Prostatitis, a common condition among men, may not be life-threatening, but its late-stage symptoms can drastically reduce life quality if early treatment is neglected. What are the potential consequences of delaying treatment for prostatitis? Initially, it can detrimentally impact semen quality. Semen, crucial for reproduction, comprises about 30% prostatic fluid and 70% seminal vesicle fluid. Inflammation in the prostate, whether due to bacterial or non-bacterial causes, leads to the infiltration of inflammatory substances, deteriorating the quality of prostatic fluid and, subsequently, semen quality. This degradation poses a significant risk to male fertility. If prostatitis is left untreated and becomes chronic, it can speed up the process of prostate hyperplasia. This condition, if progressed unchecked, can lead to urinary blockage. The obstruction in the urinary tract can cause severe difficulties in urination, sometimes even causing urine to flow backward, potentially leading to acute nephritis or renal failure. Moreover, ignoring benign prostatic hyperplasia over time can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Unresolved infectious prostatitis may further complicate with conditions like seminal vesiculitis, orchitis, and epididymitis. Another aspect is the impact on sexual health. Prostatitis can chronically excite the sympathetic nerves controlling ejaculation, lowering the ejaculation threshold and leading to premature ejaculation, which disrupts sexual life. It can also damage the internal sexual nerves in the prostate, affecting the transmission of sensory stimuli and leading to issues like erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual desire, weak ejaculation, and a lack of pleasure during ejaculation. Additionally, urinary tract irritation symptoms caused by prostatitis, such as urgency, frequency, pain, and a burning sensation, can distract patients, affecting work efficiency and quality. Urinary tract obstruction symptoms like delayed urination, weak urine stream, dribbling, interrupted urination, and acute urinary retention interfere with normal urination, further impacting the quality of life. At the root of these complex symptoms is the transformation of the prostate's soft and elastic tissue into stiff and sclerotic tissue, also known as fibrosis. Addressing the underlying issue of prostate stiffness and sclerosis is key to effectively treating prostatitis and achieving complete improvement. For treating prostatitis, the traditional Chinese medicine Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill is a commendable option. Its properties of clearing heat and toxins, activating blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and softening and resolving fibrosis can alleviate various discomforts associated with prostatitis. While prostatitis might seem minor, it can profoundly affect everyday life and overall well-being. Hence, early treatment is crucial for peace of mind. Note: Embrace the holiday cheer at Dr. Lee's TCM Clinic with special Christmas promotions! Enjoy a 10% discount on every new medication order, and loyal customers will be treated to an extra surprise.