The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland in men, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It plays a key role in the male reproductive system by producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and protects sperm. Prostate health is vital for fertility and overall well-being, as issues can affect the urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Common prostate concerns include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis (inflammation or infection), and prostate cancer. BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement often linked to aging, while prostatitis can be bacterial or chronic with varying symptoms. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and often develops slowly. Early detection through PSA blood tests is essential. Maintaining prostate health involves a balanced diet, staying hydrated, avoiding tobacco and excessive dairy, and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake. Regular check-ups can help catch problems early and improve long-term outcomes.
The prostate is a small endocrine gland. It is a core member of the male reproductive system. It is a small walnut-sized gland located directly below the bladder, and in front of the rectum. It is made up of 2 “lobes” and is slightly wider at the base, closer to the rectum. The prostate produces seminal fluid, a slightly alkaline fluid that makes up the bulk of a man’s semen. The prostate is vital because the seminal fluid helps nourish and protect the sperm cells, increasing mobility and survival in the uterus after ejaculation. Good prostate health is very important for male fertility. Women do not have prostate glands, but they have Skene’s glands.
The prostate is in a sensitive part of the pelvis. Anything that goes wrong in the prostate affects the function of the male reproductive system, the endocrine system and the urinary system. It can also cause a lot of discomfort that can affect a person’s day-to-day life. When we talk of prostate health, we have 3 primary concerns – enlargement, infection or inflammation and prostate cancer.
The prostate gland generally becomes enlarged as a person gets older. It’s not entirely certain why this happens, but it seems to be associated with a reduction in testosterone production with age. When the prostate becomes enlarged due to age, the condition is referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Notably, this condition is “benign” – That means it is not cancerous. BPH is fairly common in men above 50. As the prostate grows, it presses on the urethra which is right next to it. If it grows large enough, it can pinch the urethra shut. The muscles of the bladder will then have to apply a lot more pressure to urinate. In addition to age, men who have high blood pressure, diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to experience BPH.
An enlarged prostate is not a dangerous, life-threatening disease. However, it can get really severe, blocking the urethra completely. In such cases, the patient won’t be able to urinate at all. This can happen without warning, and should be considered a medical emergency. It can cause long-term kidney damage, urinary tract infections, bladder stones and bladder damage. If this happens to you or someone you know, visit the hospital for immediate medical attention.
Prostatitis is a condition characterised by inflammation, i.e. swelling in the prostate gland. It is more common than you’d think. There are four types of prostatitis:
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis – This condition is caused by a sudden bacterial infection. It can cause fever, body ache and painful urination. Thankfully, it is treatable with a course of antibiotics.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis – A persistent bacterial infection can cause chronic bacterial prostatitis. STIs, bacteria that cause UTIs and E.coli are the most common agents of infection. The symptoms usually develop over time, escalating in intensity. Patients may have foul-smelling urine, pain or burning with urination, pelvic pain and blood in the urine or semen. The patient must seek treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated, the patient could experience further complications – They may lose the ability to urinate, develop a pus-filled prostate abscess, and even get sepsis, spreading the infection to the vital organs through the blood stream.
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) – CPPS is one of the most common types of Prostatitis. The exact cause of CPPS is unknown but we know there is no link to any past or on-going bacterial infections. There appears to be a correlation between pelvic floor dysfunction and CPPS, but this requires more study. Patients with CPPS usually experience pain and discomfort in between the scrotum and anus, the lower back and the central lower abdomen area. They will also experience pain and discomfort during urination and ejaculation.
Asymptomatic Prostatitis – As the name suggests, this type of prostatitis has no symptoms. Patients typically find out they have this condition when they visit the urologist for a regular health check-up. Asymptomatic prostatitis doesn’t usually escalate or cause any complications. Your doctor might decide that the condition doesn’t require any treatment, and just keep you under regular observation.
Prostate cancer is one of the common types of cancer in men. It usually grows slowly, so when it is found early, it is curable. Prostate cancer symptoms usually begin to show only in the later stages, so screening is crucial to catching it early. Early warning symptoms to look out for include blood in the urine (turns it a pink or light cola colour), blood in the semen, frequent urination and difficulty and pain during urination. Prostate cancer can metastasise to other parts of the body in the advanced stages. Men above 50 with BPH or prostatitis have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Those with a family history of prostate cancer also face a higher risk.
