You’re going to the bathroom all the time. You have a sudden urge to go. Sometimes you struggle to fully empty your bladder. What’s going on?
It could be your prostate.
When it comes to your prostate health, there are a few things you should be aware of, especially as you age. The prostate can be affected by three main conditions: prostate infections, benign prostate enlargement, and prostate cancer. Let’s break it down:
Prostate Infections
If you’re a younger man, you might be more likely to experience a prostate infection. If you ever notice a sudden difficulty when trying to pee or feel a vague, constant pain in your lower pelvic area, it could be a sign of a prostate infection. While these symptoms can be bothersome, the good news is that they’re usually treatable with medication.
Benign Prostate Enlargement
As you age, your prostate may start to enlarge—a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While this isn’t cancer, it can cause some annoying urinary symptoms that tend to get worse over time. You might find yourself struggling to start peeing, noticing a slow or interrupted stream, or feeling like you’re not fully emptying your bladder. Frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night, or a sudden, urgent need to pee can also happen. Sometimes, you might even experience some leakage. These issues can often be managed with medication or, if necessary, surgery.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is more common as you get older, but it usually doesn’t cause symptoms until it’s advanced. However, the good news is that most prostate cancers are found early through regular screening—before they cause any noticeable issues.
Why You Should Consider Prostate Cancer Screenings
Screening for prostate cancer is important because finding it early can significantly increase your chances of successful treatment. Here’s when you should start thinking about screening:
- Age 40: If you have a strong family history of prostate cancer in more than one close male relative (like your father or brother).
- Age 45: If you have a family history of prostate cancer in one close male relative or if you’re African American.
- Age 50: For men without a family history of prostate cancer.
Screening is simple and usually involves a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). Once you start, it’s typically recommended to do it annually.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms or approaching the age for screening, talk to your doctor.
NMC Health | Urology Specialists, led by Dr. Faris Azzouni, is the best place to go for your sensitive needs, including prostate health.
