As men age, one part of the body that often causes concern due to possible health issues is the prostate. This small gland, located just below the bladder that helps make semen, can be affected by cancer, as well as non-cancerous conditions. Being able to recognize the symptoms of prostate problems will help you know when it’s time to see a doctor.
Here are symptoms of some of the most common prostate problems in men.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate)
This is a condition in which the prostate is enlarged but it is not cancerous. The prostate commonly enlarges as men get older so age is the biggest risk factor for the condition. It can result in bladder, urinary tract and kidney problems.
Symptoms include:
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Urinating often at night
- Trouble starting to urinate
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Not being able to fully empty the bladder
Symptoms tend to slowly get worse but they may also stay the same for long periods of time.
Prostatitis
This condition refers to inflammation in the prostate that is often caused by a bacterial infection, although there may be other causes. The condition can be acute (comes on suddenly and goes away after a short period or time) or it can be chronic, where it comes back again and again.
Symptoms of prostatitis may differ depending on the cause and whether it is acute or chronic, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Painful urination, including burning when urinating
- Difficulty urinating, such as trouble starting to urinate, weak stream or dribbling at the end of urination
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Urgent need to urinate
- Pain in the groin, pelvic area, genitals, abdomen or lower back
- Cloudy urine or blood in urine
- Painful ejaculation
- Fever, chills, muscle aches and flu-like symptoms (with acute bacterial infection)
Prostate Cancer
This is the second most common cancer in men (after skin cancer). Your risk increases as you get older and if you have a family history of the disease. Your race may also affect your risk of the disease (African American men are most at risk while Asian American men have the lowest rates of prostate cancer). A high-fat diet may also increase your risk. The good news is that prostate cancer often grows slowly (although some types can get worse quickly).
Early stages of prostate cancer may cause no symptoms, but as the cancer advances you may notice these symptoms:
- Difficulty urinating
- Weak stream or interrupted flow when urinating
- Urinating often, especially at night
- Trouble emptying the bladder completely
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in the lower back, hips, thighs or legs
- Losing weight without trying
- Fatigue
Since symptoms of different prostate problems are often similar, it is best to see your primary doctor or a urologist if you have any of the symptoms listed. Getting a proper diagnosis can help you treat the condition you have more effectively.
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Date Last Reviewed: July 16, 2024
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD
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