Prostate Health: What Every Man Should Know
Learn about the prostate, common conditions like BPH and prostatitis, prostate cancer risk factors, PSA screening decisions, and symptoms that need attention.
Key takeaways
- An enlarged prostate (BPH) is very common with age and is not cancer, but it can cause urinary symptoms.
- Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men, aside from skin cancer.
- Black men and men with a family history have higher risk and may consider screening earlier.
- PSA screening is an individual decision for men 55 to 69 after discussing benefits and harms with a doctor.
The prostate isn't something most men think about until it starts causing problems. But understanding this small gland can help you recognize when something isn't right and make informed decisions about screening.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate produces fluid that's part of semen.
The prostate naturally grows larger with age, which is why prostate problems become more common as men get older.
Common prostate conditions
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. It's extremely common: about half of men in their 50s and up to 90% of men over 80 have some degree of BPH, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
Because the prostate surrounds the urethra, an enlarged prostate can squeeze it and cause urinary symptoms:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Urgent need to urinate
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Trouble starting urination
- Feeling that the bladder isn't completely empty
- Dribbling at the end of urination
BPH does not cause prostate cancer, but the two can occur together.
Treatment depends on how bothersome symptoms are and may include lifestyle changes (like limiting fluids before bed and reducing caffeine and alcohol), medications that relax or shrink the prostate, and minimally invasive procedures or surgery.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, sometimes caused by infection. It can cause pain in the pelvis, groin, or lower back, painful urination, and sometimes fever. Acute bacterial prostatitis needs prompt medical care.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men after skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
Many prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause harm. Others are aggressive and can spread. Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms.
Prostate cancer risk factors
- Age: risk rises significantly after 50
- Race: Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and more likely to die from it
- Family history: having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles risk
- Inherited gene changes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or Lynch syndrome
PSA screening: making an informed decision
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures a protein made by the prostate. Higher levels can be a sign of cancer, but also of BPH, prostatitis, or recent activities like ejaculation or cycling.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends:
| Age | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 55–69 | Make an individual decision with your doctor about PSA screening |
| 70 and older | Routine PSA screening is not recommended |
Men at higher risk, including Black men and those with a strong family history, may benefit from starting the conversation earlier, often in their 40s. The American Cancer Society suggests discussions starting at age 50 for average-risk men, 45 for high-risk men, and 40 for very high-risk men.
Potential benefits
- Finding cancer early, when treatment may be more effective
- A small reduction in the chance of dying from prostate cancer
Potential harms
- False-positive results, leading to anxiety and additional testing
- Biopsy complications, such as bleeding or infection
- Overdiagnosis: finding cancers that would never have caused problems
- Treatment side effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction
Today, many men with low-risk prostate cancer are offered active surveillance, which means close monitoring instead of immediate treatment. This helps avoid unnecessary side effects.
Supporting prostate health
While there's no proven way to prevent prostate cancer, healthy habits support overall health:
- Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Limit red and processed meats
- Stay physically active
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don't smoke
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if you have:
- Difficulty urinating or a weak stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain or burning during urination
- Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis that doesn't go away
- Erectile dysfunction
Seek immediate care if you cannot urinate at all. Urinary retention is a medical emergency.
The bottom line
Prostate changes are a normal part of aging, and most are not cancer. Know your risk factors, pay attention to urinary symptoms, and have an open conversation with your doctor about whether PSA screening is right for you. Learn more about other important tests in our men's health checkups guide.
Last reviewed and updated: September 1, 2026
This article is for general information only. It isn't medical advice and can't replace a visit with your doctor, pharmacist, or other licensed health professional who knows your history. Read our full medical disclaimer.
