Prostatitis is a common urological condition, ranking first among male urological patients under 50 years old.In 1995, the NIH established a new classification system for prostatitis: Type I corresponds to acute bacterial prostatitis in traditional classifications; Type II corresponds to chronic bacterial prostatitis; Type III is chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome; Type IV is asymptomatic prostatitis. Nonbacterial prostatitis is far more common than bacterial prostatitis.
Etiology of Chronic Prostatitis
Chronic prostatitis falls under the category of "lin syndrome" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Historically, "lin syndrome" was primarily attributed to damp-heat descending, kidney deficiency, and blood stasis.
Through extensive modern research and long-term clinical practice, chronic prostatitis is now primarily recognized as caused by blood stasis, followed by damp-heat, and then kidney deficiency.
Common causes include prolonged cycling, driving, or sitting, which lead to chronic prostate congestion, impaired local blood and qi circulation, and stasis-induced pathology. Frequent masturbation, prolonged abstinence, deliberate suppression of ejaculation, or excessive mental fixation on sexual thoughts can cause semen to deviate from its proper channel. This results in stagnation of turbid semen fluids within the gland, obstructing qi and blood circulation, and ultimately causing disease through stagnation of essence and blood.
Additionally, excessive physical strain, prolonged exposure to damp environments, unprotected intercourse, excessive consumption of spicy or rich foods, chronic alcohol abuse, or residing in damp, low-lying areas can foster damp-heat. This damp-heat descends to invade the glandular tissue, causing damp-heat obstruction and impaired blood circulation, leading to disease.
Preventing prostatitis requires essential daily care
Like all diseases, prevention is better than cure for prostatitis. Young men seeking to guard against its onset must pay attention to daily habits.
First, cultivate healthy routines. Maintain regular sleep schedules and ensure adequate rest to prevent immune system decline from irregular lifestyles or excessive fatigue.
Second, dietary adjustments are crucial. Patients should avoid spicy foods, adopt a low-fat diet, and increase intake of whole grains, nuts, and vegetables to supplement vitamins C, E, and zinc. Additionally, minimize exposure to caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol. Professor Liu specifically notes that while smoking and spicy foods do not directly cause prostatitis, they hinder treatment and may worsen symptoms.
Third, avoid holding urine and maintain regular sexual activity. Moderate, regular sexual intercourse or masturbation helps expel prostatic fluid, relieves prostatic fluid stasis, improves local blood circulation, promotes the absorption and dissipation of inflammation, supports normal prostate function and patient recovery, and enhances quality of life and psychological well-being.
Finally, maintain good personal hygiene and adopt healthy lifestyle habits regardless of whether you have prostatitis.