Self-examination for urinary difficulties and daily prostate health care guidelines

Difficulty urinating is also a medical condition.

Many men suffer from urinary problems, such as frequent urination, incomplete emptying of the bladder, or even urinary incontinence, causing significant inconvenience to their daily lives and work. A survey of 300 men aged 40-70 found that 85% reported experiencing frequent urination and a feeling of incomplete emptying, and over 40% of older men complained of being afraid to drink water at night, staying out overnight, or attending banquets. Many people attribute these symptoms to normal aging or are too embarrassed to seek medical attention, thus delaying treatment and worsening their condition.

Men should not ignore changes in their urine. Diseases causing difficulty urinating include prostate cancer, urinary tract infections, injuries, neurological disorders, and diabetes. Besides these diseases, middle-aged and elderly men experiencing difficulty urinating should first consider the possibility of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Due to aging and modern lifestyles, the number of men with BPH is constantly increasing. The prostate gland grows and enlarges throughout a man's life, increasing from the size of an almond before puberty to the size of a chestnut during sexual maturity. It continues to grow after middle age, from the size of a pigeon egg to a chicken egg, and even to the size of a goose egg in old age. As the prostate gland continues to grow and enlarge after middle age, it gradually compresses the urethra it surrounds, causing it to collapse and resulting in urinary obstruction.

To control urinary obstruction, it is important to maintain a regular lifestyle; engage in moderate exercise; reduce the intake of animal protein, fat, and alcohol; avoid constipation; avoid holding urine; and keep the lower body warm. Some young men may take medications to relieve bladder tension and sleeping pills under the guidance of a doctor; avoid excessive alcohol consumption; and take a hot bath or do some light exercise before bed, as deep breathing helps relax the body and alleviate urinary obstruction.

Learn to protect your prostate.

The prostate gland is the largest accessory gland in men, located below the bladder and surrounding the posterior urethra, and it secretes prostatic fluid. Throughout a man's life, the prostate gland grows and enlarges, sometimes causing various problems.

During adolescence, bacteria and other pathogens can directly or indirectly invade the prostate through the urethra or bloodstream, causing prostatitis. This can lead to symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, pain, dribbling, lower back pain, and even sexual dysfunction. After middle age, the prostate continues to grow and enlarge, gradually compressing the urethra it surrounds, causing urinary obstruction, clinically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Early symptoms may include difficulty urinating, frequency, weak urine stream, dribbling, and incomplete emptying of the bladder; later, urination may be impossible. More seriously, the prostate can also become cancerous. In Western countries, prostate cancer ranks second among male cancer deaths. The incidence of prostate cancer in my country has also been gradually increasing in recent years. How can prostate diseases be prevented?

Exercising the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks can massage the prostate, promoting blood and lymphatic circulation. Therefore, jogging or brisk walking for 20-30 minutes daily has a health-promoting effect on the prostate. Sit-ups are also beneficial.

Supplementing with zinc can enhance the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects of the prostate. Therefore, eating more zinc-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, peanuts, almonds, and sesame seeds may be effective in preventing and treating prostate diseases. Zinc sulfate tablets can also be taken orally as prescribed by a doctor.

Drink plenty of water, at least 2000 ml daily. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and reduce your intake of high-fat foods. Quit smoking and drinking alcohol, and limit spicy foods.

Regular blood tests and digital rectal examinations are important methods for early detection of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) leading to kidney damage and prostate cancer. Men over 50 years of age should have kidney function tests and digital rectal examinations every six months to a year.