Benign prostatic hyperplasia and abstinence, management of indwelling catheters, and dietary and psychological health care
[Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Patients and Abstinence] The sexual life of patients with BPH should be considered from two perspectives. Firstly, does BPH affect sexual life? Patients can generally conclude from their own life experiences that BPH does not affect libido or sexual ability. In fact, BPH can sometimes even lead to increased libido. Secondly, and this is the core issue, is sexual activity detrimental to the condition or will it worsen the symptoms? Since sexual activity increases congestion in the prostate, it could indeed be detrimental to the condition. During ejaculation, the bladder neck contracts to prevent semen reflux, which may also exacerbate urinary difficulties. From this perspective, excessive indulgence in sex is certainly harmful.
Excessive sexual activity can be a significant cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Therefore, it's important to prevent excessive sexual activity, especially interrupted intercourse and masturbation. However, avoiding sexual activity due to BPH is also inadvisable. This is not only because sexual activity is an important indicator of health in older adults, but also because abstinence prevents the proper release of accumulated sexual fluid in older men. This can lead to increased sensitivity of the external genitalia, making erections more likely and exacerbating repeated congestion of the prostate, which is detrimental to the condition. Therefore, BPH patients should avoid excessive sexual activity to prevent worsening of prostate congestion and swelling. On the other hand, abstinence is not recommended, as it can prevent the expulsion of prostatic fluid with semen, potentially worsening the retention of purulent secretions. Therefore, BPH patients over 50 years of age, provided their symptoms are mild, their condition is stable, and they have never experienced urinary retention, can engage in sexual activity 1-2 times per month, depending on their age and health condition.
[Post-Catheterization Care] Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia experiencing acute urinary retention generally require indwelling catheterization for a period after initial catheterization at the hospital. They can then return home with the catheter in place. After returning home, the following lifestyle adjustments are necessary. First, prevent catheter dislodgement. Exercise caution when dressing, turning over, etc. Each catheter insertion causes damage to the urethral mucosa. If the catheter dislodges, do not rush to the hospital for reinsertion; observe for a period and encourage spontaneous urination. Second, maintain local hygiene. The catheter connects the urethra to the outside environment. Poor hygiene, especially of the vulva, allows pathogens to easily enter the body through the catheter, causing urinary tract infections. Third, intermittent urination. After catheterization, it is best to clamp the catheter and urinate every 2-3 hours. This helps maintain bladder contraction and relaxation function, preparing for future catheter removal.
[Dietary Management for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Patients] Dietary structure may be an important factor in the development of BPH. Foods from East Asian cultures may contain substances that inhibit BPH, such as certain components in vegetables, fruits, rice, wheat, and soybeans. These components, after being broken down by microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, produce special molecules with mild estrogenic effects, thus influencing BPH through the endocrine pathway. With improved living standards and excessive intake of animal protein, fat, and calories, this is closely related to BPH. Vegetarians have a low incidence of BPH, and their androgen levels are also lower than average. Conversely, those with excessive nutrition, especially those who overeat meat, have a higher chance of developing BPH. Those who consume excessive amounts of animal protein, fat, and sugar have an even higher incidence of BPH.
Men over 50 should maintain a light and nutritious diet, eating regularly and in moderation, avoiding overeating. Suitable foods include lean meats (pork, beef, lamb, and poultry), fish, eggs, milk, and soy products. Recommended fruits include bananas, pears, and watermelons. Vegetables should be plentiful, especially fresh, high-fiber leafy greens such as leeks, celery, bok choy, and spinach, which increase vitamin C intake and prevent constipation (which can worsen urinary difficulties). For men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), greasy foods should be avoided. If there is damp-heat in the lower abdomen, lamb and spicy, stimulating foods should be avoided. Salt intake should be limited.
For men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), drinking plenty of water can increase urine output, which can reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections and urinary tract stones. Green tea contains a variety of active substances, such as antioxidants, 5α-reductase inhibitors, and aromatase inhibitors, all of which are beneficial in preventing BPH.
Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) should avoid excessive alcohol consumption or drinking alcohol altogether to prevent congestion and edema of the prostate and bladder neck, which could lead to urinary retention.
Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) should eat less or avoid spicy and irritating foods. Spicy and irritating foods can cause congestion of the sexual organs, worsen hemorrhoids and constipation, compress the prostate, and aggravate urination difficulties.
[Self-massage for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia] (1) Slant rubbing of the lower abdomen: With the five fingers of both hands together, place the little fingers of both hands on the anterior superior iliac spine and rub diagonally forward and downward along the groin 36 times, until the lower abdomen feels warm.
(2) Press and massage Qihai: Qihai acupoint is located 1.5 cun below the navel. Place the palm of your right hand on Qihai acupoint and place your left hand on the back of your right hand. Press and massage clockwise 36 times. Then place the palm of your left hand on Qihai acupoint and place your right hand on the back of your left hand. Press and massage counterclockwise 36 times.
(3) Rub the lower back and sacrum: With the five fingers of both hands together, place the palms of both hands against the lower edge of the rib arch and diagonally towards the tailbone. Rub the lower back and sacrum of both hands repeatedly 72 times.
This massage technique is simple to perform and takes little time, only 8-9 minutes per session. Perform the massage once each in the morning after waking up and once each at night before going to bed.
[Kegel Exercises for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Patients] Regularly contracting the anus, like a gentle massage of the prostate, can promote venous blood return in the perineum, reducing prostate congestion and inflammation. The effects are even better when performing Kegel exercises under the following conditions: 50 Kegel exercises each night before bed and upon waking in the morning while lying in bed; 10 or more Kegel exercises immediately after urination or defecation; Kegel exercises during heavy physical labor; Kegel exercises during sexual intercourse; and 10 Kegel exercises after sexual intercourse. The Kegel exercises must be performed forcefully, and it is best to urinate immediately afterward.
[Psychological Care for Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)] Patients with BPH should regularly participate in suitable leisure and recreational activities to maintain a cheerful mood, emotional stability, eliminate mental stress, cultivate an open and optimistic outlook, avoid worry and anger, and avoid overwork. Patients with BPH can freely choose activities based on their own culture, interests, and circumstances. Activities such as playing musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, painting, or gardening, raising birds, and fishing can cultivate a love for life, allowing them to experience the joys of life, cultivate their temperament, and promote health and longevity. In interpersonal interactions, frequent networking allows for the exchange of ideas, expression of feelings, mutual comfort and encouragement, and the sharing of life experiences. Such activities can reduce feelings of loneliness, emptiness, and depression, allowing patients to experience the warmth and comfort of friendship. It is important to care about society and pay attention to national affairs. Humans are social beings; isolating oneself from society accelerates one's decline. Therefore, one should regularly read books and newspapers to continuously update one's knowledge. Accomplished intellectuals can even write books in their later years, summarizing their life experiences. Avoid easily complaining and blame others; learn to seek happiness and be content with life. There is a clear relationship between self-perception and life satisfaction among older adults, which in turn is closely related to good health, happiness, carefree living, and good social adaptation.
Family members should show consideration and care for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), talk to them frequently, and be attentive to their psychological state. It's especially important to speak tactfully, with deep empathy, a kind and gentle attitude, and warm, humble language. Proactively change their clothes and bed linens to alleviate anxiety and alleviate concerns, making them feel truly cared for. For elderly patients who are widowed or lonely, provide them with easily digestible, nutritious food and show them consideration and care. This will comfort them and build their confidence in treatment.