Prostate: the 'Trouble Zone' for Men's Health

The prostate is a unique male organ and the "trouble zone" affecting men's health. From prostatitis, common in younger years, to prostate enlargement, common in older age, every man is more or less troubled by these conditions.

Today, let's discuss the three common prostate problems and how to prevent them.

Common prostate diseases are:

1. Prostatitis:

Prostatitis is a prostate disease with complex causes, characterized by urethral irritation symptoms and chronic pelvic pain. Prostatitis is a common disease in urology and ranks first among male patients under 50 in urology departments.

Prostatitis is mainly divided into acute and chronic inflammation. The main symptoms include painful urination, cloudy urine, frequent urination, and discomfort or swelling in the lower abdomen and perineal area. Although the incidence of prostatitis is high, its exact causes are still unclear, especially for non-bacterial prostatitis. 

For most chronic prostatitis patients who do not respond well to antibiotics, herbal medicine Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill can effectively help eliminate symptoms and improve quality of life.

2. Prostate Enlargement:

Prostate enlargement is common in middle-aged and older men and can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and urinary obstruction.

The prostate is a target organ regulated by endocrine factors within the testes, including androgens (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone) and estrogens, which collectively control its growth and development. 

Prostate enlargement progresses slowly; purely medication-based treatments can only alleviate symptoms and delay progression. Ultimately, some patients may require surgical or minimally invasive intervention as their healthcare provider advises to relieve urinary difficulties and complications.

3. Prostate Calcification/Stones:

Prostate calcification often occurs with conditions such as prostate enlargement and prostatitis. Its occurrence is related to hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels) and urine acidification.

Due to the limited solubility of uric acid, when urine is held for prolonged periods and remains in an oversaturated state, crystallization can occur. This is the primary cause of calcification. Illness, urinary retention, metabolic disorders, and infections can further contribute to stone formation.

Prostate stones are formed by the deposition of amyloid bodies, which consist of sloughed-off epithelial cells and prostate secretions. They also contain calcium salts and phosphates.

How to prevent prostate problems in daily life?

Prostate diseases can occur at any age, so men should take preventive measures from a young age. Here are some specific recommendations:

1. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol will cause prostate congestion, making men more likely to suffer from prostatitis or let the cured attack again. Like wine, eating less spicy and stimulating food is better. Eat seeds such as pumpkin seeds appropriately. Control meat consumption, as excessive intake of animal protein-rich foods may be an essential cause of prostate hyperplasia.

2. Maintain proper hydration and avoid holding urine

Drink at least 1500 milliliters of water daily and urinate every 2 to 3 hours.

3. Reduce prolonged sitting and engage in regular exercise

Try not to sit for more than 2 hours continuously. Including jumping exercises in your routine is recommended to benefit the prostate from the gentle vibrations generated by body movements. Examples of exercises include skipping rope, half-squats with jumps, full squats with jumps, and stationary jumps. Practice for 20 to 30 minutes daily.

Perform targeted exercises for the pelvic floor muscles, such as Kegel exercises: Inhale and contract the muscles near the anus, lift the anus upward, hold the breath for 2 to 3 seconds, exhale, and relax. Repeat this process 30 times in one set, and perform 3 to 5 sets daily.

4. Take warm sitz baths

Use medicinal herbs such as wild chrysanthemum flower, sophora root, purslane, false daisy, Corydalis, Chinese angelica, betel nut, white atractylodes, and Bletilla. Boil them in 1500 to 2000 milliliters of water, and once the water temperature drops to around 40°C, sit in the bath for 30 minutes. Repeat every other day.

Regular health check-ups are crucial as examinations can effectively detect prostate conditions. Even if a prostate examination shows normal results, men may gradually develop signs of enlargement as they age. Therefore, it is essential not to become complacent because there have been no previous issues.

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