The prostate gland, despite its small size, plays a crucial role in men’s health and well-being. Yet many men know surprisingly little about this walnut-sized gland until problems arise. Understanding prostate health, recognizing potential issues, and staying informed about screening recommendations can make a significant difference in maintaining quality of life as men age.
The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system, located in front of the rectum and between the bladder and penis. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). Its primary function is to produce fluid that nourishes and protects sperm, making up about 30% of seminal fluid.
The prostate continues to grow throughout a man’s life, which can lead to various health concerns over time.
Because of its location, any changes in the prostate can impact urination and sexual health, making awareness of prostate health particularly important as men age. As men grow older, their risk for developing prostate-related conditions increases.
For some men, prostatitis develops because of a urinary tract infection, others have lesser-known causes. In some cases, there’s no known cause for inflammation.
Common symptoms of prostatitis include:
The symptoms of prostatitis can mimic those of other medical conditions or issues. Therefore, seeking medical advice from a health care provider for an accurate diagnosis is important.
The prostate, a small gland that produces fluid for semen, is in an ideal position to cause trouble. The gland wraps snugly around the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. It’s a tight squeeze — and it only gets tighter as men grow older.
As men age, the prostate inevitably grows, putting more and more pressure on the urethra. For some men, this growth is too slow to ever cause any symptoms. But for most, it’s only a matter of time before trouble sets in. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than half of all men in their 60s and 90 percent of men in their 80s have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, benign prostatic hypertrophy, or simply BPH.
For most men, an enlarged prostate is little more than a nuisance. But in severe cases, it can completely block the flow of urine and create a medical emergency. Whether a man’s condition is mild or extreme, he has many options for relief.
As the prostate begins to squeeze the urethra, emptying the bladder becomes more and more difficult. Common symptoms of an enlarged prostate include the following:
If you have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you should see your doctor. Remember, there’s a chance that your symptoms may signal something more serious.
While some risk factors like age and genetics cannot be changed, several lifestyle factors may support prostate health:
Regular exercise may help reduce the risk of BPH and prostate cancer. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Drink plenty of fluids during the day, but consider limiting intake before bedtime to reduce nighttime urination, especially if experiencing BPH symptoms.
Men should consult with their healthcare provider if they experience:
Additionally, all men should have regular discussions with their healthcare providers about prostate health, particularly as they approach middle age.