The critical season for prostate health
Winter is the season when prostate conditions most frequently worsen. As the cold sets in, just as hands and feet grow cold and muscles stiffen, the prostatic experiences increased blood circulation disorders and inflammatory responses.
Particularly for men in middle age and beyond, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic prostatitis—common conditions—often see symptom exacerbation or higher recurrence rates during winter, demanding special attention.
The prostate is a walnut-sized reproductive organ located directly below the bladder, encircling the urethra. It secretes part of the semen, playing a role in maintaining sperm motility.
However, due to its location, even slight swelling of the prostate can compress the urethra, causing urinary dysfunction. Particularly in men after middle age, hormonal changes can lead to proliferation of prostate tissue, commonly resulting in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This often causes discomfort, necessitating vigilance for prostate disorders.
Muscle contraction and urinary obstruction
When temperatures drop, our bodies activate the sympathetic nervous system to maintain body heat. This causes the smooth muscles around the prostate and the urethral muscles to contract. If an already enlarged prostate is further compressed by these contracted muscles, the urethra narrows significantly, making urination extremely difficult.
It’s like an old, narrow water pipe tightening further due to the cold. This is the primary cause worsening symptoms of ‘difficulty urinating,’ such as a weak urine stream or straining to pass urine.
In winter, the amount of fluid excreted through sweat decreases, relatively increasing urine volume. When this increased urine fills the bladder, it must contract more frequently and forcefully, placing greater strain on the bladder. This significantly worsens nocturia, which disrupts sleep at night, and frequent urination, causing one to visit the bathroom more often.
Weakened immunity and the risk of prostatitis
Large indoor-outdoor temperature differences and dry environments in winter easily weaken immunity. Lowered immunity makes one vulnerable to bacterial infections, increasing the risk of acute or chronic prostatitis. Prostatitis causes significant discomfort to patients, accompanied by pain in the perineum, testicles, or lower back, along with discomfort during urination.
While winter colds are unavoidable, men with prostatic conditions must exercise particular caution when taking cold medications. Common cold remedies often contain antihistamines to stop runny noses or ephedrine-based sympathomimetic agents to relieve nasal congestion. These ingredients can constrict the muscles of the urethra and bladder neck, potentially worsening urinary function.
The importance of early detection
Prostatic disease is progressive, but early detection combined with lifestyle adjustments and appropriate treatment can effectively alleviate symptoms. If symptoms like urinary discomfort, frequent urination, or nocturia appear, don’t dismiss them as ‘just part of aging’—seek immediate consultation with a urology specialist.
Prostatic enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH) and prostatitis are representative winter prostate conditions in men. Particularly with BPH, dismissing it as a simple aging phenomenon and neglecting treatment is highly dangerous.
If prostatic disease is suspected, visit a clinic for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment. This includes urine tests, blood tests, prostate ultrasound, digital rectal examination (DRE), and, if necessary, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing to check for prostate cancer.
Proactive lifestyle management for a healthy winter
Prostate disease is not solely an age-related issue; it is significantly influenced by lifestyle habits and seasonal environments. The cold air of winter can signal a red flag for prostate health, making it crucial to keep yourself a bit warmer and take extra care of your body compared to usual.
Do not ignore minor discomforts. When symptoms arise, consult a urology specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
You can also enjoy the article in Korean as below.
/https://blog.naver.com/nasaret-best/224088496769
General Hospital in Incheon, Nasaret International Hospital
Nasaret International Hospital, located in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, is a general hospital with the following features and history.
History
It started as the Jeonju Lee Kang-il Oriental Medical Clinic in 1974 and opened as Nasaret International Hospital in May 2009. In 2017, it was designated a regional emergency medical center.
Medical Services
We offer a wide range of medical services and provide high-quality care by using advanced equipment and technology. Additionally, we operate an International Medical Center for foreign patients, making our services easily accessible to patients in Korea and abroad.
Contribution to the Community
We improve the health and quality of life of local residents by providing medical support activities and volunteer services that meet the community’s needs.
Facilities and Equipment
Our hospital is equipped with the latest medical technology and facilities. We design our environment with patient safety and convenience as our top priorities.
Additionally, Nasaret International Hospital continuously improves the quality of its medical services through research and education and expands its global medical network by cooperating with domestic and international medical institutions. Visiting the hospital for a consultation is also an option.
