Prostatitis is a condition characterized by frequent recurrence, causing significant distress to patients. It often recurs, especially after overwork or alcohol consumption. Prostatitis refers to the inflammation that develops in the prostate gland of men. The prostate is an organ found exclusively in males, situated beneath the bladder and enveloping the urethra, which is the pathway for urine to exit the body.
The average size of an adult male's prostate gland is comparable to that of a walnut. While the prostate performs various functions, its primary role is the secretion of prostatic fluid, which supplies nutrients to sperm and facilitates their smooth movement. Given that this prostatic fluid constitutes more than half of the total semen volume, the prostate can be considered an extremely vital tissue for men.
Chronic prostatitis typically manifests with three main categories of symptoms. The first category of symptoms is pain. The most common presentation is lower abdominal pain in the suprapubic region. Additionally, some patients experience pain in the perineum, the area between the testicles and the anus, while others may suffer from pain in the pelvis, testicles, or penis. Furthermore, there are patients who complain of ejaculatory pain, which is discomfort experienced during ejaculation. This pain and discomfort arise in the tissues surrounding the prostate due to the inflammation within the gland itself.
The second category of symptoms that appears involves various urinary issues. These include frequent urination (pollakiuria), an urgent need to urinate (urinary urgency), difficulty initiating urination or a weak stream (hesitancy or delayed micturition), and waking up at night to urinate (nocturia). These symptoms occur because the prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder, leading to irritation of the bladder.
Finally, sexual dysfunction can also develop. This may manifest as a decrease in erectile function or the occurrence of premature ejaculation. This is attributed to the fact that nerves leading to the penis pass directly adjacent to the prostate gland.
The most common cause of prostatitis is a direct bacterial infection of the prostate gland, often ascending through the urethra. This means that urethritis can progress and lead to prostatitis. A second cause involves the prostatic fluid not being adequately expelled and instead refluxing back into the prostate gland. Thirdly, a decrease in the concentration of zinc, a crucial element that helps defend against bacteria within the prostate, can also be a contributing factor. Furthermore, other potential causes include calcifications or stones within the prostate, and in some cases, psychological conditions such as depression can also be an underlying cause.
Beyond these factors, prostatitis frequently worsens due to alcohol consumption or overwork, necessitating careful attention to daily lifestyle habits. In the case of inflammatory diseases, effective management of the immune system is crucial to prevent bacteria from causing inflammation. Moreover, it is advisable to abstain from alcohol, as it can irritate prostate tissue and promote inflammation.
Dr. Lee Min-jong, director of Goldman Urology Clinic Gangnam Branch, stated, "To prevent prostatitis, it is beneficial to avoid prolonged sitting; we recommend stretching once every hour, and frequent sitz baths or half-body baths are also positive measures." He further emphasized, "For those who have already been diagnosed with prostatitis, it is even more imperative to diligently manage lifestyle habits to prevent recurrence."