Prostate Health: Myths and Facts for Young Adults

Thank you very much, but I would like to ask again?

Hello, Dr.
Hsu.
You mentioned that at my age (20 years old), I wouldn't have to worry about prostate issues for another 40 years.
Does this mean that young people are unlikely to experience benign prostatic hyperplasia? I've read online that frequent masturbation can lead to prostate enlargement, and typically, those who masturbate often are also younger individuals.
Doesn't this create a contradiction? So, is this really just an internet rumor? I support your statement, as you are the expert.
Thank you.

Ganxie nin +1, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/02/02

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

To clarify, I am not saying that a 20-year-old cannot have prostate issues, but rather that they will not have prostate enlargement.
Young individuals will definitely not experience prostate enlargement; it is absolutely impossible.
The correlation between masturbation and prostate enlargement is not strong.
Note: The prostate generally begins to develop around the age of 35, increasing at a rate of approximately 1-1.5 grams per year.
It is only after an increase of about 20-30 grams that one can say prostate enlargement has occurred.
Therefore, by the time one is 35 plus 20-30 years, they would be approximately 55-65 years old.
Once again, I emphasize: young people absolutely do not experience prostate enlargement.
There are many rumors online; do you know the identity of the person responding and the basis for their claims? Note: I once actively participated in a knowledge-sharing website and achieved a very high rank in the medical field.
However, I often did not receive the honor of being the best answer due to the brevity of my responses or the lack of sensational content.
I have seen some medical knowledge that received the best answer, which, from a professional perspective, is fundamentally incorrect.
Yet, due to the lack of a verification system, relying solely on votes or the preferences of the questioner, these incorrect answers gain acceptance, which is absurd.
Eventually, I stopped responding.
I believe that for medical-related questions, unless you know the professional background of the other party, repeating what others say can lead to the spread of misinformation; this is the current state of online knowledge sharing.
Of course, if you have some relevant knowledge, you can discern right from wrong, or consult professional websites to obtain more accurate information.

Reply Date: 2010/02/02

More Info

Understanding prostate health is crucial, especially for young adults who may have misconceptions about the prostate and its functions. At the age of 20, it is indeed uncommon for individuals to experience prostate issues such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer. These conditions are typically associated with older age, particularly men over 40.
One of the prevalent myths is that frequent masturbation can lead to prostate enlargement or other prostate-related issues. However, current medical research does not support this claim. Masturbation is a normal sexual activity and does not have a direct correlation with the development of prostate problems. In fact, some studies suggest that regular ejaculation, whether through masturbation or sexual intercourse, may have protective effects against prostate cancer. This is thought to be due to the flushing out of potentially harmful substances from the prostate gland.

Another common myth is that young men should be concerned about prostate health. While it is essential to maintain overall health and wellness, the prostate typically does not become a significant concern until later in life. Young adults should focus on healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can contribute to overall health and may indirectly benefit prostate health.

It's also important to understand that the prostate gland can be affected by various factors, including hormonal changes, genetics, and lifestyle. For young men, issues such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can occur, often due to infections or other non-bacterial causes. Symptoms may include pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, or discomfort during ejaculation. If any of these symptoms arise, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

In terms of sexual health, young adults should be aware of the importance of safe sexual practices. Engaging in unprotected sex can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can also affect prostate health. Regular check-ups and open discussions with healthcare providers about sexual health can help mitigate risks and promote well-being.

In conclusion, while concerns about prostate health are valid, young adults should not be overly anxious about conditions like BPH or prostate cancer at such a young age. Instead, focusing on a healthy lifestyle, understanding the myths surrounding prostate health, and seeking medical advice when necessary can help maintain both prostate and overall health. If you have any specific concerns or symptoms, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your individual health needs.

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