Differentiating and Identifying Types of Prostatitis: Traditional Chinese Medicine's Approach to Improving Chronic Prostatitis

When we mention erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and lower back pain, many may think of kidney deficiency. However, prostatitis is also a major cause of these symptoms, although we often only associate it with frequent urination and urgency.

Among male patients under 50 in urology departments, prostatitis is the most common diagnosis. So, what are the specific types and manifestations of prostatitis? Who needs to be especially cautious of developing it? What are the daily remedies for managing prostatitis? Today, Dr. Li from Wuhan TCM Clinic will reveal these answers.

What Troubles Does Prostatitis Cause?

Prostatitis can be broadly categorized into acute and chronic types. Both forms exhibit symptoms like frequent urination and urgency, but acute prostatitis comes on suddenly with perineal pain and fever, while chronic prostatitis has a gradual onset, a longer course, and may involve difficulty urinating or a sensation of incomplete voiding. Some patients may also experience perineal pain, scrotal dampness, discomfort in the lower back, and even erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.

Clinically, chronic prostatitis is more commonly seen.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Chronic Prostatitis?

People who sit for long periods and hold in their urine are more prone to chronic prostatitis. Therefore, office workers and taxi drivers should be particularly mindful of this.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Five Patterns: Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency Is Common

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic prostatitis is classified into five patterns: kidney yin deficiency, spleen and kidney yang deficiency, qi stagnation and blood stasis, liver qi stagnation, and damp-heat accumulation.

- Kidney Yin Deficiency: This pattern is associated with a long disease course and symptoms such as post-urination dribbling, difficulty urinating, dizziness, sore lower back and knees, heat sensations in the palms and soles, insomnia with vivid dreams, and nocturnal emissions or premature ejaculation. Treatment aims to nourish kidney yin and clear internal fire.

- Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis: Patients often report dull, heavy pain or a sharp, needle-like pain in the perineum, lower abdomen, lower back, groin, or testicles. The treatment principle is to activate blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, and relieve pain.

- Liver Qi Stagnation: Patients may experience difficulty urinating, mild pain or a sense of fullness in the perineum, lower abdomen, or pubic area. They may also feel anxious, depressed, and experience chest tightness. Treatment involves soothing the liver, regulating qi, and relieving pain.

- Damp-Heat Accumulation: Symptoms include urgency, painful urination, frequent urination, and post-urination dribbling, with a burning sensation in the urethra. Some may experience a white discharge during urination or defecation, scrotal dampness, and aching in the lower back, testicles, or perineum. The treatment principle is to clear heat, drain dampness, and invigorate blood.

- Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency: Among these five patterns, spleen and kidney yang deficiency is the most common in chronic prostatitis. Patients may experience frequent urination, a feeling of incomplete voiding, clear, prolonged urination, erectile dysfunction, and cold hands and feet. Treatment focuses on warming and tonifying the spleen and kidneys, promoting qi, and invigorating blood for significant improvement.

3 Daily Practices to Improve Chronic Prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis is a long-term condition that tends to recur, but mastering some practical daily practices can aid in recovery.

1. Maintain an Optimistic Mindset

Cultivating a positive and optimistic attitude is essential. Having confidence in overcoming the illness will help you recover more quickly.

2. Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, strong tea, coffee, or anything that might aggravate the condition. Drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, avoid sitting for long periods, and incorporate moderate physical activity.

3. Maintain Regular, Moderate Sexual Activity

For those with chronic prostatitis, it is important to maintain a balanced frequency of sexual activity—neither too frequent nor completely abstinent. A frequency of once every 7-10 days can promote prostate metabolism and help reduce inflammation.

Dr. Li reminds that chronic prostatitis not only causes frequent urination and urgency, which can lead to social embarrassment, but it may also affect male sexual function, potentially causing erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.