Men don’t usually talk about it, but studies have shown that up to 16% of men below 50 years old deal with prostatitis, making it a common health issue that may have been overlooked. But we don’t blame you for not voicing it out – it’s not easy finding right words to say when telling your mate about the uncomfortable pain around your groin!
So how do we know if we have prostatitis? In this article, we share with you the signs and symptoms associated with this condition so you can be better equipped at identifying it and getting treated quickly.
What is prostatitis?
Prostatitis occurs when your prostate gland is inflamed or swollen. Your prostate gland sits directly under your bladder and is responsible for producing semen which nourishes and carries sperm.
This condition can be caused by bacterial infection, such as from a urinary tract infection or a sexually transmitted disease, but it can also be due to physical injury that causes nerve damage or inflammation in your genital area.
What are the symptoms?
Some have described their condition as a pressurizing, burning or dull pain around the abdomen, bladder, groin or anus. This pain or discomfort can be both persistent or infrequent. Here’s a list of common symptoms that are associated with that condition:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Difficulty urinating or frequent urination
- Pain in the abdomen, groin, or lower back
- Pain in the perineum, penis or testicles
- Painful orgasms
- Flu-like symptoms
How can we treat it?
Prostatitis can be an uncomfortable or embarrassing topic to talk about, but we urge you not to ignore your pain. Enduring it without seeking help can disrupt your lifestyle, both physically and mentally. Here’s what you can do:
1. Seek medical help
The first thing you should do is to seek medical help. Book an appointment with a urologist and don’t be afraid to talk about your pain. Your doctor might ask you to go for a screening or take some scans, and depending on the diagnosis, prescribe medications and a treatment plan. Finding the right treatment can take time, as the doctor has to first diagnose your pain.
Sometimes, your doctor may direct you to other treatment approaches like sacral nerve stimulation or prostatic massage. In other cases, surgery may be needed, depending on the severity of the condition.
2. Complement with other remedies
Some men have benefitted from other remedies like acupuncture, physical therapy, sitz baths or dietary changes. To add, applying heat to your abdomen or affected area can also improve the flow of blood around the targeted area and relieve pain temporarily.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about the above remedies, investing in nutritional supplements or engaging in specific kinds of exercises to relieve your pain.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle and eating well can help to reduce inflammation in the body. With that said, supplements and anti-inflammatory foods are available on our in-app wellness Marketplace. Apart from supplements, we also have fitness packages and heat patches to help release tension in your muscles. Click here to enter the Marketplace to purchase your products online, with free delivery to your doorstep!
