𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 — 𝐌𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬..⁣

What are common prostate problems?

When it comes to their health, too many men don’t talk, don’t take action, and die too young. Movember is the only global charity focused solely on men’s health. The Foundation raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programs that enable men to live happier, healthier, and longer lives.

The prostate gland isn’t big — about the size of a walnut — but its location virtually guarantees problems if something goes awry. That means prostate problems can affect urination and sexual function.

Unfortunately, most men will experience some kind of prostate problem during their lifetime. Prostate problems are generally associated with three conditions: prostatitis, BPH, and cancer.

1. Prostatitis: infection or inflammation of the prostate

Prostatitis refers to an inflamed prostate. There are two main types: acute prostatitis and chronic prostatitis. Acute prostatitis is caused by an infection, usually by bacteria, and results in the sudden onset of painful urination, a small stream and often fever and chills, Chronic prostatitis, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is a less well-defined condition. Its symptoms include persistent or recurrent pelvic discomfort, pain or burning with urination, an increased urge to urinate, difficulty emptying their bladders, and/or painful ejaculation. The underlying cause can be a chronic inflammation with or without an infection, and often the exact reason for symptoms can’t be found.

2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): aging-related enlargement of the prostate gland

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly called “enlarged prostate,” refers to the excessive growth of the gland that usually occurs after age 50; it can double or triple in mass during the latter decades of life. BPH is not caused by cancer (though it can occur alongside it). BPH can be considered an expected part of the aging process for most men. About half of cases are asymptomatic, but some men will experience problems. As the prostate expands in size, it effectively pinches off the urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the penis), making the muscular walls of the bladder have to work harder and causing problems with urination.

3. Prostate cancer: the growth of cancerous cells inside the prostate, which may break out of the gland and affect other parts of the body

As with other cancers, prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells. Prostate cancer can be localized (limited to the prostate itself), regionally advanced (spread to surrounding tissue) or metastatic (spread to more distant sites). Recent years have seen great advancements in prostate-cancer screening, testing and treatment.