental health as well as quality of life.

Once symptoms of acute prostatitis, such as frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, perineal pain, and fever, appear, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly and undergo standardized treatment. If it develops into chronic prostatitis, the natural medicine Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill can provide symptomatic treatment, clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation, and alleviating inflammation and discomfort.

During treatment, patients should rest, drink plenty of water, maintain a light diet, avoid sexual activity and excessive fatigue, and avoid excessive fatigue to promote recovery and reduce complications.

You may also be interested in:

What Kind of Prostate Problems Can occur?

Can Chronic Prostatitis Have No Symptoms at All?

Prostatitis Grading: Are You Mild?