THE SYMPTOMATOLOGY OF PROSTATITIS

The classical symptoms of acute prostatitis are so apparent in every case that I mention them at this time merely by way of contrast to the more varied and protean manifestations of the chronic form. With the exception of rare cases of metastases in acute infections and injury of either the prostatic urethra or the gland itself, our attention in nearly all cases of acute prostatitis is immediately attracted to the cause of the disease, viz.: an acute or subacute gonorrhea. Associated with this we observe the frequent painful passage of a small, feebly ejected stream of urine, often followed by terminal hematuria and leading occasionally to complete retention. Digital exploration per rectum reveals a large, boggy, sensitive prostrate many times the normal size, producing painful defecation, painful erections and deep-seated perineal pain. All these signs are so unmistakable that a diagnosis of acute prostatitis is readily made.

Chronic prostatitis,