Prostate Health

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, very common as men age (about half of men over 50, most by 80). It causes urinary symptoms — weak stream, frequent urination, urgency, waking at night to urinate — but doesn't cause prostate cancer. They're different conditions that can coexist, which is why a proper evaluation matters when symptoms appear.

Difficulty starting urination, weak or interrupted stream, feeling of incomplete emptying, dribbling after urination, needing to urinate frequently or urgently, waking multiple times at night to urinate, blood in urine or semen, painful urination, or discomfort in the pelvic area. These can indicate BPH, prostate infection, or (less commonly) cancer. Urologists can sort out which.

It's a discussion, not automatic. PSA testing can catch prostate cancer early but also finds slow-growing cancers that would never have caused harm — leading to unnecessary biopsies and treatments with real side effects. Most guidelines suggest discussing with a doctor from age 50, or 45 if you have family history or are of African descent. Weigh your individual risk with your doctor rather than testing casually.

Depends on stage, grade (aggressiveness), your age, and overall health. Options include active surveillance (for slow-growing early cancer), surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and — in some cases — chemotherapy. Many prostate cancers grow so slowly that older men die with them rather than from them, which is why treatment isn't always urgent. Second opinions are worthwhile before committing to major treatment.

You can't prevent age-related enlargement, but healthy lifestyle helps: maintaining healthy weight, regular exercise, a plant-forward diet, and avoiding excess alcohol. Some evidence suggests these reduce prostate cancer risk. Screening (when appropriate for your age and risk) catches problems early. There's no proven prostate-protective supplement — despite lots of marketing to the contrary.