We consulted Dr.Jeevagan for my husband’s prostate health. We are extremely pleased with the manner in which Dr.Jeevagan dealt with the matter. He listened to our concerns, calmed our anxieties and ensured excellent treatment. We also commend the ER department at Kauvery. Dr. Sathyanarayanan and Dr.Vidya were of immense help. The OP in C block 3rd floor attended to us with care. Thank you, Kauvery. We will be sure to tell our friends about our positive experience here. – Kuthur Kalyanam
Getting treated at Kauvery for the past one year for prostate issue. Excellent service, courteous staff, hassle free appointments, above all personal care and expert advice and treatment from Dr M. Jeevagan, senior Urologist. – Venkat Ramanathan
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test is a simple blood test to screen for prostate cancer. The PSA is a protein that the cells in the prostate make. Measuring the PSA level in the blood can give us an indication of whether the prostate is ok or needs investigation. It is important to remember that the PSA is just a screening test and is not diagnostic – The test just tells you if further investigation is recommended, not that you have prostate cancer.
The PSA test measures the PSA level in the blood. In general, the chance of having prostate cancer increases as the PSA level goes up. However, there is no set “threshold” above which you are considered to be at risk. Some doctors use age-specific threshold values for PSA to decide if further testing is required. Some medications can artificially raise or lower your PSA levels, so make sure you inform your doctor about all the supplements and medications you are taking before you go for the PSA test. They will tell you which supplements need to be stopped before taking the test and for how long.
If the PSA test shows that your levels are high, the urologist will perform further investigations. The digital rectal exam (DRE) is a common follow-up to the PSA test. The doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum, to feel the prostate for any abnormalities. This could be followed by a panel of blood and urine tests, and MRI and possibly a prostate biopsy.
Clearly, prostate problems can be painful and persistent if not dealt with immediately. However, you can take charge of your prostate health, and work on reducing your risk factors. A balanced diet, with adequate anti-oxidants, lycopene and vitamin C can help reduce prostate enlargement with time. It is recommended that you avoid alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks as much as possible, and substitute them for plain water. Staying hydrated can significantly reduce the swelling. Dairy products can also be potentially problematic for prostate health. Dairy products tend to be high in saturated fats and hormones, which contribute to the inflammation. Tobacco increases your risk of prostate cancer, so quitting smoking will benefit your prostate health.
If you notice symptoms of prostate issues or want to learn more about prostate health, consult the experienced urologists at Kauvery Hospital. With branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, our team offers expert guidance, advanced screening, and comprehensive care for your well-being.
What is the prostate and why is it important? The prostate is a small gland in men, located below the bladder. It produces seminal fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. It plays a vital role in fertility and overall male reproductive health.
What are the common prostate problems?
The three main prostate issues are:
What causes prostate enlargement (BPH)? BPH is typically caused by hormonal changes as men age. Risk factors include being over 50, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Is prostate enlargement the same as prostate cancer? No. BPH is non-cancerous, while prostate cancer is a malignant condition. However, both can cause similar urinary symptoms and should be evaluated by a doctor.
What are the symptoms of prostate problems?
Frequent urination, especially at night
What is a PSA test and why is it done? The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test that measures PSA protein levels. High PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, infection, or enlargement. It is used as a screening tool, not a diagnosis.
At what age should men get a PSA test? Men above 50 should consider PSA screening, or earlier if they have a family history of prostate cancer. Discuss with your urologist to decide what’s best for you.
Can prostatitis be cured? Yes. Bacterial prostatitis can be treated with antibiotics. Chronic prostatitis may need longer treatment and symptom management.
What lifestyle changes can improve prostate health?
Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, lycopene, and vitamin C
When should I see a urologist? If you notice symptoms like difficulty urinating, pain during urination or ejaculation, blood in urine/semen, or frequent urges to urinate, consult a urologist promptly for evaluation.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Vadapalani & Radial Road), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
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