Do you experience painful pressure when you pee or ejaculate, or have a sense that you’ve got inflammation in your prostate? If you do, you may have a condition called prostatitis.
Prostatitis is an inflamed prostate gland that can result from several causes. Sometimes it is due to a urinary tract infection, while other times, it’s a result of nerve damage or an injury. Sometimes you might just be putting too much pressure on the area without even realizing it. Regardless of what’s causing it, it can be a very uncomfortable or painful experience.
Advertisement
There are things you might be doing to promote inflammation down there without your knowledge. But there are also ways you might be able to relieve the pain and improve your chances of keeping a healthy prostate. A couple of them may even surprise you.
If you do a lot of sitting—whether driving, working, watching television, or going out for a long bike ride—you’re putting pressure on the prostate, which can lead to inflammation over time. The best remedy for this is to spend more time upright and relieve the stress on the area. If you love cycling, it might be worthwhile to find another activity if you spend extended hours on your butt each day.
Of course, you might love cycling a little too much and refuse to give it up. If that’s the case, at least shower and change your drawers when you get home. Keeping the genital area clean is the best way to prevent an infection.
Activity seems to improve the symptoms of prostatitis and relives some pain. Doing some form of cardiovascular activity—like walking or jogging—can help symptoms and potentially relieve anxiety about the condition.
Eating nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables can also help bring down inflammation in the area. Selecting options that are high in antioxidants—blueberries, strawberries, leafy greens, and other colorful plant-based foods—may lead to improved symptoms.
Stress is another factor, believe it or not, that is closely associated with prostatitis. There is a close association between men who report feeling severe stress and the likelihood of prostate infection. Exercise, meditation, mindfulness, and talking to a professional may all help with stress management.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
