The prostate is an important organ for men's health, but many men do not pay enough attention to it and often do some behaviors that are not conducive to the prostate, leading to the occurrence of prostatitis, hyperplasia and other diseases.
What are these behaviors? Are you also inadvertently harming your prostate? The following will reveal these 5 behaviors that harm your prostate, hoping that you can correct them in time to protect your prostate health.
1. Sedentary inactivity
In today's society, sitting for long periods of time has become a part of the daily life of many people, especially for office workers who need to sit at their desks for long periods of time.
However, a study published in The Lancet sheds health alarm bells by revealing the potential health risks of sedentary lifestyles, particularly the association with multiple chronic diseases.
According to the study, sitting for more than 6 hours a day was associated with an increased risk of 12 diseases. These diseases include prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, etc., which is of particular concern for men's health.
Prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis are common problems that affect men's health, and sitting for long periods of time can be a significant factor in exacerbating these problems.
Sitting for long periods of time can slow blood circulation in the pelvis, which can lead to congestion in the prostate area, which can lead to inflammation and other health problems in the long run.
However, the study also brings positive news: by increasing physical activity, the risk of developing these chronic diseases can be significantly reduced.
Studies have shown that the higher the intensity of physical activity, the more chronic diseases can be prevented. This means that by changing our daily habits, such as standing regularly, stretching, or exercising moderately, we can effectively reduce the health risks that come with sitting for long periods of time.
Exercise not only improves blood circulation and reduces pressure on the prostate area, but also enhances overall physical health. For example, aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, running, swimming, etc., can enhance the heart and lungs and improve blood circulation, thereby reducing the risk of prostate problems.
Gentler activities such as yoga and tai chi can not only promote physical health, but also help relax the mind and reduce stress, thus indirectly promoting prostate health.
After a long day of work or study, you should get up and move and do some simple stretching exercises. Even at work, you can try using a standing desk to change your sedentary state.
These simple changes can significantly reduce the health risks associated with sitting for long periods of time.
2. Anxiety or other agitation
The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system, which plays a key role in regulating the body's stress response. However, when the sympathetic nervous system is overexcited, it can have adverse effects on prostate health.
Overexcitation of the sympathetic nervous system increases pressure in the urethra, especially in states of nervousness, anxiety, or other emotional agitation.
When pressure in the urethra increases, the flow of urine may be blocked, making it difficult to urinate. Not only is this inconvenient, but it can also cause constant pressure on the prostate.
Long-term pressure accumulation can lead to changes in prostate tissue, which can increase the risk of prostate-related diseases.
It is important to note that emotional states are closely related to the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Long-term stress, anxiety, or nervousness can not only cause the sympathetic nervous system to become overexcited, but may also affect prostate health through other mechanisms.
During stressful conditions, the body may secrete more adrenaline and cortisol, and changes in these hormones may further exacerbate urination difficulties and increase the burden on the prostate.
Therefore, maintaining a good emotional state and mental health is just as important for prostate health. Proper relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, can help relieve stress and reduce overexcitability of the sympathetic nervous system.
At the same time, maintaining good lifestyle habits, such as a regular work and rest schedule, a balanced diet and moderate physical activity, can also help maintain the balance of body and mind, thereby reducing the adverse effects on the prostate.
3. Frequent sexual intercourse
Although masturbation or sex itself does not directly cause prostatic hyperplasia, excessive sexual activity can increase the burden on the prostate.
Frequent sexual stimulation causes the prostate gland to secrete fluid frequently, which may lead to excessive prostate tissue hyperplasia in the long term, causing symptoms such as difficulty urinating and frequent nocturia.
Sex itself is a normal physiological need of human beings and part of a healthy life. Moderate sex is good for physical and mental health. The problem lies in the definition of the word "moderate".
Excessive sexual activity, whether masturbation or intercourse, can lead to overwork of the reproductive system, especially unnecessary pressure on the prostate.
We must recognize that everyone's physical condition and ability to withstand it is different. There is no strict standard for what is called "excessive", but it needs to be judged according to the individual's physical condition and physiological needs.
If you find that excessive sexual activity is causing physical discomfort, such as urinary problems, perineal discomfort, etc., you should adjust the frequency of sexual activity appropriately and seek medical advice.
