The prostate is an important part of male overall health. This gland is found below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men and its main job is to add fluid to the semen as the prostate muscles help to push semen through the urethra. Keeping the prostate in good working order will help maintain positive reproductive health in men. Many men take vitamins such as Prostate 911 health supplements to keep their reproductive health in top condition.
It is not uncommon for men to face several problems with the prostate as they age. To help avoid some of these problems or keep them to a minimum, it is a good idea to recognize some of the symptoms in advance to aid with prevention, or at least prompt action to reduce long-term effects.
The exact symptom that you see will depend on the problem your prostate is experiencing. Let's take a closer look at some of the common symptoms of specific prostate conditions, and consider when it is time to discuss them with your doctor.
Common Symptoms of Prostate Problems
There are several symptoms you may experience related to your prostate health. Recognizing any problems early on gives you ample time to visit your doctor, explore the underlying cause of prostate problems, and determine an appropriate plan of action.
Some of the common signs of prostate problems include:
- You have a constant urge to urinate.
- You have a weak urine stream and find the act itself difficult.
- You realize that the urge to pass urine is greater during the night than during the day.
- You may experience pain when attempting to pass urine during bathroom trips; even if you really need to go at the time, it can cause some amount of pain and discomfort.
- You may feel like your bladder needs to be emptied all the way, even after you have gone to the bathroom.
- You get frequent pain or discomfort in your lower stomach during the day.
- You have hematuria, which means that you may find blood in the urine as you empty your bladder.
- You experience hematospermia, which means your body is excreting blood in the semen.
- You struggle with erectile dysfunction.
You may experience just one or two of these symptoms when prostate problems first show up. However, the longer you ignore the issues and let them go on, the more symptoms you will experience. These are all signs that there is something wrong with the prostate, and if you begin to notice them, you should visit your doctor to figure out the best treatment for you.
What Are the Most Common Prostate Problems?
As you may now realize, there are many different prostate problems men can experience as they get older. Taking care of yourself with adequate nutrition, plenty of water, and exercise, can help. Recognizing some of the symptoms above and diagnosing them with their doctor as early as possible will prove beneficial as well.
Some of the most common prostate problems to recognize include:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BHP: This is an enlargement of the prostate and is one of the most common prostate issues in men, often considered a normal part of the aging process. Hormone levels and fibrosis can play a big part in developing this condition for many men.
- Prostatitis: This is a swelling or inflammation of the prostate. It can affect men of any age, though it is usually found in men under the age of 50. There are two types of this, either bacterial or chronic. Both can be uncomfortable, but your treatment options will depend on the type.
- Prostate cancer: This is one of the most common cancers found among men in America. If you have a family member with the condition, then you are more likely to develop it as well.
How Do I Diagnose a Prostate Problem?
Suppose you notice some of the symptoms of prostate problems above, or you feel at a higher risk for some prostate problems as you get older. In that case, you may wonder how a prostate issue is diagnosed in the first place. There are many ways physicians may evaluate your condition.
- Your doctor will likely start with an evaluation of your medical and family history to see how likely you have these conditions.
- They will often perform a physical assessment, which allows the doctor to perform a more extensive evaluation to see if anything is unusual.
After these basic procedures, they may opt to do one or more of the following:
- Urine tests: This test involves taking a sample of your urine and then examining it under a microscope to see if there are any infections to worry about.
- Blood tests: Complete blood count is done to help find out whether there is a problem with the infection. A PSA test can also be done to check whether there is prostate cancer or not.
- Cystoscopy: This is where a tube-like camera is placed into the urethra to reach the bladder. This helps to get visuals on the bladder to see if something is wrong.
- Ultrasound: This will use a probe over the stomach to examine the prostate itself for any irregularities.
- Prostate biopsy: This is where the doctor will surgically remove a small part of the prostate through the stomach. The sample is then sent to the lab to check whether there are some cancer cells present or not.
- Magnetic resonance imaging: This could be required to help check into the prostate more if there are signs of high PSA values.
The Bottom Line
There are many different signs you may recognize when your prostate starts to face complications. Recognizing some of these signs and going to your doctor is the best way to catch problems early and find the proper treatment to keep the prostate in good health. As we age, it is normal to experience a variety of medical conditions, but the most effective method of treatment often comes down to prevention and early detection.
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I'm Alice and I live with a dizzying assortment of invisible disabilities, including ADHD and fibromyalgia. I write to raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental and chronic illnesses of all kinds.
Dr. Wilson graduated from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, IL. Dr. Wilson specializes in providing culturally competent and trauma-informed care to patients with physical disabilities. In addition to her private practice, she works as a science communicator, teaching health literacy to middle school and high school students in her local school district.
