Last updated on August 29th, 2017 at 11:07 am
In fact, according to a survey of around 2000 men carried out by Prostate Cancer UK, half of them didn’t know where the prostate was and 92% had no idea that it helps make sperm swim! 17% didn’t know what it was at all. Shockingly 88% of men from high risk groups (over 50, black or a family history of prostate cancer) didn’t know about their increased risk.
So, in this mini-series of articles that will be posted on our website over the next 4 weeks, culminating in an article on prostate cancer during the Urology Foundation’s Urology Awareness Month of September, we are helping to raise awareness by discussing your prostate, what it is, what it does, what can go wrong with it and how Graysons can help.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a gland that only men have. It is found below the bladder, surrounding the urethra (the tube that men pass water and semen through). It is about the size of a walnut or satsuma but grows as men get older.
What does the prostate gland do?
Its main use is to produce a fluid that is mixed with sperm to produce semen.
Prostate problems
Prostate problems are fairly common in men, especially those over 50 years old. Many people automatically think that a prostate problem means ‘cancer’ – but that isn’t the case. There are 3 main problems a man can encounter with his prostate.
- prostate enlargement (the most common issue)
- prostate inflammation or infection (prostatitis)
- prostate cancer
Changes to watch out for
The main indication that you may have a problem with your prostate is a change when you wee, but it is important to note that urinary issues are not always a sign of prostate problems as they can be caused by an infection, medicines or other issues, such as diabetes.
According to Prostate Cancer UK, changes that may indicate you have a prostate problem are:
- needing to wee more often than usual, including at night – for example if you often need to go again after two hours
- difficulty starting to wee
- straining or taking a long time to finish urinating
- a weak flow when you wee
- a feeling that you’re not emptying your bladder fully
- needing to rush to pass water – sometimes leaking before you get there
- dribbling urine after you finish
Prostate Cancer UK also suggests some less common symptoms that indicate prostate problems. These are:
- pain when weeing
- pain when ejaculating
- blood in your urine or semen (which could indicate other health issues so you should speak to your doctor)
- problems getting or keeping an erection (not a common symptom and could be linked to other health conditions such as diabetes or heart problems)
Petra Heath
If you notice any of the changes above, you should contact your doctor.
In our future articles we will discuss the 3 most common prostate problems as indicated above. Please revisit our website over the next few weeks to read more.
