How Does Prolonged Sitting Lead to Chronic Prostatitis?

Daniel, a professional driver, experienced symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and discomfort in the perineal region for several years before being diagnosed with chronic prostatitis. Despite minimal water intake, Daniel felt an overwhelming urge to urinate frequently, especially at night, which severely affected his sleep quality. After unsuccessful self-treatment with antibiotics, Daniel sought medical help due to concerns about his driving safety.

Diagnosis and Initial Tests

The doctor conducted routine urine and bacterial culture tests, which came back normal. Prostate palpation and prostatic fluid analysis ruled out acute inflammatory lesions and major space-occupying lesions. A prostate color ultrasound revealed irregular internal echoes. Based on Daniel's symptoms, lifestyle habits, and occupation, the doctor diagnosed him with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

Chronic prostatitis is a persistent inflammation of the prostate gland influenced by various factors. Besides infectious causes like chlamydia, mycoplasma, bacteria, and fungi, non-infectious factors such as low immunity, anxiety, depression, alcoholism, spicy diet, low water intake, and prolonged sitting can also contribute to the condition.

Why Does Prolonged Sitting Lead to Chronic Prostatitis

Prolonged sitting slows down blood circulation, particularly in the perineal region. This causes direct pressure on the prostate, leading to congestion, accumulation of metabolic products, blockage of prostatic ducts, and difficulty in prostatic fluid excretion, ultimately resulting in chronic prostatitis.

Long-term cycling is a specific form of prolonged sitting, where the bicycle seat directly compresses the perineum and prostate, making it more likely to cause prostatic congestion and stasis. Therefore, avoiding prolonged cycling and taking breaks during long rides is advisable. Regular movement can alleviate local prostatic congestion and reduce the risk of prostatitis.

Impact on Fertility

Chronic prostatitis can affect fertility if left untreated. Pathogenic microorganisms, bacterial toxins, and inflammatory secretions in prostatic fluid can reduce sperm vitality, thereby diminishing their ability to fertilize eggs. The pH value and various substances in prostatic fluid play a crucial role in protecting sperm and facilitating sperm-egg binding. Inflammation alters the concentration of these substances, adversely affecting sperm survival and fertilization capacity.

Additionally, chronic prostatitis reduces prostatic secretion, decreasing semen volume and increasing its viscosity, both of which are unfavorable for sperm survival and fertilization. Long-term inflammation can also lead to the production of anti-sperm antibodies, resulting in azoospermia, which can cause infertility. Psychological stress related to the condition can further impact normal sexual life, contributing to infertility.

Prostatitis and Infertility: A Complex Relationship

While chronic prostatitis can influence fertility, it doesn't necessarily cause infertility. Male infertility results from multiple factors, much like how not all diabetic patients experience erectile dysfunction. Some experts argue that:

1. Sperm are produced and matured in the testes and epididymis over approximately three months. The prostate, as an accessory gland, is only a small part of the male reproductive system. Sperm pass through the prostate momentarily, which is too brief to significantly impact their function.

2. Ejaculation involves powerful muscle contractions that propel semen into the vagina at high speed. Vaginal secretions and mucus subsequently replace seminal plasma, enabling motile sperm to fertilize eggs in the fallopian tube. This process does not directly involve the prostate.

3. Sperm capacitation, a vital stage before fertilization, occurs in the epididymis and is unrelated to prostatic fluid.

Conclusion

The relationship between prostatitis and fertility is complex and multifaceted. While chronic prostatitis may influence fertility, it is not the sole cause of male infertility. Infertility results from various factors, and chronic prostatitis is just one of them. Men with both conditions need comprehensive examination and tailored treatment to determine the true cause of infertility. Seeking medical guidance is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and management, ensuring that all potential causes are addressed.