Symptoms of Prostate Problems in Men — Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prostate Health Guide

Prostate-related problems in men are quite common with aging. The prostate is a small gland that lies below the bladder and releases fluid for semen production. Common prostate gland problems include prostatitis, prostate cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Common symptoms include sexual dysfunction, urinary difficulties, lower back pain, bloody urine, or semen. Early detection allows better symptom management and efficient treatment.

The prostate is a small gland located in front of the rectum. It produces fluid that helps nourish sperm. The prostate plays a significant role in semen production, urinary flow, and male reproductive health.

• It encircles the urethra and regulates urinary flow.

• It releases fluid that helps with sperm production and nourishes sperm.

• It is responsible for sexual function and fertility in men.

Prostate problems in men become more common as they age due to various factors such as hormonal fluctuations and cellular changes. These factors increase the risk of developing prostatitis, prostate cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia after middle age.

• Hormonal changes: testosterone levels may begin to decline with age, and other hormones may gather in the prostate, inciting its growth.

• Cellular shifts: as the prostate cells age, they become more vulnerable to infection, inflammation, and abnormal growth.

• Lifestyle factors: diet, stress, obesity, sedentary habits, and chronic inflammation can cause strain on the prostate.

• Genetic predilection: Men with a family history of prostate-related issues are prone to develop problems as they age.

The most common prostate-associated problems in men are:

• Non-cancerous growth of the prostate that usually affects males above 50.

• Associated symptoms are a weak urine stream, frequent urination, and difficulty initiating or stopping urine.

• Usually caused by hormonal shifts and due to aging.

• Inflammation or infection in the prostate.

• Acute bacterial prostatitis is a medical emergency that starts suddenly.

• Chronic bacterial prostatitis is long-term and accompanied by urinary discomfort and pain.

• Symptoms include burning urination and pelvic or lower back pain.

• Malignant growth of prostate cells that is usually found in men above 50.

• No early signs and later stage symptoms include urinary problems, bloody urine or semen, and sudden weight loss.

Check out the table showing a clear comparison between enlarged prostate, inflamed prostate, and prostate cancer:

Here’s the detailed list of symptoms associated with prostate tissue problems:

The early signs of prostatitis, BPH, and prostate cancer are urination-related:

• Frequent urination

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination

• Weak urine flow

• Dribbling

• Painful urination

• Excess urination during the night

These symptoms are common in prostatitis; however also involved in BPH and prostate cancer:

• Abdominal pain (lower)

• Groin pain

• Lower back pain

• Pelvic pressure

• Painful ejaculation

• Rectal discomfort

• Pressure that feels like constipation

• UTI-like symptoms

• Burning urination

• Fever

• Cloudy urine

• Pain in the testicles

Symptoms that require immediate evaluation and indicate urinary obstruction, serious infection, or prostate cancer are:

• Blood in urine or semen

• Severe pelvic pain

• Sudden urinary retention

Let's understand the causes of prostate problems in men:

• Aging (after 50s)

• Dihydrotestosterone hormone shifts

• Genetics

• Obesity

• Sedentary lifestyle habits

• Bacterial infections

• Chronic stress-related inflammation

• Overactive pelvic muscles

• Catheter use

• Urinary tract infections

• Sexual activity

• Inflammation

• Irritated or compressed nerves

• Pelvic muscle tension

• Bacterial infections

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Low or no physical activity

• Unhealthy diet

• Inadequate fluid intake and hydration

• Smoking

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Chronic stress

Prostate health is directly associated with the urinary system, reproductive system, and nervous system, causing various symptoms:

The prostate is directly linked to the nerves in the pelvic floor and lower back. The prostate enlargement, infection, or inflammation in the prostate triggers irritation in these nerves, leading to pain in the pelvic region and lower back.

An enlarged prostate can cause physical pressure on the rectum that narrows the rectal passage and leads to difficult bowel movements. Prostate enlargement can compress the pelvic region nerves, disturbing muscle coordination and reducing stool movement.

