Patient's question:
Main symptoms: Abdominal pain in the lower abdomen Onset time: 15 years Examination results: Ultrasound shows stones in the prostate, another hospital's examination shows no obvious stonesDoctor'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 estradiol valerate 10 mg can be administered intramuscularly every 5–7 days.
3. Acupuncture therapy: In cases of 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 significant benign prostatic hyperplasia, repeated acute urinary retention, large residual urine volume (60–100 mL or more), urinary tract infections, impaired renal function, and failure to respond to conservative treatments, prostatectomy is recommended.
Eat more vegetables to 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 suggests that middle-aged and elderly individuals who frequently consume vegetables may reduce their 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 benign prostatic hyperplasia
The prostate is a vital organ in the male reproductive system. The prostatic fluid it produces is a component of semen and also nourishes sperm, facilitating fertilization. However, the prostate is a common site of issues for many men, and BPH develops gradually. Clinical evidence shows that all men over 55 years old have varying degrees of BPH, making it a common condition that should not be ignored.
The causes of BPH 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 or painful urination at the urethral opening, and discharge. To prevent BPH, attention should begin in youth, with the key being moderate sexual activity—neither excessive nor abstinent. Frequent sexual activity can keep the prostate chronically congested, leading to or worsening its enlargement. Therefore, it is especially important during sexually active youth to moderate sexual activity to avoid repeated congestion and allow the prostate ample 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 genital area, it is prone to accumulating dirt, allowing bacteria to enter and cause conditions such as prostatitis and BPH, leading to decreased sexual function. If not addressed promptly, it can become dangerous. Therefore, regularly cleaning the perineum is an important aspect of preventing prostatitis.
2. Prevent cold exposure
In cold seasons, it is important to keep warm to 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. Self-massage for health benefits
Perform self-massage before sleep to promote health. The steps are as follows:
- Lie on your back, extend your left leg, and place your left hand on the Dantian point (belly button). Use your middle, index, and ring fingers to rotate 100 times while simultaneously rotating your right hand over the perineum with three fingers. Then switch hands and repeat the same motion.
The area around the belly button includes points such as Qihai, Guanyuan, and Zhongji, 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 perineum is a vital point that connects the Ren and Du meridians. Massage increases blood circulation in the perineum, reducing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Additionally, if urination is difficult, the "sneeze-induced vomiting" 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 and maintenance methods should start in youth and be combined with a regular, scientific lifestyle. For example, reduce the intake of spicy foods like chili, limit alcohol consumption to avoid repeated congestion of the prostate and bladder neck (moderate sexual activity), and reduce 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 with zinc
BPH is a common condition in the elderly. Zinc levels are closely related to the prostate: zinc deficiency increases 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 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.