Testicular and cryptorchidism health guidelines, and a scientific analysis of prostate protection and masturbation.

To determine if the testicles are normal, it's essential to understand their normal volume at different ages. Before age 10, testicular development is relatively quiescent, typically only 1-3 ml. After age 10, children enter puberty, and the testicles rapidly enlarge. By age 17 or 18, the testicular volume reaches normal adult levels; in Chinese adult men, this ranges from 12 to 25 ml. After age 60, men enter sexual aging, and testicular volume gradually shrinks, often to less than 16 ml by age 70.

The range of variation in normal testicular size can be as much as 100%. There may also be some difference between the left and right testes; for example, the right testis is often slightly larger than the left by 0.5 to 1 ml, which is not easily noticed without careful observation. If the testis is abnormally enlarged, conditions such as hydrocele and varicocele, which are considered pseudo-enlargements, should be ruled out. True testicular enlargement may be due to orchitis or a testicular tumor, and a medical examination should be sought as soon as possible. Cryptorchidism refers to a condition in which one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum after two months of age.

Cryptorchidism poses significant risks to health: it affects spermatogenesis, leading to infertility; the risk of testicular cancer is 20 to 48 times higher than normal; testicular injury and torsion are more likely; it can induce inguinal hernia and cause substantial psychological stress. To minimize the impact on fertility, testicular descent surgery must be performed before the age of two. The prostate gland, resembling a chestnut in shape and size, is the largest accessory gland in men. It is primarily composed of glandular tissue, smooth muscle, and connective tissue. It normally secretes prostatic fluid, which accounts for 30% of semen.

Prostatic fluid contains potent proteolytic and fibrinolytic enzymes, particularly a large amount of hyaluronidase, which helps sperm penetrate the cervical mucus plug and the zona pellucida of the egg, promoting fertilization. Furthermore, because it is located in front of the bladder, it acts as a protective barrier for the bladder and ureteral system. Prostatic fluid also contains a large amount of zinc ions, which have a strong bactericidal effect. Whether masturbation leads to chronic prostatitis requires careful consideration.

If masturbation is too frequent, reaching once a day, it can cause greater congestion in the reproductive system and may lead to bacterial invasion of the urethra due to unclean practices, potentially inducing prostatitis. However, for most adult men, as long as masturbation is done at a certain frequency, moderate masturbation can help clear prostatic fluid and relieve blood stasis in the prostate. Long-term abstinence from sexual activity is also a cause of prostate problems. When a man, due to various objective reasons, does not engage in sexual intercourse, and after experiencing arousal but cannot release it, increased secretion, vasodilation, and congestion of various related glands will adversely affect the prostate gland.

Over time, this can promote prostate enlargement. Middle-aged and elderly men who have lost their spouses are more susceptible to this risk because they may still have some sexual urges but lack an outlet. Therefore, from the perspective of prostate disease prevention, encouraging middle-aged and elderly men to establish harmonious partnerships and maintain regular sexual activity is of great significance for maintaining prostate health.