Can Prostatitis Strike You Due to Prolonged Driving? What About Other Bad Habits?

Prostatitis is a common urinary system disease, which is more common in males under 50 years old. Prostatitis is divided into acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis and non-bacterial prostatitis. Its main symptoms are chills, fever, frequent urination, urgency, dysuria, accompanied by perineal pain, hematospermia, and sexual dysfunction. There are various causes of prostatitis, such as bacterial or fungal infections, poor lifestyle habits, and genetics.

Can prostatitis occur from driving for too long?

The prostate is located between the bladder and the urethra, adjacent to the perineum. Due to prolonged driving, local compression and inadequate ventilation lead to the accumulation of metabolic waste, poor blood circulation, and easy blockage of the prostatic ducts. This results in ineffective discharge of prostatic fluid, leading to chronic congestion of the prostate and ultimately causing prostatitis.

When prostatitis is compounded by bacterial and pathogenic microbial infections, it can induce bacterial prostatitis. Its main symptoms are frequent urination, urgency, dysuria, chills, and high fever, sometimes accompanied by acute urinary retention and difficulty urinating. Bacterial prostatitis can recur, and persistent discomfort in the prostate can easily cause neurasthenia, insomnia, dizziness, and other symptoms.

Therefore, one should not drive vehicles for extended periods. Take a break every two hours of driving, exercise more, maintain a regular lifestyle and schedule, avoid staying up late. When driving, ensure good ventilation, adjust the driving seat properly, and under the premise of safety, change positions frequently while driving.

What bad habits can easily cause prostatitis?

1. Long-distance cycling

Cycling is a healthy and environmentally friendly exercise that improves physical fitness and enhances endurance, but it's essential to moderate it. Long-distance cycling can cause numbness in the perineum, leading to compression of blood vessels and nerves in the perineum. Prolonged pressure and ischemia can cause various discomforts, such as local numbness or pain.

Furthermore, long-distance cycling can elevate testicular temperature, affecting spermatogenesis and testosterone secretion, reducing sperm production capacity, and subsequently decreasing fertility. Men who are in the preconception period should limit cycling to less than two hours per day. Patients with chronic prostatitis should try to avoid long-distance cycling to prevent aggravating the condition.

2. Holding urine for extended periods

The bladder is the organ for storing urine, and the basic function of the kidneys is to produce urine. After urine enters the bladder through the ureters, the bladder can automatically expand, and its walls stretch and thin. When the urine volume reaches about 300-400 milliliters, the brain receives signals to urinate. Holding urine for extended periods can cause bacteria to enter the prostate through the prostatic duct in a retrograde manner, leading to prostate infection.

3. Irregular sexual activity

Excessive indulgence can keep the prostate in a congested state, leading to prostate enlargement. Excessive abstinence can also cause discomfort from prostate congestion, similarly affecting prostate health. Therefore, sexual activity should be moderated to prevent repeated congestion of the prostate, giving it enough time for repair and rest.

4. Exposure to cold in the genital area

Stimulation by cold can excite the sympathetic nerves in the prostate, increase urethral pressure, and affect urine excretion. It can also stimulate contraction of the prostatic ducts, hinder the excretion of prostatic fluid, leading to accumulation and congestion of the prostate.

Friendly Tips:

Prostatitis requires timely treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine such as Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill is a good option. Meanwhile, it's essential to correct bad habits promptly, maintain regular sexual activity, keep the prostate warm, and avoid holding urine. Quit smoking and alcohol, stay away from spicy and irritating foods. If conditions permit, local physiotherapy or hot sitz baths can alleviate local inflammation and promote the absorption of inflammatory factors.