Some people say that sexual life is not conducive to the treatment of prostatitis. Then, is it necessary for patients with prostatitis to abstain from sex?
When the prostate becomes inflamed, the main pathological change is glandular congestion. Some people believe that sexual activity can worsen the condition of prostatic inflammation, arguing that sexual activity causes congestion not only in the prostate but also throughout the entire pelvic region. However, even if one attempts to control sexual activity, it is impossible to eliminate sexual urges, which are a normal physiological phenomenon. Moreover, it is impossible to prevent the congestion of the prostate and the entire pelvis caused by these sexual urges.
On one hand, when the prostate becomes inflamed, there are many bacteria and inflammatory cells present in the prostatic fluid. If sexual activity is avoided, the prostatic fluid accumulates in the glandular acini and cannot be expelled, allowing bacteria to multiply. During sexual activity, the smooth muscle of the prostate contracts through the action of ejaculation, allowing the prostatic fluid to drain into the urethra, providing better drainage than prostate massage. During the process of ejaculation, some of the inflammatory secretions in the prostatic fluid are expelled with the semen, which helps reduce the inflammation and promote recovery. On the other hand, if the prostatic fluid is not discharged for a long time or if there has been no ejaculation for a long period, sexual arousal can cause * erection and congestion of the prostate, exacerbating the symptoms of chronic prostatitis. Similarly, if men suppress their sexual desires for a long time, it can lead to congestion of the enlarged prostate and excitation of the sympathetic nervous system.
It is evident that "abstinence" is inappropriate for patients with prostatitis, and they should follow their natural inclinations. Patients with prostatitis should maintain a moderate sexual life according to their age and physical condition, avoiding both excessive frequency and complete abstinence. Generally, having sexual intercourse every 7-10 days is appropriate, allowing the prostate to maintain normal metabolism and accelerate the resolution of inflammation.