[Health Tip] The Prostate Important for Men... Don’t Let Your Guard Down Even When Young

Rapid Increase in Prostatitis Patients from Their 20s
Beware of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia from 50s

The prostate is an organ that plays an important role in male reproductive function. When abnormalities occur in the prostate, it can cause urinary disorders as well as pain and sexual dysfunction, leading to mental issues such as depression and anxiety. However, in most cases, even when abnormal symptoms appear, many people tend to regard them as inevitable aging symptoms or avoid seeking active treatment due to a lack of awareness about urology, resulting in missed treatment opportunities. This is why adult men, regardless of age, need to pay attention to prostate health.

[Photo by Himchan Hospital]

Relatively young men in their 20s to 40s should be cautious about prostatitis. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on the 22nd, the number of patients who visited hospitals for prostatitis in 2021 reached about 250,000. Men in their 30s accounted for the largest number with 52,206 patients, but the number of patients in their 20s is also rapidly increasing to 36,747.

Prostatitis can occur due to bacterial infections through the urinary tract or sexually transmitted diseases, but in many cases, the exact cause is unknown. It often occurs in office workers who sit all day, students preparing for exams, or occupations involving long hours of driving. This is believed to be because pressure is applied to the perineum, putting strain on the prostate and reducing blood flow, which can cause inflammation. Overwork, stress, excessive drinking, and habits such as frequently holding in urine can also cause prostatitis.

Common symptoms include urinary frequency of more than eight times a day, urgency that makes it difficult to hold urine, and nocturia that wakes one up at night. Symptom-wise, prostatitis is similar to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but prostatitis is accompanied by pain. Pain may occur in the perineum, testicles, penis, or urethra, and depending on the cause, it can also appear in the lower back or pelvis. Additionally, pain during ejaculation or blood mixed in semen may occur, and it can lead to sexual dysfunction such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation, which increases anxiety and depression, lowering quality of life.

Prostatitis can be diagnosed by confirming an increase in bacteria and white blood cells through culture tests of prostatic fluid or urine. Treatment varies depending on whether it is acute or chronic and whether bacterial infection is present. Bacterial prostatitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics according to the causative bacteria, and if there is no bacterial infection, symptoms can be alleviated through prostate massage, sitz baths, biofeedback therapy, and other methods.

Illustration of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia [Image source=Korean Urological Association YouTube]

BPH initially shows no special symptoms, but over time, the urine stream weakens, more effort is needed to urinate, and symptoms such as interrupted flow or a feeling of incomplete emptying occur. Additionally, the bladder is irritated, causing symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and nocturia. Furthermore, post-void dribbling occurs, causing stress and depression. Especially, if the bladder is not completely emptied after urination due to BPH, the residual urine in the bladder increases the risk of complications such as urinary tract infections and bladder stones.

BPH is diagnosed through medical history, questionnaires, digital rectal examination, and urine tests, and the severity is assessed. If symptoms are mild, regular monitoring without special treatment is sufficient. However, if daily life is uncomfortable or complications such as kidney dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, or urinary tract infections occur, active treatment is necessary. Alpha-blockers, which inhibit the sympathetic nerves distributed in the prostate, relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which suppress male hormones, can reduce prostate size and improve urinary function. Dr. Lee Jang-hee explained, “Since it takes time for urinary-related medications to take effect, consistent medication adherence is important. Alpha-blockers require 2 to 3 weeks, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors require at least 3 to 6 months of use.”

To prevent prostate diseases and recurrence, it is important not to stimulate the prostate habitually. When driving for long hours or sitting for extended periods, using a donut cushion with a hollow center and standing up to walk for about 10 minutes every hour is recommended. Avoid sitting with crossed legs. Spicy and salty foods, caffeine, and alcohol can strain the prostate due to frequent urination and worsen inflammation. Moderate aerobic exercise to promote blood circulation and maintaining an appropriate weight are also important. However, it is advisable to avoid exercises that stimulate the prostate, such as long hours of cycling.