有趣的是，美国哈佛大学的研究人员在高影响因子的《European Urology》期刊上发表了一篇引人注目的研究论文，题为“Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Updated Results with an Additional Decade of Follow-up”。
According to the study, men who ejaculate more than 21 times a month can significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Specifically, men aged 20-29 had a 19% lower risk of prostate cancer when they ejaculated more than 21 times per month compared to men who ejaculated 4-7 times per month, compared to men aged 40-49 years, and this increased to 22% in the 40-49-year-old group.
Prostate cancer is a common cancer that affects men's health, and its incidence increases with age. Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood, scientists believe it may be related to a variety of factors such as genetics, dietary habits, environmental factors, and lifestyle.
This Harvard study gives us new evidence about the link between lifestyle and prostate cancer risk.
The process of ejaculation involves the activity of the prostate, which may be the biological basis for the association between the frequency of ejaculation and the reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Some scientists speculate that frequent ejaculation may help drain the fluid from the prostatic canal and the potential carcinogens it contains. In addition, ejaculation may also reduce the concentration of carcinogens in prostatic fluid, thereby reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
Fourth, prostate congestion
Outside ejaculation and interruption of sexual intercourse are commonly used as contraceptive methods, but both methods can adversely affect prostate health in men.
The main function of the prostate gland is to secrete prostatic fluid, which is an important part of semen. During sexual arousal, the prostate gland becomes congested and accumulates prostatic fluid.
Normally, during ejaculation, these fluids are expelled from the body. However, in the case of extracorporeal ejaculation or interruption of sexual intercourse, the ejaculation process is artificially interrupted, resulting in the prostatic fluid not being drained properly.
This disruption can cause prostatic fluid to become trapped in the gland, causing prostate congestion. Long-term prostate congestion not only causes local discomfort, but can also lead to the occurrence of prostate inflammation.
Prostate inflammation is a common urinary disorder in men, and its symptoms include perineal pain, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and urgency.
In addition to physiological factors, psychological factors should not be ignored. Outside ejaculation or interruption of sexual intercourse can cause tension and dissatisfaction in sexual life, and this psychological stress can also have a negative impact on prostate health.
Long-term psychological stress can affect the normal functioning of the body and increase the risk of prostate inflammation.
In order to maintain the health of the prostate, it is recommended to find a safe and effective contraceptive method that suits you, and avoid frequent use of external ejaculation or interruption of sexual intercourse. At the same time, maintaining good lifestyle habits is also beneficial for prostate health.
5. Excessive alcohol consumption
In modern life, drinking has become a part of socializing and relaxing for many people. However, the health effects of excessive alcohol consumption cannot be ignored, especially the potential negative effects on prostate health in men.
(1) Alcohol is a potent vasodilator that can promote telangiectasia throughout the body, including the prostate region. When these blood vessels dilate, more blood flows to the prostate tissue, causing congestion and edema in the area.
This condition, if persistent, can trigger inflammation of the prostate. Symptoms of prostate inflammation include perineal pain, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urgency, etc.
(2) Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause effects on the overall health of the body, including a decrease in immune system function. A weakened immune system makes the body more susceptible to infections, including bacterial infections that can affect the prostate.
Therefore, excessive alcohol consumption not only directly affects the prostate tissue, but may also indirectly exacerbate the inflammatory process of the prostate gland through damage to the immune system.
(3) Long-term excessive alcohol consumption may lead to unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as irregular diet and lack of exercise. These lifestyle changes may also indirectly exacerbate prostate problems.
Therefore, to maintain prostate and overall health, it is advisable to drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it. For those who are used to drinking, reducing the amount of alcohol they drink, choosing low-alcohol beverages, or drinking with adequate hydration can help reduce the effects of alcohol on the prostate.
At the same time, combined with a healthy diet and moderate exercise, the risk of prostate inflammation can be further reduced.
epilogue
The prostate gland is a vital organ in men, which not only affects the functioning of the reproductive system, but also affects the performance and quality of life of men.
However, many men do not pay enough attention to the maintenance of the prostate and often do some behaviors that are not conducive to the prostate, such as sedentary inactivity, anxiety or other emotional agitation, frequent sexual life, prostate congestion and excessive alcohol consumption.
These behaviors can lead to congestion, inflammation, hyperplasia and even cancerous transformation of the prostate, posing a serious threat to men's health. In order to protect our prostate health, we should correct these bad behaviors in time.