Engineering Professor Challenges Urological Practices, Promoting Unsubstantiated Ice Bath Claims

A recent social media post by Thomas P. Seager, PhD, an engineering professor, has sparked discussion by asserting that ice baths can reduce prostate inflammation while criticizing urologists for allegedly prioritizing prostatectomies that lead to erectile dysfunction. Dr. Seager's tweet, shared on September 16, 2025, directly questioned standard medical practices, stating, > "Ice baths reduce prostate inflammation, but your urologist is probably scheduling you for a prostatectomy so you can enjoy a lifetime of erectile dysfunction. That's what they get paid to do."

Medical experts and established guidelines, however, do not support the claim that ice baths are an effective treatment for prostate inflammation, known medically as prostatitis. According to the Prostatitis Foundation, there is no scientific evidence to endorse cold therapy for this condition, with any reported relief likely being temporary and superficial rather than addressing the underlying issue. Standard medical treatments for prostatitis typically involve antibiotics for bacterial infections, alpha-blockers, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate, is a recognized and often necessary procedure primarily used to treat prostate cancer and severe cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) when other therapies have failed. While erectile dysfunction is a known potential side effect of radical prostatectomy, particularly due to nerve damage, advancements in surgical techniques, such as nerve-sparing procedures, aim to minimize this risk. The American Cancer Society notes that various rehabilitation strategies are available to help manage post-surgical erectile function.

Urologists are medical specialists dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including a wide range of prostate issues. The Urology Care Foundation emphasizes that these medical professionals follow evidence-based guidelines, offering diverse treatment options tailored to individual patient needs, from medication to surgery. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for prostate cancer, for instance, underscore shared decision-making between patients and their urologists.

Dr. Seager's professional background is in sustainable engineering and environmental systems, as indicated by his profile at Arizona State University and publications on ResearchGate, with no apparent medical training or specialization in urology. His statements contrast sharply with the consensus of the medical community, which advises consulting qualified healthcare professionals for prostate health concerns and adhering to scientifically validated treatments.