Sedentary lifestyle, stress linked to rising prostatitis cases in youngsters

By Admin

28 May, 2025

Prostatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland, is becoming increasingly common among younger men. This ailment can cause painful or difficult urination, alongside discomfort in the groin, pelvic, or genital areas. While prostatitis has traditionally been associated with older men, recent trends show a worrying rise in cases among the youth, largely linked to modern lifestyle factors.

What is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis refers to the inflammation of the prostate gland, which can manifest in several forms:

• Acute bacterial prostatitis
  
  

• Chronic bacterial prostatitis
  
  

• Chronic prostatitis (also called chronic pelvic pain syndrome)
  
  

• Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
  
  

The condition causes a range of distressing symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination especially during the night difficulty or straining when starting to urinate, and persistent discomfort in the pelvic region, groin, or lower abdomen.

Why Are Younger Men Affected More?

Dr. Gurpremjit Singh, Consultant Urologist at Livasa Hospital, Hoshiarpur, highlights that sedentary lifestyles and elevated stress levels are significant contributors to the increasing incidence of prostatitis among young men. The modern sedentary routine characterized by prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity, and high mental stress creates an environment conducive to prostate inflammation.

Risk Factors and Predisposing Conditions

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing prostatitis:

• Urinary or reproductive tract infections
  
  

• Underlying health conditions such as HIV/AIDS
  
  

• Medical procedures like urinary catheterization or prostate biopsies
  
  

Chronic prostatitis, which constitutes 90-95% of prostatitis cases, is especially common among young men who lead inactive lives or experience chronic stress. This trend is alarming and underscores the need for awareness and proactive health management.

Treatment Approaches

Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis diagnosed:

• Bacterial prostatitis is primarily treated with antibiotics to eliminate infection.
  
  

• Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome may require medications to relieve pain and inflammation.
  
  

• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) can help strengthen muscles and alleviate symptoms.
  
  

• Stress management techniques are often recommended to complement medical treatments.
  
  

In cases where prostatitis coexists with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate treatment options expand to include hormone-suppressing drugs, muscle relaxants, or in severe cases, surgical interventions.

Modern Procedures for Prostate Health

Recent advancements offer less invasive alternatives to traditional surgery:

• UroLift: This minimally invasive procedure uses small implants to lift and hold enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, relieving obstruction without removing tissue. Its quick recovery time makes it highly desirable.
  
  

• Water Vapour Therapy (Rezum): This treatment uses steam to destroy excess prostate tissue, improving urinary flow and reducing symptoms. It is safe, effective, and suitable for patients with other health conditions.
  
  

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Dr. Gurpremjit Singh emphasizes the importance of prevention through lifestyle modifications:

• Maintain a balanced diet
  
  

• Engage in daily physical activity
  
  

• Stay adequately hydrated
  
  

• Manage stress effectively
  
  

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
  
  

Regular health check-ups are crucial for early detection and intervention. Men should be especially vigilant after the age of 50 or earlier if they have a family history of prostate issues. Open communication with healthcare providers about any urinary or pelvic symptoms can lead to timely diagnosis and better outcomes.

In conclusion, the rise in prostatitis cases among younger men signals an urgent call to rethink our sedentary habits and stress management strategies. Taking proactive steps to improve lifestyle and seeking early medical advice can help maintain prostate health and prevent complications down the line.