The prostate is a gland unique to males, primarily responsible for producing the main fluids that form semen.

Located in the pelvis, the prostate sits between the bladder and the penis.

The urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis, also passes through the prostate. As a result, any swelling or enlargement of the prostate can impact the ability to urinate.

There are three main conditions that can affect the prostate:

1. Prostate enlargement

2. Prostate cancer

3. Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)

Prostate enlargement and prostate cancer are more common in older individuals. Approximately 1 in 2 people over the age of 50 will experience some degree of prostate enlargement.

Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate and can be either acute or chronic. It is typically caused by a bacterial infection, which can occur at any age. Another form of chronic prostatitis, known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is not linked to an infection.

It is important for individuals with a prostate to discuss their prostate health with a healthcare provider.

Difficulty urinating is common among older individuals and is often one of the most noticeable signs of a potential prostate issue. Symptoms may include:

• Trouble urinating, such as dribbling

• Frequent urination

• Waking up at night to urinate

Other possible signs of prostate problems include:

• Blood in the urine

• Erectile dysfunction

• Pain or a burning sensation during urination or ejaculation

• Pain in the scrotum, penis, testicles, rectum, or pelvis

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test measures the amount of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the cells in the prostate gland.

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system, and while most of the PSA is released into semen, some of it enters the bloodstream.

Elevated PSA levels can be a sign of prostate cancer, but they do not always indicate cancer.

High PSA levels can also be caused by other prostate-related conditions, such as:

• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)

• Benign prostate hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate)

• Other conditions, such as kidney failure

Your doctor may recommend a PSA test if you experience prostate-related symptoms, such as:

• Frequent or sudden urges to urinate

• Discomfort or difficulty urinating

• Blood in the urine or semen

The PSA test is not advised as a routine screening tool for prostate cancer in individuals without symptoms or a family history of the disease.

If you do not have symptoms but are interested in a PSA test, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor. While the test can be a useful screening tool, it should not be relied on solely.

PSA testing may be helpful if you are at higher risk for prostate cancer or have prostate symptoms.

It’s possible to have prostate cancer even with normal PSA levels, and sometimes cancer may be present with only slightly elevated PSA levels.

The only definitive way to diagnose prostate cancer is through a biopsy. An MRI scan of the prostate can assist in determining whether a biopsy is necessary.

Discuss the potential risks and benefits of PSA testing and screening with your doctor. They will assess your symptoms and risk factors, and may perform a rectal examination.

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the PSA test can help your doctor monitor the progression of the disease. Rising PSA levels can indicate that the cancer is growing.

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the prostate, which is part of the male reproductive system. It is the most common cancer in males in Australia, affecting up to 1 in 7 men.

Most types of prostate cancer grow slowly and can be managed with treatment. Many men can live with prostate cancer for many years without serious complications. However, rarer types of prostate cancer spread quickly and may be fatal.

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland grow abnormally, forming a tumor.

As men age, the prostate can also grow due to non-cancerous conditions, such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Both of these conditions are common in older men.

If you have prostate cancer, you might not notice any symptoms until the tumor reaches a certain size.

Some common symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Frequent or sudden urges to urinate

• Difficulty with urination, such as trouble starting or a weak urine flow

• Discomfort or pain while urinating

• Blood in the urine or semen

• Pain in the lower back, upper thighs, or hips

These symptoms can also occur in individuals without prostate cancer, but if you experience any of them, it’s important to consult your doctor for further evaluation.