Prostate Health: Medical Information

What Is the Prostate?

The prostate is a gland located below the bladder and around the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). It is part of the male reproductive system and contributes fluid to semen. Because the urethra passes through the prostate, changes in prostate size or inflammation can sometimes affect urinary flow and bladder emptying.

Common Prostate-Related Urinary Symptoms

Prostate-related conditions can be associated with changes in urination. Symptoms vary and may be mild or more noticeable depending on the underlying cause and individual health factors. Common urinary symptoms discussed in clinical settings include:

• Weak urine stream or reduced urine flow
• Hesitancy (difficulty starting urination)
• Intermittent stream (starting and stopping)
• Straining to urinate
• Frequent urination, including waking at night to urinate (nocturia)
• Urgency (a sudden strong need to urinate)
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Dribbling after urination

These symptoms are not specific to the prostate. Similar patterns can occur with other urinary conditions. For a structured overview of urinary symptom patterns, see our Urinary Symptoms page.

Common Prostate Conditions (Overview)

Several medical conditions can affect the prostate. The information below is a high-level overview intended for education. Diagnosis and management should be guided by a qualified healthcare professional.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, often called an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous increase in prostate size that becomes more common with age. Enlargement can contribute to urinary symptoms by compressing the urethra and affecting urine flow.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate. It can be associated with pelvic discomfort, urinary symptoms, and sometimes systemic symptoms (such as fever) depending on the type and cause. Evaluation is important because symptoms may overlap with other urinary conditions.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a diagnosis that may be considered in some clinical contexts. Many prostate cancers grow slowly, but disease behavior varies. Screening and evaluation decisions depend on individual risk factors and clinical guidance. This page does not provide screening recommendations; discuss personal risk and evaluation options with a qualified clinician.

Possible Causes and Risk Factors

Prostate-related symptoms and conditions can be influenced by multiple factors. Common factors discussed in clinical care may include:

• Age-related changes: prostate enlargement becomes more common with age
• Inflammation or infection: may contribute to symptoms in some prostatitis cases
• Family history and genetics: may influence risk for certain conditions
• Hormonal factors: can affect prostate growth and function
• Coexisting urinary conditions: bladder dysfunction or obstruction may contribute to symptoms

Having risk factors does not confirm a diagnosis. Evaluation is based on symptoms, medical history, and clinical findings.

How Prostate-Related Symptoms Are Evaluated

Evaluation typically begins with a review of symptoms and medical history. A healthcare professional may ask about symptom timing, severity, urinary pattern changes, medications, and prior urinary conditions.

Clinical assessment

Depending on the situation, a clinician may perform a physical examination and may assess symptom severity using standardized questionnaires. The goal is to identify symptom patterns, check for red flags, and determine whether further testing is appropriate.

Urine testing

Urinalysis and, when appropriate, urine culture may be used to evaluate for infection or blood in the urine. Because symptoms can overlap, clinicians may consider urinary tract infection during evaluation. Learn more about typical UTI evaluation on our Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) page.

Additional evaluation (when appropriate)

Additional testing may be considered based on clinical findings and individual risk factors. This can include blood tests, imaging studies, or other assessments to evaluate urinary tract anatomy or bladder emptying. The appropriate approach varies by person and should be guided by a qualified healthcare professional.

General Management Considerations (Educational Overview)

Management depends on the suspected cause of symptoms, symptom severity, and individual health factors. General approaches discussed in clinical settings may include symptom monitoring, lifestyle and behavioral strategies, medications, and in some cases procedures. Treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Avoid self-diagnosis and do not use leftover prescription medications without medical guidance. Similar urinary symptoms can occur in different conditions, and appropriate evaluation helps determine safe next steps.

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek medical evaluation if urinary symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting daily life. Prompt evaluation is especially important if symptoms are new, severe, or associated with systemic illness.

Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• Fever or chills
• Severe pelvic, back, or flank pain
• Visible blood in the urine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Inability to urinate or severe difficulty urinating
• Feeling significantly unwell

If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact local emergency services immediately.

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Learn more on our Editorial Policy & Medical Disclaimer page.