Prostate problems are common after the age of 50, but not all symptoms mean that cancer is present. The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and wraps around the urethra (the tube that urine and semen travel through). The prostate is responsible for producing fluid that makes up semen.

It’s normal for the prostate to grow larger with age. The reason for this is unknown, though hormonal changes as men get older play a factor. With the prostate being a significant part of the male reproductive system and its location close to the bladder, several issues can occur when it becomes enlarged.

Keep reading to learn more about common non-cancer prostate problems to be aware of.

Common Prostate Conditions

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) – The medical term for a non-cancerous, enlarged prostate that affects almost all men over the age of 50. BPH is caused by an overgrowth of prostate tissues that pushes against the urethra and bladder, leading to symptoms such as restricted urine flow, frequent urination, and difficulty starting to urinate.

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis – A bacterial infection that is usually caused by common strains of bacteria or an infection that has spread from other parts of the urinary or reproductive systems. Symptoms can include frequent urination, pain or discomfort during urination, and pain in the genital area. If you’re experiencing fever and chills along with these symptoms, see your doctor right away.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis – Bacterial prostatitis is considered chronic if symptoms continue for 3 months or more and do not respond to the initial treatments that your doctor recommends. Unlike acute bacterial prostatitis that comes on suddenly, chronic prostatitis develops gradually and can last for months or even years. It’s also referred to as chronic pelvic pain syndrome and can cause pain in the lower back and genital area.

Symptoms of Prostate Problems

Although some common symptoms of prostate problems can be non-cancerous, the same symptoms can also be related to prostate cancer. For this reason, it is essential to see your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Frequent urination at night
• A weak or slow urine stream
• A feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urinating
• Difficulty starting urination
• A urine stream that starts and stops
• Continued and uncontrolled dribble of urine
• Painful or burning sensation with urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain or discomfort in the lower back, hips, and pelvic area
• Painful ejaculation

Treatments For Non-Cancer Prostate Problems

Treating non-cancerous prostate conditions can include watchful waiting (also called active surveillance) if your symptoms are mild. To manage symptoms, your doctor may recommend medications, surgery, or inform you of the TULSA Procedure, a minimally-invasive procedure that uses directional ultrasound to ablate targeted prostate tissue.

Your doctor will assess your symptoms, ask about your family’s health history, look at your overall health and risk factors to determine the best course of action for you.

References

American Family Physician (2016, January), Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: Diagnosis and Management. Retrieved from: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0115/p114.html#:~:text=Acute%20bacterial%20prostatitis%20is%20an,nausea%2C%20emesis%2C%20and%20malaise.

American Family Physician (2016, February), Common Questions About Chronic Prostatitis. Retrieved from: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0215/p290.html

American Family Physician (2016, January), Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: Diagnosis and Management. Retrieved from: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0115/p114.html#:~:text=Acute%20bacterial%20prostatitis%20is%20an,nausea%2C%20emesis%2C%20and%20malaise.