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Prostate Diseases
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Older Adults

Prostate Diseases

The prostate is a vital gland in the male reproductive system, and understanding its common conditions—ranging from inflammation to cancer—is essential for long-term health.

Overview

The prostate is a gland located just below the bladder that produces fluid for semen. Several conditions can affect this gland, particularly as one ages.

Types of Prostate Diseases

  • Prostatitis: Inflammation or swelling of the prostate. It is the most common prostate issue in men under 50. Types include chronic prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome), acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, and asymptomatic prostatitis.
  • Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH): A common condition in older individuals where the prostate grows, potentially pressing on the urethra and causing urinary issues.
  • Prostate Cancer: The formation of cancer cells in the prostate. While common in those over 50, many cases grow slowly; however, some forms are serious.

Risk Factors

Risk factors vary by condition:

  • Prostatitis: Linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs), nerve damage from surgery or injury, and emotional stress.
  • Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Risk increases with age (40+), family history, obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and lack of physical activity.
  • Prostate Cancer: Risk factors include being over 50, having a family history of the disease, and being African American.

Symptoms

Common symptoms across prostate conditions include:

  • Frequent urination or a weak urine stream.
  • Urgency to urinate with little or no output.
  • Leaking or dribbling.

Other symptoms may include blood in the urine, unusual odor/color of urine, fever, chills, body aches, or pain in the abdomen, scrotum, or penis. Inability to urinate at all is a medical emergency.

Diagnosis

Providers diagnose prostate issues through:

  • Review of medical and family history.
  • Physical examination, including a digital rectal exam (DRE).
  • Diagnostic tests, such as blood and urine tests, urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, ultrasound, PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests, or a prostate biopsy.

Treatment is tailored to the specific diagnosis and the severity of the symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

For prostate health, common screenings include a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. The decision to screen is individualized and should be discussed with your doctor. Generally, discussions about screening often begin around age 50 for men at average risk. If you have a higher risk, such as being African American or having a close relative (father, brother, son) who had prostate cancer before age 65, your doctor might recommend starting discussions about screening earlier, possibly in your early 40s or mid-40s.
You should see your doctor if you experience persistent changes in your urinary habits, as these can indicate a prostate issue. Common symptoms include needing to urinate more frequently (especially at night), a weak or slow urine stream, difficulty starting urination, a feeling that you can't completely empty your bladder, urgency to urinate, or leaking/dribbling after urination. While some changes are common with age, these symptoms are not normal and should be evaluated to determine the cause.
The most critical prostate-related symptom requiring immediate medical attention is the complete inability to urinate. This can cause severe discomfort and lead to kidney damage. Other emergency signs include sudden, severe pain in the lower abdomen, scrotum, or penis, especially if accompanied by a high fever, chills, or blood in the urine that is bright red or in large amounts. These symptoms could indicate an acute infection or severe obstruction.
While not a cure, certain diet and lifestyle changes can support prostate health and potentially help manage or prevent some prostate issues, particularly BPH. These include maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting red meat, processed foods, and excessive dairy. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can help with urinary symptoms. Managing stress and staying hydrated are also beneficial. Always discuss significant dietary or lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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