Abnormal prostate growth or inflammation in the prostate can reduce or block urine flow, leading to incomplete bladder emptying. Blocked urine offers a favorable spot for bacterial growth, allowing urinary tract infections.

If you experience urinary and sexual symptoms accompanied by pain, you should seek professional evaluation or prostate diagnostic tests. Here’s how you can diagnose prostate problems:

When it comes to prostate diagnostic procedures, physical examination is the first step.

Digital Rectal Exam: Your healthcare provider checks for prostate enlargement by inserting lubricated fingers into the rectum. Usually digital rectal exam is considered along with imaging and blood tests.

PSA Blood Test: Prostate-Specific Antigen blood test measures PSA levels in the blood. Typically, the normal range is 0-4 ng/mL, which may vary with age. High levels suggest prostate enlargement, infection, and prostate cancer.

PSA is usually recommended to men above 50 years and at higher risk, experiencing urinary symptoms or abnormal DRE. If you have a family history of prostate problems, your healthcare provider may order a PSA blood test.

Urine Test: A urine test is done to diagnose bacterial prostatitis, inflammation, or urinary tract infections. It shows the presence of white blood cells, bacteria, and blood in the urine that help identify infections.

• Ultrasound (TRUS-Transrectal Ultrasound): It involves using sound waves to visualize the prostate, which helps evaluate the shape, size, and risk-prone areas.

• MRI for Prostate: MRI offers comprehensive pictures of the prostate and encircling tissues. It helps recognize abnormal growth, tumors, and other areas of concern.

• Uroflowmetry: It evaluates urine flow rate and urination patterns that help analyse urinary obstruction due to prostate enlargement.

• Post-Void Residual Test: It assesses the leftover urine in the bladder post urination using catheterization or ultrasonography. Higher amounts suggest bladder emptying concerns or BPH.

• Cystoscopy: The procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the urethra to analyze the bladder. It helps detect abnormalities and blockages due to an enlarged prostate.

Commonly, the treatment options used to treat and manage prostate problems in men are:

• Includes alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

• These medications help improve urine flow and reduce the size of an enlarged prostate.

• Used when bacterial infections are detected.

• Antibiotics are usually prescribed depending on the severity of the infection.

• These medications ease the prostate and bladder muscles.

• Alpha blockers act quickly, improving urine flow and urinary symptoms.

• Suitable for moderate and severe prostate enlargement.

• Help reduce DHT levels leading to the gradual shrinkage of the prostate.

• NSAIDs, pelvic floor therapy, and warm baths can ease pain.

• Pain management methods work for BPH and prostatitis-associated discomfort.

• Consume fruits, vegetables, and ensure hydration.

• Regular exercise and physical activity improve prostate health.

• Don’t hold urine for too long.

• Stress management techniques can reduce pelvic tension and inflammation.

Here are the simple tips to keep your prostate healthy:

• Anti-inflammatory foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole foods)

• Lycopene-rich foods (watermelon, grapefruit, and tomatoes)

• Omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds)

• Cruciferous vegetables (Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli)

• Maintain hydration to support proper urinary function.

• Exercise daily to maintain a healthy weight and improve circulation.

• Practice yoga, relaxation techniques, and meditation for stress management.

• Avoid sitting for longer time periods.

• Maintain a healthy weight as it contributes to hormonal balance and reduces the risk of BPH.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, as it reduces inflammation and the risk of prostate problems.

• Consider regular health checkups after your 40s, as early detection can significantly improve your prostate health.

• Don’t ignore your urinary and sexual signs or symptoms, as early detection prevents complications.

Men above 50 years of age are highly prone to developing prostate problems. Common symptoms include frequent urination, decreased urine flow, urination difficulties, lower back pain, and pelvic discomfort. Sometimes the early symptoms may appear subtle, particularly in prostate cancer.

Men should not ignore urination and pelvic-related symptoms. Recognizing your signs and detecting the underlying causes allows efficient treatment and prevents associated complications. Learning about prostate problems and regular check-ups can help men track their prostate health.

***Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).