Patient's question:
Main symptoms: Lower abdominal painOnset time: 15 years
Laboratory test results: Ultrasound showed stones in the prostate, while another hospital's examination did not show obvious stones.
Doctor's answer:
Mild enlargement does not require treatment.2. Estrogen therapy: Oral ethinyl estradiol 1–3 mg once daily, three times a day, for 1–3 weeks. For patients with acute urinary retention or severe urinary difficulty, the initial dose may be slightly higher, or 10 mg of estradiol valerate can be administered intramuscularly every 5–7 days.
3. Acupuncture: During acute urinary retention, acupuncture can be applied to points such as Guanyuan, Qihai, Sanyinjiao, and Yanglingquan. Catheterization should be performed to relieve urinary retention, and a catheter should be left in place to gradually empty the bladder.
4. Surgical treatment: For patients with large prostate hyperplasia, multiple episodes of acute urinary retention, significant residual urine (60–100 mL or more), urinary tract infections, impaired renal function, and failure to respond to conservative treatments, prostatectomy is recommended.
Eating vegetables can prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in older adults and, although not cancerous, can affect urination. A study published in the latest issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that middle-aged and elderly adults who frequently consume vegetables have a lower risk of developing BPH. Researchers surveyed over 32,000 male health professionals with an average age of 51, asking about their frequency of consumption of 131 types of foods (including various fruits and vegetables) and collecting data on age, weight, race, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption, and medical records. Starting in 1986, their information was updated every two years. By 1992, surgeries due to BPH were recorded, and by 2000, a total of 6,092 individuals had undergone BPH surgery or had urinary difficulties caused by BPH. The study found that individuals who consumed the most vegetables had an 11% lower probability of undergoing BPH surgery or experiencing worsening BPH symptoms compared to others. Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants such as β-carotene, lutein, and vitamin C also reduced the risk of BPH.
Early prevention of prostate enlargement:
The prostate is a vital organ in the male reproductive system. The prostatic fluid it produces is a component of semen and also plays a role in nourishing sperm and facilitating fertilization. However, the prostate is a common site of issues for many men, and prostate enlargement develops gradually. Clinical studies have shown that all men over 55 years old experience varying degrees of prostate enlargement. Therefore, it is a common condition that men should not ignore.
The causes of prostate enlargement are varied, but most medical experts believe it is closely related to excessive sexual activity. Typical symptoms include discomfort in the perineum, groin, and testicular area, lower back pain, frequent urination, burning and pain at the urethral opening, and discharge. To prevent prostate enlargement, attention should begin in youth, with the key being moderate sexual activity—neither excessive indulgence nor abstinence. Frequent sexual activity can keep the prostate in a state of prolonged congestion, leading to or worsening prostate enlargement. Therefore, it is especially important during periods of high libido in youth to moderate sexual activity, allowing the prostate sufficient time to recover and regenerate.
1. Maintain cleanliness: The scrotum has high elasticity and secretes a lot of sweat, and due to poor ventilation in the groin area, it is prone to accumulating dirt, making it easy for bacteria to invade. This can lead to prostatitis, prostate enlargement, and decreased sexual function. If not addressed promptly, it can pose risks. Therefore, maintaining cleanliness in the groin area is an important aspect of preventing prostatitis.
2. Avoid cold exposure: In autumn and winter, the weather is cold, so it is important to keep warm. Prevent colds and upper respiratory infections; avoid sitting on cold surfaces for long periods, as cold can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing urethral pressure and causing reflux.
3. Massage for health: Self-massage before bedtime can promote health. The steps are as follows: Lie on your back, extend your left leg, place your left hand on the Shengdu (belly button) point, and use your middle, index, and ring fingers to rotate 100 times. Then, use your right hand to perform the same rotation on the Huayin point. The area around the belly button includes the Qihai, Guanyuan, and Zhongji points, which are considered the Dantian in traditional Chinese medicine. This massage helps the bladder recover. Light massage after urination can promote bladder emptying and reduce residual urine. The Huayin point is a vital area that connects the Ren and Du meridians. Massage increases blood circulation in this area, helping to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling. Additionally, if urination is difficult, the sneeze-inducing method can be used. This involves gently stimulating the nose with a cotton swab to induce a sneeze or using a feather to stimulate the throat to open the upper airways and relieve urination.
These preventive measures should be started in youth and maintained with a regular, scientific lifestyle. For example, reduce the intake of spicy foods like chili peppers; limit alcohol consumption to avoid recurrent congestion of the prostate and bladder neck (moderate sexual activity); and reduce the occurrence of constipation. Drinking a glass of warm water on an empty stomach every morning can prevent constipation, dilute blood, and mechanically flush the urethra, preventing the formation of stones from concentrated residual urine.
4. Supplement zinc: Prostate enlargement is a common condition in the elderly. Zinc levels are closely related to the prostate: zinc deficiency can increase the copper-zinc ratio in prostate tissue, and copper interferes with male hormone metabolism, primarily by reducing the activity of 3α-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, leading to elevated dihydrotestosterone levels and abnormal prostate tissue growth.
In summary, prostate diseases affect most men, and understanding them and starting prevention in youth can lead to a healthier life.