As temperatures drop sharply, many men have experienced a series of urinary system issues. Today is "China Men's Health Day," with this year's theme being "Active Management of Men's Health, Jointly Guarding Happy Lives." In this episode, we invite Professor Jiang Hui, Party Secretary of Peking University First Hospital and Director of the Peking University Urology Research Institute, to explain from multiple dimensions how to scientifically protect men's health,结合 the current climate characteristics.

What are the signs that appear

Seek medical attention promptly

Cold exposure can worsen symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and discomfort during urination in patients with prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The exacerbation of symptoms at this time is often related to the season, so there is no need to panic. It is advisable to wait and see while paying attention to keeping warm.

However, if patients frequently wake up at night, leading to poor sleep; severe frequent urination and urgency significantly affecting daily life and work; or if there is noticeable difficulty urinating, thinning of the urine stream, dribbling, or even interruption or retention of urination, medical attention should be sought promptly. Even if symptoms temporarily subside, medication is needed to control the condition to prevent it from worsening and causing damage to bladder and kidney function.

Cold medicine

Does it worsen urination difficulties?

Three common ingredients in cold medicine directly affect prostate and bladder function, inducing or worsening urination difficulties.

01 Decongestants

Common ingredients in these drugs include pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, which can contract the smooth muscles of the prostate and urethra, making the already narrowed urethra "more blocked," directly causing patients to strain during urination, thinning of the urine stream, and even acute urinary retention.

02 First-generation antihistamines

These drugs commonly contain chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine, which can relax the bladder detrusor muscle, making the bladder "weak" in urination, while also worsening symptoms of urinary retention.

03 Anticholinergic drugs

These drugs commonly contain ipratropium bromide and atropine, which can relieve symptoms such as runny nose and cough, but will inhibit bladder contraction, leading to difficulty urinating in patients.

For patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, remember the following when choosing cold medicine.

First check the ingredient list and avoid "danger zones": Do not choose drugs containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, ipratropium bromide, or atropine.

Avoid using combination drugs as much as possible: If the patient only has fever and headache, they can choose acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which will not affect urination; if only runny nose and sneezing, they can choose second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine tablets, cetirizine tablets, etc.

Do not self-medicate: Patients should not take multiple cold medicines at the same time to avoid serious adverse reactions.

It is important to follow medical advice when taking medication and to inform the doctor about the illness being suffered from and the medications currently being taken. If difficulty urinating occurs after taking cold medicine, it is important to communicate with the doctor promptly and adjust the treatment plan.

Frequent nighttime urination

Is it a problem with the prostate

Frequent nighttime urination, also known as nocturia, typically refers to patients urinating ≥2 times per night. In young men, the prostate weighs about 12 grams. After the age of 50, the prostate gradually enlarges and compresses the urethra, causing symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and nocturia. In the early stages of prostate hyperplasia, the symptoms are relatively mild, and patients can initially wait and see. As patients age, the hyperplasia worsens, and symptoms may become more pronounced. At this point, patients need to receive medication treatment. If the medication treatment is not effective, surgical treatment can be considered.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common cause of nocturia in middle-aged and elderly men, but excessive fluid intake at night, high salt consumption, taking diuretics, or suffering from conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome or overactive bladder can also lead to increased nocturia. Therefore, it is important to first self-assess the causes to see if there are any unhealthy lifestyle habits or certain medical conditions. After symptoms appear, elderly individuals can adjust their lifestyle for 2-4 weeks, such as drinking less water 2 hours before bed, avoiding coffee or alcohol, following a low-salt diet, and emptying the bladder before bed. If the cause cannot be identified or lifestyle adjustments are ineffective, medical attention should be sought promptly.

Men can undergo

which prostate examinations

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening is a crucial method for determining whether prostate cancer is present.

Men over 50 should undergo a PSA screening every 1-2 years; those with a family history of prostate cancer or a previous PSA level of 2-4 ng/mL should start annual PSA screenings at age 45; individuals with two or more first-degree relatives who have prostate cancer should start annual PSA screenings at age 40.

Before undergoing a PSA screening, the examinee should pay attention to the following: Avoid digital rectal examination, cystoscopy, catheter insertion, rectal examination, enemas, etc., to prevent squeezing the prostate; Do not engage in sexual activity or avoid strenuous exercise (such as running, cycling, etc.) within 48 hours before the test; If there is a fever, it is best not to undergo a PSA screening.

Additionally, the examinee should inform the doctor about the medications they are currently taking, as well as whether they have recently undergone surgery or have underlying conditions. Individuals who have been taking medications for long-term treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) should not stop taking them on their own but should communicate with the doctor in advance. These medications may cause a low PSA level, and the doctor will interpret the results based on the specific circumstances.

Individuals with mildly elevated PSA levels (typically 4~10 ng/mL) do not need to be anxious. A follow-up test should be conducted after 3 months. If the PSA level drops to below 4 ng/mL, a follow-up test can be performed every 6 months. If the PSA level remains high, the doctor will consider results from digital rectal exams, ultrasound exams, magnetic resonance imaging, and other tests to determine if a needle biopsy is necessary.

Individuals with a PSA level greater than 10 ng/mL have a higher likelihood of cancer and should undergo relevant examinations as soon as possible.

It is important to note that digital rectal examination should not be ignored. A normal prostate feels smooth and soft. If a hard lump is felt during the examination, it is a sign to be wary of prostate cancer.

How can men

manage their health well

Men should avoid sitting for long periods, holding in urine, and using overly hard seat cushions. Get up and move around for 5 minutes every hour. Maintain a healthy diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, quit smoking and drinking, and drink plenty of water. Engage in regular exercise, doing 2-3 sessions of aerobic exercise per week. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, increase sleep time appropriately, and avoid staying up late. Pay attention to keeping warm, especially for those with a history of prostate issues.

When patients with chronic prostatitis or pelvic floor pain syndrome experience worsening pain, urinary abnormalities, significant fever, and symptoms that do not improve after changing unhealthy lifestyles, they should seek medical attention promptly.