Prostatitis is a common disease among men, with an incidence rate of 33% in the male population. It often occurs during the youth and young adulthood, also known as the "sexually active period." Some young men, due to high work pressure, smoking, drinking, excessive consumption of spicy foods, and premarital unsafe sexual behavior, are prone to adverse stimulation of the urethra and prostate. This can lead to congestion and vasodilation of the prostate gland, increasing the incidence of prostatitis.
Particularly for IT professionals who sit in offices for long periods, sitting for extended durations can cause prolonged compression of the prostate, leading to circulatory disorders. Additionally, many young people are enthusiastic about mountain biking, and the vigorous straddling motion can cause prostate congestion and swelling, resulting in non-bacterial prostatitis.
Should chronic prostatitis patients abstain from sexual activity? The answer is no. The main pathological changes in the prostate during inflammation include glandular congestion and retention of inflammatory secretions in the gland. Those who advocate abstinence often believe that since the prostate and the entire pelvis are in a state of congestion during sexual activity, this can worsen prostatitis. In fact, although people can control sexual activity artificially, it is impossible to prevent sexual arousal, which naturally causes congestion in the prostate and the entire pelvis. Moreover, whether or not sexual activity is prohibited during sexual arousal makes a significant difference in how long the prostate remains congested. Studies have shown that after one episode of sexual arousal, if there is a climax (ejaculation), the pelvic congestion subsides within 15-30 minutes. Without reaching a climax, the pelvic congestion takes a full day to subside. This indicates that prohibiting sexual activity during sexual arousal prolongs the duration of prostate congestion much more than allowing it. Furthermore, prostatic fluid accounts for about one-third of semen. During ejaculation, some of the inflammatory secretions in the glandular fluid are expelled, which may help reduce inflammation and promote recovery. Therefore, it is inappropriate for prostatitis patients to abstain from sexual activity; they should let nature take its course.
Nowadays, prostate diseases are no longer exclusive to middle-aged men; young adults should also be vigilant. The best preventive measure is to develop the habit of regularly washing the lower body. Combining exercise, rest, and diet appropriately to maintain a regular lifestyle is crucial. In daily life, drink plenty of plain water and minimize coffee and strong alcohol consumption. For patients with chronic prostatitis, eating 2-3 apples daily can provide sufficient zinc, aiding in the treatment of prostatitis and preventing recurrence. Drinking apple juice or consuming jam can also help. Additionally, other zinc-rich foods like lean meat, eggs, peanuts, walnuts, sesame seeds, pine nuts, and sunflower seeds can be chosen according to personal taste preferences.