Adolescence: Prevention and Treatment of Prostatitis, Secondary Sexual Characteristics, and Male Menstrual Cycle

37. What should I do if I have prostatitis?

Prostatitis is a complex pathological condition involving inflammation, immunity, and neuroendocrine changes in the prostate gland, caused by a variety of complex factors and triggers. It results in urethral irritation symptoms and chronic pelvic pain as the main clinical manifestations. The clinical manifestations of prostatitis are diverse, including perineal, suprapubic, groin, and genital pain and discomfort; urethral symptoms such as burning sensation during urination, urgency, frequency, and painful urination, which may be accompanied by terminal hematuria or purulent urethral discharge; acute infection may be accompanied by chills, fever, fatigue, and other systemic symptoms. Prevention is key for prostatitis.

(1) Do not hold your urine. Patients with prostatitis should urinate as soon as their bladder is full and they feel the urge to urinate. Holding your urine is bad for the bladder and prostate. Before taking a long-distance bus, you should empty your bladder first. If you need to urinate during the journey, you should inform the driver. Never hold it in.

(2) Drink more water. High concentration of urine can irritate the prostate and is harmful to the prostate. Drinking more water can effectively dilute the concentration of urine.

(3) Regular sexual activity. Frequent sexual activity can cause the prostate to be in a state of congestion for a long time, thus leading to prostate enlargement. Therefore, sexual activity should be moderated during the sexually active years of youth. Avoid repeated congestion of the prostate and give it sufficient time to recover and repair. Of course, excessive abstinence can cause distension and discomfort, which is also detrimental to the prostate.

(4) Take a warm bath. Taking a warm bath can relieve muscle and prostate tension and alleviate discomfort. Taking warm baths regularly is undoubtedly very beneficial for patients with prostate disease. If you sitz bath the perineum with warm water 1-2 times a day, the therapeutic effect will be even better.

(5) Maintain a relaxed state. Excessive life stress can increase prostate enlargement. Clinical studies show that prostate symptoms are relieved when life stress is reduced, so you should try to maintain a relaxed state as much as possible.

**38. What are the secondary sexual characteristics of boys?**

Boys entering puberty experience rapid physical growth under the influence of sex hormones. On average, they grow 6-8 centimeters taller each year, their bones and muscles become stronger and broader, their voices deepen, and pubic and armpit hair grows, along with facial hair. These are all secondary sexual characteristics of males. The development of male external genitalia generally begins around age 12. During this period, the testes and scrotum begin to enlarge, the scrotum gradually darkens in color, and thick pubic hair grows. On average, it takes about three years for the penis to grow longer and thicker until sexual maturity is reached.

Besides the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics, the main physiological change during puberty is the maturation of the reproductive system. At this time, the testes begin to produce sperm and secrete male hormones. Boys begin to experience nocturnal emissions, develop sexual desire, and acquire reproductive capacity, becoming men in the true sense of the word.

**39. Do men also have "periods"?**

During menstruation, women often experience inexplicable irritability and mood swings. But don't men also have their own physiological cycles? Actually, men also have their own menstrual cycles, although the boundaries are less clear, the timing isn't always monthly, and not everyone experiences them noticeably. Men with weaker constitutions tend to have more pronounced menstrual cycles, and the severity of those symptoms can be a barometer of a man's health. Family members should be understanding and supportive, creating a supportive environment for men during their periods.

(1) Anxiety: When men are menstruating, they also exhibit the same restlessness as women. This is a manifestation of men's inner anxiety. They don't know why they are anxious, but they just can't control themselves.

(2) Feeling depressed. At this time, men will feel very depressed and thus try to drown their sorrows in alcohol. They will either go out drinking with their friends or smoke alone, and they will often breathe heavily.

(3) During this time, a man doesn't know what he should do. Men during their menstrual period don't understand themselves, let alone others, so don't let him make decisions; let him have some peace and quiet.

(4) A cold man suddenly becomes cold, even indifferent, and doesn't speak to you. When you try to approach him, he feels uncomfortable and may give you a bad look, thinking that you are affecting him. At this time, women should not think that the man no longer loves them, but should try to understand him and encourage him more.

(5) He has a bad temper. Normally he would take good care of you and not let you suffer any grievances or shed any tears. But he has changed. He will get angry or worry about some inexplicable little things.