Contraceptive safety risk assessment and prostate congestion mechanism: In-depth analysis of reproductive tract health and inflammation in middle-aged men

24. Does vasectomy alter male sexual function? In normal men, the testes continuously produce sperm and secrete male hormones. Sperm mature in the epididymis and are stored in the tail of the epididymis; male hormones promote the development of male reproductive organs and stimulate normal sexual function. Vasectomy only blocks the passage of sperm during male reproduction; it does not affect testicular reproductive function or interfere with testicular hormone secretion. Therefore, vasectomy has no direct impact on testicular hormone secretion or sexual intercourse.

25. Can improper use of male contraception cause diseases? With the implementation of family planning, male contraception methods are becoming increasingly popular. However, improper use of some commonly used male contraceptive methods can also cause certain diseases. When using condoms, hygiene is paramount. A condom should be used no more than twice, and should be washed and stored properly after use to prevent balanitis and posthitis caused by uncleanliness. The condom size should be appropriate. Frequent use of condoms that are too tight can easily induce itching and stinging of the glans penis. In men with phimosis or redundant foreskin, it can occasionally lead to paraphimosis. Furthermore, some men may experience allergic reactions to the condom material or the talcum powder applied to the condom, resulting in redness, pain, or erosion and discharge of the glans penis. If this occurs even once, condoms should be discontinued and other methods of contraception should be used. Otherwise, the glans penis may repeatedly develop lesions, and it may even induce penile tumors. Withdrawal is generally only used occasionally when no other contraceptive method is available. It should not be used long-term because the sudden withdrawal of the penis from the woman's vagina just before ejaculation requires precise timing. The high level of tension and fear of semen entering the woman's body can interfere with sexual activity, leading to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or even anejaculation. Urethral compression contraception should also only be used occasionally. By manually compressing the urethra to prevent ejaculation, semen may flow backward into the bladder, potentially causing urinary tract infections and discomfort, including burning pain during urination. Using contraceptive films containing alkylphenoxyethylene ethanol can cause allergic reactions in some men, manifesting as itching, stinging, and redness of the glans and foreskin. In such cases, alternative contraceptive methods should be used. Male oral contraceptives are not yet widely used, but there are many cases of men trying gossypol for contraception. However, the method of administration is relatively complex and the dosage must be strictly controlled. If used improperly, or even when used correctly, some middle-aged men may experience nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, hypokalemia, or muscle weakness. Newer contraceptive technologies such as thermotherapy, microwave contraception, and ultrasound contraception all work by increasing the temperature of the scrotum and testicles to inhibit sperm production. This requires a temperature of around 42°C. Improper use, especially with excessively high temperatures, can cause burns.

26. What factors can cause excessive prostate congestion in middle-aged men? When examining the prostate fluid of middle-aged men with chronic prostatitis, some patients find a large number of bacteria or white blood cells, while others show no trace of bacteria or white blood cells. Why is this? Chronic prostatitis can be divided into two main categories: bacterial prostatitis, which is mostly caused by bacteria from an infection site in another part of the body or bacteria accumulated in the external genitalia, invading the prostate when the body's resistance is low. The other category is non-bacterial prostatitis, also known as prostatic fluid leakage, which is related to frequent and repeated congestion of the prostate. Repeated congestion of the prostate tissue can cause dilation of the prostate acini and edema of the interglandular tissue. Over time, the glandular structure of the prostate is destroyed, manifesting as the pathological changes of chronic inflammation. So, what factors can cause excessive congestion of the prostate in middle-aged men? (1) Improper sexual activity: Some married men are used to regular sexual life. If the woman is unable to have sex due to illness or pregnancy, and the man's libido is very strong, he will have frequent sexual urges. Some men are afraid that the woman will get pregnant, so they often suddenly interrupt intercourse just before ejaculation. Some men have developed the bad habit of masturbation or have excessive libido. Frequent intercourse and frequent indulgence in pornography can all cause repeated excessive congestion of the prostate. (2) Stimulating foods: Drinking alcohol, especially alcoholism, or frequently eating spicy, hot, sour, or cold stimulating foods can easily induce congestion of all sexual organs, including the prostate. (3) Exposure to cold and dampness: Cold and dampness are an adverse stimulus to the prostate. Whenever the prostate is exposed to cold and dampness, it will be sensitive to the contraction of the gland and the expansion of the glandular ducts, resulting in diffuse congestion.

27. How is prostatitis contracted? Prostatitis is divided into bacterial and non-bacterial prostatitis. (1) Bacterial prostatitis: The routes of bacterial infection are: ① Retrograde urethral infection, where bacteria ascend from the urethral opening. ② Direct spread, such as pelvic lesions that can directly affect the prostate. ③ Lymphatic infection, where bacteria can invade through the lymphatic vessels beside the internal iliac artery. ④ Hematogenous infection, where bacteria invade the prostate through the bloodstream, such as skin infections and tonsillitis. Drinking alcohol, overwork, exposure to cold, and excessive sexual activity can all induce prostatitis. (2) Non-bacterial prostatitis: ① Improper sexual activity, such as excessive or frequent masturbation. ② Local irritation, such as long-distance cycling or prolonged sitting, causing pelvic congestion. ③ Irritating foods, such as excessive consumption of spicy and sour foods and drinking alcohol. ④ Other causes include local exposure to cold in the prostate. In addition, there are some special bacterial infections, called specific prostatitis, such as gonorrhea, tuberculosis, syphilis, and trichomonas. Mycoplasma and chlamydia can also cause prostatitis.