Learn about the symptoms of BPH and prostate infections

 

These disorders typically cause urinary complaints because they affect the prostate, the walnut-sized gland that is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra - the tube that transports urine out of the bladder. By far, the most common problem is BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or hypertrophy), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which occurs in more than half of men over the age of 50. The condition can progress for many years, with few or no symptoms at first. It is not a risk factor for prostate cancer, but a doctor should evaluate your condition to rule out cancer and prostate inflammation (prostatitis), which are more serious.

 

No one is sure why this happens, though male sex hormones may play a role. Depending on the degree of enlargement, the prostate can press against the urethra and impede the flow of urine, causing the symptoms of BPH. Less often, men develop prostatitis, which is usually caused by a bacterial infection that begins elsewhere in the urinary tract, or cancer. In these conditions, swelling of the prostate or growth of a tumor can disrupt urine flow. Prostate infections such as blood in the urine or semen require prompt medical treatment. If you have any symptoms of a prostate condition, consult your doctor immediately: a simple blood test can help to distinguish a benign prostate disorder from cancer.