Can Exercise Make Prostatitis Worse?

When it comes to maintaining good health, regular exercise is often at the top of the list. However, when you're dealing with a condition like prostatitis, you may be faced with conflicting advice about whether or not exercise may actually make your condition worse. In this article, we'll demystify the connection between exercise and prostatitis, weigh in on the pros and cons, and provide guidance on how best to explore physical activity when you're dealing with pelvic pain.

Prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate gland, can be caused by various factors such as bacterial infection, stress, weakened immune system, and even too much sitting. It’s essential to understand what triggers your symptoms and the role exercise might play in your healing journey.

Pros of Exercise for Prostatitis

Improved blood flow

Physical activity increases circulation throughout the body, which is essential for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to inflamed muscles, nerves, and other tissues. Improved blood flow can help speed up the healing process, reduce inflammation in the pelvic area, and alleviate symptoms.

Stress reduction

Regular exercise has been proven to help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Psychological stress can increase tension in the pelvic floor muscles, leading to or exacerbating prostatitis symptoms.

Strengthening pelvic floor muscles

Targeted exercises like Kegels, yoga, and Pilates can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve their function. This can lead to improved bladder control, reduced pain, and overall pelvic health.

Weight management

Being overweight can lead to increased pressure on the pelvis and exacerbate prostatitis symptoms. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduce strain on the pelvic area.

Cons of Exercise for Prostatitis

Aggravating symptoms

Some activities, especially of high intensity or those that put a great deal of stress on the pelvic floor muscles, can worsen prostatitis symptoms. Examples include heavy weight lifting, intense cycling, or exercises that require excessive jumping or pounding on hard surfaces.

Risk of injury

Overtraining or performing exercises with improper form can lead to additional injuries and create more challenges in your recovery.

Example

Josh, a 45-year old avid cyclist, found himself struggling with chronic pelvic pain and was diagnosed with nonbacterial prostatitis. In an attempt to improve his condition, he turned to exercise but discovered that long sessions of cycling only seemed to make his symptoms worse. After consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist, he was advised to try a more balanced approach to exercise – with a mix of low-impact activities like swimming, tailored yoga classes focused on pelvic floor health, and strength training. Over time, Josh found that this new exercise routine not only helped reduce his symptoms but also helped lower his stress and improve his overall well-being.

The relationship between exercise and prostatitis may not be simple, but it is important to remember that physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional, like a pelvic floor physical therapist, to help develop an exercise plan that best suits your needs. Don't forget to share this post with anyone who might benefit from understanding the connection between exercise and prostatitis, and explore other helpful guides on Pelvic Floor Therapy.