Seminal Vesiculitis: A Silent Agony Affecting Men's Health

Many men might be unaware of seminal vesiculitis, yet it stands as a significant infectious disease affecting the male reproductive organs, akin to prostatitis. Predominantly affecting men aged 20 to 40, seminal vesiculitis manifests through symptoms like spermatorrhea (involuntary discharge of semen) and hemospermia (presence of blood in semen). Moreover, it shares several symptoms with prostatitis, including a burning sensation in the urethra, frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and hematuria (blood in urine).

One notable symptom of seminal vesiculitis is the white discharge from the urethra in the morning, commonly known as "spermatorrhea".

Seminal Vesiculitis: A Threat to Fertility

Seminal vesiculitis poses a severe threat to male fertility if left untreated. This disease can be particularly challenging to treat under current medical conditions, especially when coupled with chronic prostatitis. Prolonged untreated seminal vesiculitis can lead to secondary infertility.

The reasons why seminal vesiculitis can cause infertility include:

1. Decreased Semen Production: The seminal vesicles produce about 90% of semen. Inflammation reduces secretions, impacting sperm vitality and quantity, leading to infertility.

2. Bacterial Contamination: Patients with prostatitis have semen mixed with bacteria and lactic substances, affected by bacterial toxins. Bacteria consume the nutritional components in semen and compete for oxygen, reducing fertility.

3. Increased Acidity: Inflammation leads to an increase in acidic substances, causing sperm death and reducing sperm count.

4. Increased Viscosity**: Infection causes semen to become more viscous due to bacteria and white blood cells, decreasing sperm motility.

Watch Out For These Symptoms

Seminal vesiculitis presents diverse symptoms, varying from person to person. The disease is categorized into acute and chronic forms. If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

1. Severe Local Pain: Early stages involve dull pain in the perineal area, bilateral inguinal area, and suprapubic area. As inflammation spreads, this pain can become distending and severe, affecting the lower abdomen, penis, perianal area, and scrotum.

2. Abnormal Urination: Often accompanying prostatitis, seminal vesiculitis can lead to abnormal urination. Inflammation causes bladder neck edema, resulting in difficulty urinating, thin or interrupted urinary stream, and in severe cases, urinary retention. The patient may also experience a burning sensation and pain in the urethral orifice during urination, along with purulent discharge.

3. Abnormal Sexual Life: Hematospermia is a key symptom, with semen appearing pinkish or reddish, sometimes containing blood clots. Patients may experience significant pain during ejaculation, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or premature ejaculation.

4. Accompanying Systemic Symptoms: Acute seminal vesiculitis can cause systemic symptoms like fever, chills, and hematuria. Chronic cases may involve enlargement and tenderness of the seminal vesicles, with a harder texture.

Effective Treatment for Seminal Vesiculitis

Timely treatment is crucial. Identifying the type of bacteria causing the infection allows for targeted antibacterial treatment. Since seminal vesiculitis often coexists with hemospermia, treatment should also include hemostasis, anti-inflammatory, and symptomatic measures.

For patients with drug resistance, traditional Chinese medicine, such as the Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill, can be beneficial. Many patients suffer for years due to inadequate treatment, but once the pathogen is identified and treated appropriately, recurrences can be prevented.

Taking Care of Seminal Vesiculitis

Despite its potential severity, seminal vesiculitis is not a lifetime ailment and can be cured with proper treatment. Men should not delay seeking medical help due to embarrassment or impatience. Here are some care tips:

1. Healthy Lifestyle: Develop good habits, avoid over-fatigue, prevent colds, and enhance physical fitness through regular exercise.

2. Regulated Sexual Activity: Avoid frequent sex and masturbation to reduce congestion and infections of the prostate and reproductive organs.

3. Dietary Hygiene: Maintain a light diet, avoid spicy foods, and ensure proper hydration. Drinking more water and not holding urine can help in the excretion of prostate secretions.

4. Regular Medical Check-ups: Men, especially those in the risk age group, should undergo regular medical examinations to detect and treat any issues early.