Prostate Diseases

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Causes

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Most men’s prostate glands grow larger with age. This may be due to hormone changes.

Some men have no symptoms. Others develop bothersome symptoms. It is not clear why. Family history may increase risk.

Severe BPH can cause urinary retention (not being able to urinate), which is an emergency.

The symptoms of BPH can be caused by other conditions (for example, an overactive bladder). So, you need to tell your healthcare provider about all the symptoms you are having.

Prostatitis

The cause is often unknown.

  • Acute prostatitis is usually caused by bacteria
  • Chronic prostatitis may also be caused by infection or nerve damage
  • It can follow surgery or injury

Prostatitis does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Risk factors
  • Urinary tract or bladder infection
  • Pelvic injury
  • Use of a urinary catheter
  • Past prostatitis
  • Prostate biopsy
  • Sexually transmitted infection
Symptoms of Prostatitis 
  • Pain or burning with urination
  • Trouble starting urination
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Urgent need to urinate
  • Blood in urine
  • Pain in the belly, groin, or lower back
  • Pain with ejaculation
  • Fever or chills (with infection)

Prostate Cancer

The exact cause is unknown.

Risk factors 

  • Older age
  • Black race
  • Family history
  • Obesity
  • Diet high in animal fat
  • History of sexually transmitted infections

Symptoms (usually later stages)

  • Pain with urination
  • Blood in urine
  • Trouble urinating or leakage
  • Weak urine stream
  • Problems with erections
  • Blood in semen
  • Pelvic pain
  • Bone pain

 

Last Updated May 2026

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