Prostatitis is a condition that often recurs and can cause significant discomfort for patients. Recurrence is particularly common after excessive fatigue or alcohol consumption. Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate gland, a male reproductive organ located below the bladder that surrounds the urethra, the channel through which urine passes.
The average prostate in adult men is about the size of a walnut. Although the prostate performs several functions, its primary role is to produce prostatic fluid that supplies nutrients to sperm and helps them move more effectively. Since prostatic fluid accounts for more than half of semen volume, the prostate plays a very important role in male reproductive health.
Chronic prostatitis typically presents with three major types of symptoms. The first is pain. The most common form is lower abdominal pain in the suprapubic area. Some patients also experience pain in the perineum, the area between the testicles and the anus. Others may feel discomfort in the pelvis, testicles, or penis. In addition, some patients report painful ejaculation, known as ejaculatory pain. These symptoms occur because inflammation in the prostate can cause irritation in the surrounding tissues.
The second group of symptoms involves urination. Patients may experience frequent urination, sudden urges to urinate, difficulty starting urination, or nighttime urination that interrupts sleep. These symptoms occur because the prostate is located directly beneath the bladder and can irritate or influence bladder function when inflamed.
The third possible symptom is sexual dysfunction. Some patients experience reduced erectile strength or premature ejaculation. This may occur because nerves that lead to the penis run close to the prostate, and inflammation in the area can affect their function.
One of the most common causes of prostatitis is bacterial infection that travels through the urethra and infects the prostate directly. In many cases, this occurs when urethritis progresses and spreads to the prostate. Another possible cause is the backward flow of prostatic fluid into the prostate when it does not drain properly. A decrease in zinc levels within the prostate, which normally helps protect against bacteria, may also contribute to the development of infection. In some cases, calcifications or stones within the prostate may play a role. Psychological factors such as depression can also contribute to or worsen symptoms.
Prostatitis symptoms often worsen with alcohol consumption or excessive fatigue, making lifestyle management an important part of prevention. Because prostatitis is an inflammatory condition, maintaining a strong immune system is important in preventing infection. Alcohol can irritate prostate tissue and promote inflammation, so reducing or avoiding alcohol consumption is recommended.
Dr. Lee Min-jong of Goldman Urology Clinic’s Gangnam branch explained that avoiding prolonged sitting is helpful in preventing prostatitis. He recommends standing up and stretching at least once every hour. Warm sitz baths or half-body baths can also help relieve symptoms and improve circulation in the pelvic area. For patients who have already been diagnosed with prostatitis, he emphasized that maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is even more important in preventing recurrence.