Prostatitis: Impact on Sexual Health and Performance

A question regarding prostatitis and sexual activity?

About a year ago, I was troubled by prostatitis, which recurred multiple times.
Each recurrence caused significant discomfort in my lower abdomen, and the quality of my sex life with my girlfriend noticeably declined.
Most of the time, everything was normal, but occasionally I would experience erectile difficulties or premature ejaculation.
Could this be related to prostatitis? After seeing a doctor and taking medication, my abdominal pain improved significantly.
I also found warm sitz baths to be quite effective.
Over the past year, I have maintained my diet and lifestyle according to my doctor's recommendations, but recently I have experienced similar symptoms again.
A couple of times during intercourse, I felt slightly soft before penetration, although I eventually achieved a normal erection and completed the act.
However, after ejaculation, I experienced noticeable soreness in my lower abdomen and testicles, and if I had a slight erection within an hour after ejaculation, I would feel muscle soreness in my penis.
I wonder if this is a sign of a recurrence of prostatitis.
Why does it keep recurring even though I maintain a normal diet and lifestyle? I make sure to follow the preventive measures every day.

Lastly, I have a question about enhancing sexual performance.
I heard that exercises like squats that target the thighs can help improve erection strength and endurance.
Is that true? Recently, I've been getting off work late and can only run on weekends, so I'm looking for indoor exercises.
Also, does zinc supplementation help in this regard? I usually take B vitamins, and if it helps, I would consider switching to a B complex with zinc.
I apologize for the many questions, and I appreciate Dr.
Hsu's patience in reading this and helping me with my concerns about the persistent inflammation, which has been quite distressing for me.

BC, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/03/18

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, chronic prostatitis requires long-term care.
Local heat therapy is one effective method.
Additionally, maintaining a regular schedule, avoiding late nights, drinking plenty of water, and steering clear of irritant foods; quitting smoking and betel nut can help reduce recurrence.
Indoor exercise is beneficial, and many types of exercise can be done.
For example, you can practice arm swinging, marching in place (similar to slow-motion replay, the slower the better), and you can use dumbbells or water bottles as substitutes.
Sit-ups and push-ups are also quite suitable.
The key is to be consistent, persistent, patient, and to commit for the long term, not just for a brief period.
Zinc or vitamin B complex can be supplemented.
However, if your diet is balanced and consists of fresh foods rather than processed items, what you normally eat should be sufficient, and additional supplementation may not be necessary.
Furthermore, you might consider purchasing books on "core muscle training," or if you're interested, you could try more specialized training programs like "Mark's exercises." I hope this information is helpful.
If you have further questions, feel free to ask for more discussion and research.
Online responses should only serve as a reference; if necessary, you should seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Taitung Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2015/03/18

More Info

Prostatitis, particularly chronic prostatitis, can significantly impact sexual health and performance. Your concerns about the relationship between prostatitis and erectile function, as well as the overall quality of your sexual life, are valid and shared by many who experience similar conditions.
Chronic prostatitis can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pelvic pain, urinary difficulties, and sexual dysfunction. The inflammation of the prostate can cause discomfort that may interfere with sexual arousal and performance. As you mentioned, experiencing sudden loss of erection or premature ejaculation can indeed be linked to the underlying inflammation. The pain you feel in your lower abdomen and testicles after ejaculation is also a common symptom associated with prostatitis, which can exacerbate anxiety and further affect sexual performance.

The relationship between chronic prostatitis and erectile dysfunction (ED) is complex. While some studies suggest that chronic pelvic pain syndromes can lead to psychological stress, which in turn affects erectile function, there are also physiological factors at play. Chronic inflammation can potentially lead to changes in the prostate and surrounding tissues, including fibrosis or calcification, which may affect nerve function and blood flow. However, it is crucial to note that if the nerves and blood vessels responsible for erections remain intact, erectile function can often be preserved despite the presence of prostatitis.

Regarding your question about why symptoms may recur despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it is important to understand that chronic prostatitis can be a persistent condition. Factors such as stress, dietary choices, and even hormonal fluctuations can contribute to flare-ups. Additionally, some individuals may have non-bacterial prostatitis, which does not respond to antibiotics and may require different management strategies, including lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or alternative treatments.

As for your inquiry about exercises like squats and their impact on erectile function, there is some evidence to suggest that physical activity can improve blood circulation and overall health, which may positively influence erectile function. Strength training, particularly exercises that engage the core and lower body, can enhance pelvic floor strength, potentially benefiting erectile function. Incorporating exercises that focus on the pelvic floor, such as Kegel exercises, may also be beneficial.

Regarding zinc supplementation, it is known that zinc plays a role in testosterone production and overall reproductive health. While there is limited direct evidence linking zinc supplementation to improved erectile function, maintaining adequate levels of essential nutrients is important for overall health. If you are considering adding zinc to your regimen, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs.

In summary, chronic prostatitis can indeed affect sexual health and performance, leading to symptoms such as erectile dysfunction and pelvic pain. It is essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to explore effective treatment options, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, and possibly physical therapy. Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition is crucial for improving your overall sexual health and quality of life.

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