Prostate Diseases

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Basic Facts

The Prostate Gland 

The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut. It is part of the male reproductive system. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the bladder.

In men, the urethra also carries semen (fluid with sperm) during ejaculation. The prostate adds fluid to the semen. Muscles in the prostate help push semen out of the body.

Common Prostate Diseases

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is the most common prostate problem in men over age 50. About half of men over age 60 and most men over age 85 have BPH.

BPH happens when the prostate slowly grows larger with age. When the prostate presses on the urethra, it can cause:

  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • A sudden need to urinate
  • Waking up at night to urinate (nocturia)
  • Trouble starting urination
  • A weak or stopping urine stream
  • Trouble emptying the bladder

Symptoms may get worse over time. In some men, symptoms stay the same or improve.

Possible Complications include:
  • Repeated urinary tract infections
  • Blood in the urine
  • Bladder stones
  • Problems with storing or passing urine
  • Kidney problems
  • Some of these problems may need treatment.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation (swelling and pain) of the prostate. It is the most common prostate problem in men under age 50, but it can also occur in older men.

About 8% of men will have prostatitis at some point. There are two types:

  • Acute prostatitis: starts suddenly and improves quickly with treatment
  • Chronic prostatitis: develops slowly and may last a long time or come back

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is common in older men:

  • Up to 200,000 men are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
  • Up to 30,000 men die from it each year
  • About 1 in 6 men will develop prostate cancer
  • It is rare before age 40 but common after age 70
  • Black men have a higher risk and higher death rates
  • Family history increases risk

Some prostate cancers grow slowly and may not cause problems. Others grow quickly and spread.

Transgender women who still have prostate tissue can also develop prostate cancer.

 

Last Updated May 2026

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