One in six men are diagnosed with prostate cancer some time in their life, according to the American Cancer Society. But another chronic condition can affect this gland: prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate. Because this disorder often takes a backseat to prostate cancer, at least when it comes to public awareness, its diagnosis can often stop you dead in your tracks, especially when it comes to exercise. Distance running, bicycling and other vigorous activities can sometimes leave you with pelvic pain, but it doesn't necessarily mean you need to give up on those activities.
Running
Although not as problematic as bicycling, which can increase pressure on your prostate, running also has the potential of aggravating prostatitis. When you run, you engage the iliopsoas, a group of muscles that pass down from the lower spine into the pelvis. Because of the proximity of these muscles to the prostate, their repeated contractions -- especially over prolonged periods -- can eventually irritate this gland and cause subsequent pain along the perineum as well as the groin, abdomen or lower back.
Symptoms
Besides these isolated areas of pain, irritation and inflammation of the prostate can also encourage urinary difficulties. Some of the more common problems involve a burning sensation while urinating, an urgency to urinate and more frequent urination. You might also experience painful orgasms and even some flu-like symptoms.
Exercise
The potential pain and other symptoms, however, shouldn’t dissuade you from running. Only a small portion of men develops prostatitis from such vigorous activities, explains Lance Mynderse, a urologist at MayoClinic.com. If you’re diagnosed with prostatitis, talk to your doctor to determine whether distance running or any other athletic pursuit poses a problem for your condition.
Stretching
You can minimize discomfort associated with prostatitis by stretching the iliopsoas each day, according to information presented at the 1999 annual meeting of the American Urological Association. Oftentimes, this can be done with a simple lunge stretch. Step out with your right foot, for example, and then slowly drop your left knee to the ground. Push your pelvis slightly forward and hold. Repeat for the other side of your body. You might also see improvements by soaking in a warm bath or by receiving a deep-tissue massage. As with any medical condition, discuss your treatment options with a doctor.
