The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system, located below the bladder and around the urine tube. The prostate often grows with age, but enlargement is not automatically cancer.
When to seek emergency care: Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine at all, have fever or chills with painful urination, severe lower abdominal pain, blood clots in urine, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness. Call 1122.
What does the prostate do?
The prostate contributes fluid to semen. Because the urethra passes through it, swelling or enlargement can affect urine flow. Many people only become aware of the prostate when urinary symptoms begin later in life.
Common prostate problems
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous enlargement. It may cause a weak stream, difficulty starting, dribbling, incomplete emptying, urgency or frequent nighttime urination. Prostatitis is inflammation that may cause pelvic pain, burning urination, fever or painful ejaculation. Prostate cancer may cause no early symptoms, and urinary symptoms are more often due to benign conditions — but they still need assessment.
When to book an appointment
Arrange a review for a persistent weak stream, repeated nighttime urination, urgency, discomfort, blood in urine or semen, or difficulty emptying the bladder. Do not rely on herbal products or advertisements claiming to "shrink the prostate" without a diagnosis.
The clinician may ask about symptoms and medicines, examine the abdomen and prostate, and arrange urine testing, blood tests, ultrasound or other investigations. A PSA blood test can be useful in selected situations, but it is not a simple yes/no cancer test; benefits and limitations should be discussed.
How prostate problems are treated
Treatment depends on the cause and how much symptoms affect life. Mild BPH may be monitored with lifestyle and medication review. Medicines can improve flow or reduce enlargement in selected patients. Procedures or surgery may be considered when symptoms are severe, complications develop or medicine is unsuitable. Prostatitis treatment depends on whether infection is present; antibiotics should not be self-started.
Which doctor should you see?
A general physician can perform the first assessment. A urologist specializes in urinary and male reproductive conditions and is appropriate for persistent symptoms, urinary retention, recurrent infection, abnormal tests or suspected cancer.
Which specialist to see
SehatGPT routes urinary symptoms to a physician or urologist and displays emergency instructions for complete urinary retention or serious infection.
Frequently asked questions
Does an enlarged prostate mean cancer?
No. BPH is non-cancerous and very common with age. A proper evaluation distinguishes possible causes.
Can prostate problems affect sexual health?
The condition or its treatment may affect ejaculation, erection or comfort. Discuss these concerns openly because treatment choices can be tailored.
Should every man get a PSA test?
Screening decisions depend on age, family history, health and personal preference. Discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.