Prostate Problems

What is your prostate?

Your prostate is a small gland that sits below your bladder. It makes part of the fluid that carries sperm and helps control the flow of urine from your bladder through your penis.

What happens when your prostate gets bigger?

As men get older, the prostate often grows bigger. This is very common and happens to most men over 50. When it gets bigger, it can press on the tube that carries urine from your bladder (called the urethra). This can make it harder to pass urine properly.

The good news is that an enlarged prostate is not usually serious and does not cause prostate cancer or increase your risk of getting it.

What are the signs?

You might notice:

• Finding it hard to start passing urine, or having to push or strain
• A weak flow when you pass urine
• Your urine flow stopping and starting
• Taking longer than usual to empty your bladder
• Feeling like you can't fully empty your bladder
• Dribbling urine after you finish
• Needing to pass urine more often, especially at night
• Suddenly needing to rush to the toilet

These problems usually develop slowly and may get worse as you get older.

When should you speak to your GP?

See your GP if you have:

• Difficulty passing urine
• Need to pass urine more often than usual

Don't feel embarrassed - your GP is used to talking about these problems and wants to help.

⚠️ Get urgent help if you have:

Call NHS 111 or see a GP urgently if you have:

• Blood in your urine (it may look pink, red or brown)
• Pain when passing urine
• Cannot pass urine at all

These symptoms need checking quickly because they could be signs of other conditions that need treatment.

How is it diagnosed?

Your GP might:

• Ask about your symptoms and how often you pass urine
• Feel your tummy and check your prostate by gently putting a finger into your bottom
• Ask you to keep a diary of how much you drink and how often you pass urine
• Test a sample of your urine
• Do a blood test called a PSA test

Sometimes you might be referred to a hospital specialist for more tests.

What treatments are available?

Lifestyle changes:

• Cut down on alcohol and caffeine
• Drink less before bedtime (but drink enough during the day)
• Eat plenty of fibre to avoid constipation
• Keep to a healthy weight
• Try waiting a moment after you finish, then try again to empty your bladder fully

Medicines: If symptoms are bothersome, your GP might offer medicines that can help you pass urine more easily or reduce how often you need to go.

Surgery: If medicines don't help or symptoms are severe, surgery might be an option. The most common type removes part of the prostate through a thin tube passed up through your penis.

Remember

An enlarged prostate is very common and not usually serious. There are many effective treatments available. Speak to your GP if you're having problems - they can help you find the right treatment for you.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.