Prostatitis is a disease that causes patients considerable suffering due to its frequent recurrence. It often recurs, especially when one overworks or consumes alcohol. Prostatitis refers to inflammation that develops in the prostate gland of men. The prostate is an organ found only in males, located beneath the bladder and surrounding the urethra, which is the passage through which urine exits 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. As this prostatic fluid constitutes more than half of the total volume of semen, the prostate can be considered an extremely important tissue for men.
Chronic prostatitis typically manifests with three main categories of symptoms. The first category is pain. The most common type of pain 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 report pain in the pelvis, testicles, or penis. There are also patients who complain of ejaculatory pain, which is pain that occurs during ejaculation. This discomfort arises in the tissues surrounding the prostate due to the inflammation within the gland itself.
The second category of symptoms that appear are urinary symptoms. These include frequent urination (pollakiuria), an urgent need to urinate (urinary urgency), difficulty initiating urination or a weak stream (hesitancy), and the need to urinate during sleep (nocturia). These symptoms occur because the prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder, thereby irritating the bladder.
Finally, sexual dysfunction can also occur. This may manifest as a decrease in erectile function or the occurrence of premature ejaculation. This is because nerves leading to the penis pass directly adjacent to the prostate gland.
The most common cause of prostatitis is when bacteria travel up the urethra and directly infect the prostate gland. This often occurs when urethritis progresses to prostatitis. A second cause is when prostatic fluid does not drain smoothly and instead refluxes back into the prostate. A third cause is a decrease in the concentration of zinc, a crucial element that helps defend against bacteria within the prostate. Additionally, calcifications or stones within the prostate can sometimes be a cause, and in some cases, psychological conditions such as depression can also contribute to the condition.
Furthermore, prostatitis frequently worsens due to alcohol consumption or overwork, making it necessary to pay careful attention to daily lifestyle habits. In the case of inflammatory diseases, proper management of the immune system is essential to prevent bacteria from causing inflammation. Moreover, it is advisable to refrain 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 not to sit for long periods; we recommend stretching once every hour, and frequent sitz baths or half-body baths are also positive. Furthermore, if you have already been diagnosed with prostatitis, it is even more crucial to diligently manage your lifestyle habits to prevent recurrence."