The prostate, a reproductive organ located just below the bladder and enclosing the urethra, plays an important role in producing and secreting more than 30% of the liquid component of semen. Problems with the prostate, which perform these important functions, lead to a number of related diseases. The prostate is one of the prostate-related diseases and refers to various diseases such as bacterial infection and deterioration of function. It is divided into acute and chronic according to the period of occurrence, and is classified into bacterial and non-bacterial depending on whether or not it is infected with bacteria. And among them, it is known that the occurrence of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis accounts for the largest proportion of the total incidence of prostatitis.
Unlike other prostate diseases such as prostatic hyperplasia, the cause of prostatitis is not clearly known. Bacterial prostatitis is known to be caused by various causative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Gram-positive bacteria, and fecal streptococci.
And in the case of nonbacterial prostatitis, it is known that anatomical and functional dysuria is the cause. It is presumed that the increased activity of the perineum and pelvic muscles increases the pressure of the urethra, which causes the urine to flow back into the prostate, causing inflammation. In addition, various factors such as autoimmune disease and stress are reported as major triggers affecting the occurrence of nonbacterial prostatitis. Now, let’s take a look at the main symptoms of prostatitis, as well as various information about treatment and prevention.
Main symptoms of prostatitis
The main symptoms of prostatitis are pain, discomfort, pressure, and heat in the perineum. In addition, symptoms of various urination disorders such as difficulty urinating, urgency, and nocturia, cloudy urine color, bloody or milky secretions when urinating, and a feeling of residual urination may occur after urination. In addition, symptoms such as pain and discomfort at the tip of the urethra, pain during ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and seborrhea may occur.
Other symptoms include severe fatigue, general weakness, numbness in the arms and legs, joint pain, muscle pain, and back pain. These symptoms have characteristics that worsen when irregular lifestyle habits continue, and when various environmental factors such as excessive drinking and stress, long-distance driving, and sitting for long periods of time overlap.
Although such prostatitis does not cause life-threatening results, if the symptoms persist, it not only causes various inconveniences in life, but also acts as a major cause of lowering the quality of life. In addition, in the case of acute bacterial prostatitis, complications such as acute cystitis or acute epididymitis may appear.
In addition, since prostatitis, which appears in a chronic form, is difficult to cure and often requires long treatment, it can cause a decrease in sexual function and problems, and may be accompanied by various neurological symptoms such as decreased self-confidence and depression. Therefore, it is important to proceed with an accurate examination and treatment through a visit to the hospital when various signs of suspected occurrence appear, and it is important to maintain a steady management habit to prevent chronicity and recurrence.
How to treat and prevent prostatitis
1. Accurate diagnosis and early treatment
For an accurate diagnosis of prostatitis, an increase in white blood cells and bacteria is confirmed in the prostate fluid, urine and semen through various tests such as urinalysis and digital rectal examination at the same time as confirming the medical history. In addition, various tests such as culture test, urine cytology test, and prostate fluid microscopy are performed to check for bacterial and bacterial infection. After that, treatment is carried out according to the results of the diagnosis, such as bacterial or non-bacterial. In the case of bacterial infections, both acute and chronic antibiotics and metronidazole, antifungal drugs, and alpha sympathetic blockers to relieve pain and improve urinary symptoms are used. Non-bacterial treatment is also treated with antibiotics and the alpha sympathetic nervous system, anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics. It is known that these non-bacterial properties are not treated well compared to bacterial ones and have a high possibility of recurrence even after treatment.
2. Healthy Eating
In order to prevent aggravation of the symptoms of prostatitis and prevent its occurrence, it is important to consistently maintain a healthy diet rich in various vitamins and minerals. In addition, it is said that it is an important management habit to minimize the occurrence of continuous intake of various foods that can help promote prostate health. Strawberries, including tomatoes, watermelon, green tea, garlic, etc. are good foods for the prostate, so it is recommended to consume them regularly. In addition to various types of soybeans, various foods such as soybean paste, cheonggukjang, and tofu produced by processing soybeans are said to help improve symptoms. On the other hand, excessive consumption of salty, spicy, and stimulant foods, coffee, energy drinks, and carbonated drinks containing caffeine are risk factors that aggravate symptoms, so it is recommended to control intake and refrain from treatment during treatment. In addition, it is recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol as they are the main factors for the occurrence and worsening of prostatitis symptoms.
3. Steady aerobic exercise and refrain from sitting for long periods of time
In order to prevent prostatitis from occurring and becoming chronic, it is recommended to do regular aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, and mountain climbing. This aerobic exercise not only improves the flow of blood in the prostate, but also helps the smooth secretion of nitric oxide, which induces the expansion of blood vessels, so it is important to set an exercise time for a certain amount of time each day and continue it consistently. In particular, it is known that walking briskly for about 30 minutes every day is the most effective. However, it is recommended to refrain from vigorous and strenuous exercise, as it makes symptoms worse. And since cycling has a bad effect on prostate health, it is recommended to reduce riding as much as possible.
In addition, it is important to have a habit of minimizing stimulation of the perineum to prevent prostatitis. It is best to avoid sitting for a long time as much as possible, and if you have been sitting for a long time, it is good to do a light stretch or take a light walk for about 10 minutes. And it is said that the pressure on the perineum can be reduced as much as possible only by keeping the back straight and taking a correct posture when sitting. In addition, placing a soft cushion on the chair is an effective way to reduce the pressure on the perineum, and taking a sitz bath or half-bath for 10-20 minutes before bedtime is said to help prevent prostatitis and relieve symptoms.
