Prostate Disease
The three most common types of prostate disease are:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Prostatitis
- Prostate cancer
Although these diseases have different causes, they have similar symptoms. This is why it’s important to discuss prostate cancer screening with your doctor as part of your yearly physical examination. Your doctor will often refer you to a urologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system) if you have symptoms of any of the following diseases.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Often called BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It is very common, but rarely causes symptoms before age 40. According to the American Urological Association, about half of men between ages 51 and 60 and up to 90% of men older than age 80 have BPH.
Symptoms of BPH include:
- Difficulty urinating
- An urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- A weak or intermittent stream of urine and a sense of incomplete emptying when urinating
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate. This can be caused by a bacterial infection. Men of all ages can get prostatitis, and it can occur in any size prostate (enlarged or not).
Symptoms of prostatitis include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pain or burning during urination
- Chills and fever along with urinating problems
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer, in its early stages, may not cause any symptoms. But as it progresses, symptoms often appear.
Symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
- Difficulty starting urination
- Inability to urinate
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine (dribbling)
- Painful or burning urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in urine or semen
- Frequent pain or stiffness in the back, hips, or upper thighs
