18/09/2025
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It is located below the bladder and in front of the re**um.
It makes fluid that mixes with s***m to create semen. Its muscles help push semen out during ej*******on. The prostate also helps control the flow of urine and semen, and processes male hormones.
As you get older, the prostate can grow bigger or develop cancer.
Diagram showing the external and internal parts of the male reproductive system
Diagram showing the external and internal parts of the male reproductive system.
What medical conditions can affect the prostate?
The prostate can develop several problems, especially as you get older, which may affect urination, s*xual health and overall wellbeing.
Common prostate problems include:
benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and benign prostatic enlargement (BPE)
prostate cancer
prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)
Benign prostatic hypertrophy and benign prostatic enlargement
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (or hyperplasia) is the natural growth of extra cells in the prostate. This is a process that happens as you get older. It doesn't directly cause symptoms, but leads to the prostate getting bigger.
Benign prostatic enlargement is the actual enlargement of the prostate caused by BPH. It can press on your bladder and urethra, leading to symptoms.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in adult males. In the early stages, it doesn't usually cause any symptoms. As it grows, it might lead to symptoms. Regular check-ups can help find it early and be treated more effectively.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is when your prostate gland becomes inflamed. There are 4 main types:
acute bacterial prostatitis — a sudden infection in the prostate, often caused by bacteria
chronic bacterial prostatitis — recurring infections in the prostate, also caused by bacteria and often linked to repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome — long-term pain in the prostate and urinary area, but not caused by infection
asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis — inflammation with no symptoms, often found during tests for other conditions
What are the symptoms of prostate problems?
Trouble passing urine (weeing) is common in older people. It's also one of the most common signs that there may be a problem with your prostate.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy and benign prostatic enlargement
Symptoms may include:
difficulty starting to wee
a weak urine stream
needing to wee frequently or urgently
incomplete urination (needing to wee even right after weeing)
wake at night to wee
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer often grows slowly, with few or no early symptoms. Advanced prostate cancer may lead to:
urinary issues, such as difficulty weeing
pain in your back and hips
blood in your urine
erectile dysfunction
Prostatitis
Symptoms may include:
fever
pain or burning when weeing or ej*******ng
trouble urinating
pain in your sc***um, p***s, testicles, re**um or pelvis
blood in your urine can sometimes happen
Some people have no symptoms.call 973031602
