Acupuncture For Prostatitis & Prostate Conditions

The prostate is a reproductive gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in males. It wraps around the urethra, a tube that carries urine from the bladder. The prostate produces most of a male’s semen.

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, often resulting in swelling or pain. Prostatitis can result in four significant symptoms: pain, urination problems, sexual dysfunction, and general health problems, such as feeling tired and depressed.

Men may have no symptoms of prostatitis or symptoms so sudden and severe that they seek emergency medical care.

When present, symptoms include:

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Difficulty urinating
• Pain or burning during urination
• Chills and fever

Prostatitis can affect men of all ages. According to the National Institutes of Health, prostatitis may account for up to 25% of all office visits for complaints involving the genital and urinary systems from young and middle-aged men. In fact, chronic prostatitis (which means it doesn’t go away) is the number-one reason men under age 50 visit a urologist.

Many of the standard of care treatments for chronic prostatitis can have their side effects.   However a recently published meta analysis concluded that acupuncture can be even more effective than standard of care for chronic prostatitis.

“Acupuncture has promising efficacy for patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Compared to standard medical treatment, it has better efficacy. Thus, it may also serve as a standard treatment option when available.”

The additional benefit of acupuncture is that unlike standard medications such as anti-inflammatories or antibiotics the side effects of acupuncture are often positive. Men report feeling more relaxed, more energy, better mood. Often it is a challenge getting men to take care of themselves,but if there is someone you know trying to manage chronic prostate inflammation show them this link and suggest they try acupuncture.

Yours In Health,
George Mandler CNS LDN LicAc FABORM

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