But the pain eventually drove him to his universitys health center, which referred him to a urologist.
Right away, he diagnosed me with prostatitis, said the California college student.
If it gets irritated, pain in the genital area can result.
Illustration by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health
But its often unclear what causes the problem.
Almost immediately, he recalled, he felt better and hasnt had an issue since.
Age does not discriminate when it comes to the pelvic floor and prostate, she told Verywell.
While sitting can contribute to a prostatitis flare, other risk factors are necessary for the condition to occur.
Heres what it’s crucial that you know about keeping your prostate healthy.
Sitting puts pressure on the scrotum, which can then do the same to the prostate.
It creates a kind of compression effect that makes symptoms worse, Shusterman said.
Youre basically pushing in on the prostate.
Sitting on its own, however, doesnt typically spark a bout of prostatitis.
Other types of seating frequently found in colleges and universities can present issues as well.
Wooden dining-hall benches and hard lecture-hall chairs should be approached with caution, too.
Shusterman recommends standing at regular intervalseven for a few secondsto give the prostate some relief.
If youre on a long road trip, pull into a rest stop for a stretch.
Prostate cushions designed for bicycle seats typically are more narrow, with a wedge-shaped opening for the scrotum.
(Fosnight regularly treats cyclists who suffer from prostate inflammation after long rides).
Its important to pay attention to proper clothing and undergarments, too.
Shusterman recommends underwear that provides good scrotal support, which in this case means briefs in lieu of boxers.
Unsurprisingly, sexual activity can have an effect on the prostate, both positive and negative.
For receptive anal partners, shorter sessions reduce the risk of prostate irritation.
Prostatitis Does Not Mean Prostate Cancer
Theres no one-size-fits-all when it comes to prostatitis pain.
Ultimately, the most important thing to do if pain occurs is to see a doctor.
A urologist or other specialist can perform an exam and order tests to rule out an infection.
I dont think young men are shouting from the rooftop that they have prostate pain.
Prostatitis is a benign condition that can be mitigated, in part, by avoiding too much sitting.
