Unveiling the causes of scrotal swelling and the truth behind frequent urination at night in elderly men

Some men frequently experience a heavy, dragging, or swollen discomfort in their scrotum, sometimes accompanied by dull pain. Some believe this is related to improper sexual activity. However, the causes of scrotal swelling are multifaceted, including both medical conditions and non-medical factors. Certain diseases affecting the internal organs of the scrotum can cause this sensation: the testicles are the male reproductive glands; benign or malignant tumors, or acute or chronic inflammation due to bacterial or viral infections, can cause them to increase in size and weight. Both of these conditions can lead to a dull ache in the scrotum and varying degrees of swelling. Besides these diseases, the scrotum can also experience swelling due to unwanted conditions, most commonly inguinal hernias, hydrocele, and seminal vesicles.

Scrotal swelling can also occur in certain non-disease-related conditions, primarily related to improper sexual activity. Some men indulge in excessive sexual activity, seeking momentary pleasure and satisfaction. Conversely, some men abstain from sex for too long or have too little intercourse, resulting in unreleased semen, which can also lead to scrotal swelling and discomfort. Furthermore, masturbation or frequent use of inappropriate male contraceptive methods, such as withdrawal or urethral compression, can cause the sexual organs to be in a state of constant congestion, inducing symptoms such as a feeling of scrotal heaviness. During strenuous exercise or excessive emotional excitement, increased blood circulation and elevated scrotal temperature cause the scrotum to relax and the testicles to droop, resulting in a feeling of heaviness.

Prolonged standing or walking not only increases local blood circulation in the scrotum but also causes some degree of congestion in the testicles, epididymis, and spermatic cord, leading to a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the scrotum. Wearing overly tight-fitting trousers, especially non-breathable synthetic shorts, not only compresses the scrotum, affecting blood circulation but also raises the local temperature and causes dampness, which can also lead to a feeling of heaviness and pain in the scrotum. In addition, older men and men with weak constitutions or chronic illnesses are also more prone to experiencing scrotal heaviness.

Scrotal swelling caused by physiological factors or improper sexual activity generally does not require special treatment. Strengthening the body, engaging in appropriate exercise, preventing over-fatigue, avoiding strenuous exercise or prolonged standing or walking, and regulating sexual activity can all help prevent or alleviate scrotal swelling. In severe cases, a scrotal support belt can be worn under the guidance of a doctor. Needless to say, for scrotal swelling caused by disease, it is necessary to identify the underlying cause and treat it properly.

Mr. Wang, in his sixties, enjoyed a comfortable retirement, tending his flowers and feeding his birds. However, a persistent problem was excessive urination. Initially, he thought it was normal for his age, but over time, it severely disrupted his rest, especially at night, when he urinated seven or eight times a night. Unsure of the cause, he consulted a pharmacy, who recommended some medication. While it provided some relief initially, it hasn't been completely cured in the past three years and has recently worsened. He finds himself needing to urinate again after only a short time in bed, unable to get proper rest. Accompanied by his family, Mr. Wang visited a hospital. The doctor diagnosed him with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and due to the prolonged delay in treatment, surgery was necessary.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as enlarged prostate, is a common disease among elderly men, with the onset age mostly over 50. According to medical statistics, 60% of men over 60 years old will develop BPH, and the incidence rate is almost 100% in men over 80 years old, with 25% of these patients requiring medical treatment. Surveys have revealed a common misconception among the elderly: they believe that aging, like graying hair, is simply a natural part of bodily function, and they don't take urinary problems seriously, considering them a normal physiological phenomenon. They are also often embarrassed to talk about urinary issues and avoid seeking medical attention, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, resulting in adverse consequences.

The prostate gland's primary function is to secrete prostatic fluid. However, with the development of prostate diseases, normal urination function in older men is affected. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) mainly has three stages. The first stage involves frequent urination at night, occurring once, twice, three times, or four to five times, affecting the patient's rest. The second stage involves difficulty urinating, with a shortened urinary stream and straining during urination. At this stage, the bladder is stimulated and cannot be completely emptied, resulting in a large amount of residual urine in the bladder, which is what we medically call residual urine. The third stage makes urination even more difficult, with urine appearing as dribbles, and the amount of residual urine in the bladder is even greater, sometimes exceeding 1000 ml. In some cases, elderly patients may even experience bedwetting.

Therefore, elderly friends are reminded that if they experience symptoms such as frequent urination and difficulty urinating, it indicates that prostate disease has occurred and should not be ignored. This is because such diseases can range from affecting rest to potentially leading to other illnesses, such as prostate cancer, resulting in more serious consequences. How can these diseases be prevented in daily life? In terms of diet, avoid spicy foods and excessive alcohol consumption, as excessive alcohol can cause local congestion in the prostate and perineum, leading to difficulty urinating and urinary retention. In addition to dietary considerations, adequate rest is also crucial. Doctors remind the elderly to use medications with caution, such as belladonna, atropine, and propantheline bromide, as these drugs can weaken the bladder muscle's contractile ability and cause difficulty urinating. In short, if elderly people feel unwell, they should seek medical attention promptly and not miss the optimal treatment window.