The prostate is a small gland found only in men. It is the size of a walnut and surrounds the first part of the tube (urethra) which carries urine from the bladder to the penis.

The prostate produces a thick white fluid called semen which mixes with the sperm produced by the testes. It also produces a protein called prostate specific antigen (PSA) that turns the semen into liquid. The gland is surrounded by a sheet of muscle and a fibrous capsule.

As one of a man’s sex glands, the prostate gland is affected by male sex hormones. These hormones stimulate the activity of the prostate and the replacement of prostate cells as they wear out. The chief male hormone is testosterone, which is produced almost entirely by the testicles.

Common Prostate Problems:

Most men notice they pass a reduced stream of urine as they get older.  However, some men may also notice that they take some time to get going, and the stream may stop and start. They may dribble after finishing and are often left with a feeling that their bladder is not completely empty. They may need to urinate very frequently, and may need to get up several times in the night.

Some sufferers become reluctant to go out of the home, because of needing to go to the toilet so often. They become tired through lack of sleep, and feel in constant discomfort.

Very occasionally, they become unable to pass urine at all. The bladder becomes very swollen, full and uncomfortable. If this occurs men should seek urgent medical attention.

Painful urination and fever or chills may be due to a urinary infection, often a consequence of prostate enlargement in men. Men experiencing these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.

Summary of Common Symptoms of Prostate Problems: