Prostatitis is a familiar condition. The prostate gland, a vital component of the male reproductive system, is also highly vulnerable to various pathologies. Prostatitis is a relatively common disease among men.
Primary Clinical Symptoms of Prostatitis
1. Pain: Primarily manifests as discomfort or pain in the perineum, anus, or posterior urethra, or as discomfort/dull ache in the suprapubic region, groin, lumbosacral area, testicles, or penis. May also present as referred pain of varying intensity below the thigh and above the knee.
2. Urinary symptoms: Commonly includes milky-white discharge from the urethral opening, especially after activities that increase abdominal pressure like defecation. Symptoms may also include frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, a sensation of incomplete emptying, burning during urination, and increased nocturnal urination.
3. Reproductive system symptoms: Prostatitis may also cause sexual dysfunction in affected men, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, painful ejaculation, hematospermia, and nocturnal emissions. Additionally, it may lead to poor semen liquefaction, reduced sperm motility, decreased viability, increased abnormal sperm, and semen agglutination.
4. Psychological symptoms:Patients may also experience lethargy, melancholy, restlessness, poor sleep, vivid dreams, forgetfulness, anxiety, fear, anger, low self-esteem, and in severe cases, suicidal tendencies.
5. Other Symptoms: Beyond the above, patients may exhibit fatigue, weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, constipation, or loose stools.
Preventing Prostatitis: "Two Dos and Three Don'ts"
In a sense, male aging begins with the prostate. Even when physically robust, experiencing a sensation of incomplete urination or mild pain during voiding signals an alarm from the prostate. Common symptoms of prostatitis include frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen and perineum, which can impair sexual function.However, prostatitis is not frightening at all and can be completely cured, provided you choose a reputable medical institution. Preventing prostatitis involves "Two Dos and Three Don'ts":
Do quit smoking and limit alcohol: Clinical studies show nicotine stimulates excessive prostate secretion, triggering inflammation. Alcohol promotes capillary dilation, causing prostate tissue congestion and edema, leading to discomfort. Heavy drinking also affects testosterone secretion.
Maintain regular bowel movements: The prostate lies behind the rectum. Under normal conditions, the rectum contains minimal stool. However, constipation leaves residual stool in the rectum, allowing bacteria to affect surrounding organs—including the prostate—through the rectal mucosa.
Avoid spicy foods: Active compounds in chili peppers can irritate the prostate, causing chronic, recurrent congestion. This may lead to painful ejaculation, burning sensation in the urethra, and difficulty urinating.
Avoid prolonged sitting: Activities like extended driving, cycling, or wearing tight pants—similar to prolonged sitting—directly compress the prostate, causing glandular congestion.
Avoid holding urine: Bacteria commonly reside in the lower segment of the male urethra. Urination flushes these bacteria away. Frequently holding urine weakens this flushing effect, allowing bacteria to multiply and travel backward into the posterior urethra, potentially triggering prostatitis.