Prostate Health: Common Concerns and Questions Answered

Q: Prostate Health: Common Concerns and Questions Answered

AAA： Hello, hello. 1. The color of semen is not fixed. Transparent, white, and yellow are all normal colors and are related to the concentration of the semen. 2. Inflammation can change the color of semen, usually resulting in yellow or red. However, the p

I still have doubts?

I previously consulted Dr.
Hsu about the possibility of having aseptic prostatitis.
I later went to a well-known urology clinic in Taipei for an examination, and the doctor said everything was normal.
Dr.
Hsu also expressed confidence in the clinical diagnosis, but I still have a few questions I would like to ask him:
1.
During the clinical interview, I indeed did not have any discomfort.
The only issue is that my DIY semen has been slightly yellow recently, and there are jelly-like fragments.
The doctor said everything is fine, and that it would resolve once I have a stable partner.
However, my question is: why can a judgment be made about potential issues based solely on the initial portion of the urine sample? (I have researched a lot and found that yellowish semen can likely be caused by inflammation, but if it is prostatitis, wouldn't testing only the initial urine sample without examining prostatic secretions lead to significant discrepancies?)
2.
Today, when I DIY, the semen was still quite yellow (it has been a week since the last time).
However, when I spread the semen on a tissue, the yellow color disappeared, and it looked like the tissue was just wet, with no yellow at all.
Is this normal?
3.
Does prostatitis always present with symptoms? (Especially in non-acute cases) I really love children, but I currently do not have a partner, so I am very concerned that I might have prostatitis that is not being treated, which could lead to infertility.
I would greatly appreciate Dr.
Hsu's detailed answers.
Thank you very much!

AAA, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/06/29

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

AAA: Hello, hello.
1.
The color of semen is not fixed.
Transparent, white, and yellow are all normal colors and are related to the concentration of the semen.
2.
Inflammation can change the color of semen, usually resulting in yellow or red.
However, the presence of yellow does not necessarily indicate inflammation.
3.
Prostatitis typically presents with symptoms.
4.
As for whether it causes infertility, a semen analysis is needed to examine the relevant sperm parameters.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Answers found online should only be used as a reference; it is still necessary to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
This response is provided by Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Chief of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2013/06/29

More Info

Understanding prostate health is crucial, especially when dealing with concerns like prostatitis, which can significantly impact a man's quality of life. Your questions reflect common worries among patients, and I will address them based on current medical knowledge and practices.

1. Why is only the first part of the urine collected for testing?
The first portion of urine is often collected for a urinalysis because it contains the highest concentration of substances that can indicate infection or inflammation. In cases of prostatitis, particularly non-bacterial prostatitis, the prostate may not always release inflammatory markers into the urine. Therefore, while the first part of the urine can provide valuable information, it may not be definitive for diagnosing prostate issues. In some cases, a prostate massage may be performed to collect prostatic secretions for analysis, which can provide more insight into the health of the prostate. However, this procedure is not always necessary, especially if the clinical examination and initial tests do not suggest significant issues.

2. What does the color change in semen indicate?
The color of semen can vary due to several factors, including hydration, diet, and the presence of certain substances. Yellowish semen can sometimes indicate the presence of white blood cells or other inflammatory markers, but it can also be a normal variation. The fact that the yellow color disappears when spread on a tissue suggests that it may not be a significant concern, as the color can change based on the medium it is in. If the color persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or discomfort, further evaluation may be warranted.

3. Do all cases of prostatitis present symptoms?
Not all cases of prostatitis, especially chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, present with clear symptoms. Many men may have inflammation without noticeable discomfort. This condition can sometimes be asymptomatic, which can lead to concerns about fertility and overall health. If you are worried about potential infertility, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can perform a thorough evaluation, including hormone levels and sperm analysis, to assess your reproductive health.

4. Concerns about fertility and prostatitis:
Your concern about prostatitis affecting fertility is valid. While chronic prostatitis can potentially impact sperm quality, many men with prostatitis can still father children. If you are planning to have children in the future, it may be beneficial to discuss your concerns with a urologist who specializes in male fertility. They can provide guidance on any necessary tests or treatments to ensure your reproductive health is optimal.

In conclusion, while your symptoms and concerns are understandable, it is essential to rely on clinical evaluations and tests performed by healthcare professionals. If you continue to experience unusual symptoms or have persistent worries, seeking a second opinion or further testing may provide additional peace of mind. Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is key to managing your prostate health effectively.

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