This one’s for the boys.
Do you find yourself unable to finish a whole movie without ever standing up to pee?
Do you plan long rides, meetings, and other activities around restroom availability?
Do you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night (several times!) to visit the bathroom?
Are you 40 years old and above?
We might need to have the “prostate” talk.
In this post, you’ll learn all the important things guys need to know about it.
What Is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland found only in men. It’s about 3-4 cm in diameter, like a good-sized calamansi.
This thing sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, you know, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and works with other organs to produce semen. Most men never notice it because it does the work quietly in the background.
Its main job is to produce a fluid that becomes part of the semen, helping sperm survive the trip through the female reproductive tract.
During ejaculation, the muscles in the prostate contract to help push semen into the urethra, where it leaves the body through the penis. (At the same time, a muscle at the base of the bladder closes to prevent urine from mixing with semen.)
The Prostate Changes With Age
As men age, the prostate gets bigger. This is largely driven by age-related hormonal changes, particularly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that influences prostate growth.
This enlargement is not cancer, but a noncancerous condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), and becomes increasingly common after age 50.
Because of its location, the growing prostate can squeeze the urethra and make it harder for urine to pass. This results in things like a weaker urine stream, difficulty starting to urinate, and frequent bathroom trips, especially at night.
The important thing to remember is that an enlarged prostate is not the same as prostate cancer. They are different conditions, although they can occur at the same time.
But how do doctors determine if there’s really something up with the prostate?
How Doctors Check the Prostate
Prostate problems cannot always be identified through symptoms alone. Many conditions share the same warning signs, and some serious conditions may not cause symptoms in their early stages.
Doctors use several tools to assess prostate health.
1. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
During a digital rectal exam, a doctor gently inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate.
Because the prostate sits directly in front of the rectum, this allows the doctor to check its size, shape, and texture. An enlarged prostate may feel different from a prostate with unusual lumps or hard areas.
The exam takes only a short time. While some men feel uncomfortable discussing or undergoing it, it remains one tool doctors use alongside other information, not a standalone test for prostate cancer.
2. PSA Blood Test
The prostate produces a substance called Prostate-Specific Antigen, or PSA. A PSA test measures the amount of PSA in the blood.
A higher-than-normal PSA level can be linked to prostate cancer, but it can also happen because of other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, or even recent activities that affect the prostate.
Because PSA levels can be influenced by many factors, the test is not a simple yes-or-no test for cancer. Doctors look at the PSA result along with age, symptoms, family history, and may even order other tests like an ultrasound, MRI, or biopsy before coming to a conclusion.
Common Prostate Conditions
Some conditions are part of the aging process, others are caused by inflammation or infection, and some involve abnormal cell growth. Here are the 3 most common issues, starting from the most benign:
1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate, and it’s the most common prostate condition in older men.
As we’ve mentioned, as the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra and partially block the flow of urine. This can lead to a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent bathroom trips, urgency, and waking at night to urinate.
Again, BPH is not cancer and does not become cancer. However, it can significantly affect quality of life if symptoms become severe. Treatment depends on how much the symptoms interfere with daily activities and may include lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery in some cases.
2. Prostatitis
Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate. This one hits at almost any age, including younger adults.
Some cases are caused by a bacterial infection, while others are not. Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include pain during urination, pelvic pain, pain during ejaculation, frequent urination, fever, or chills if an infection is present.
Treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, while other forms may require pain relief, medication to improve urination, or other supportive measures.
3. Prostate Cancer
This is the 3rd most common cancer in Filipinos, hitting especially those over age 50.
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate grow out of control. In the early stages, there are often no signs or symptoms. Many cases are first detected through screening or during an evaluation for another prostate issue. The symptoms that eventually appear can resemble those of BPH. That’s why lab tests are important.
The good news is that many prostate cancers grow slowly. And when found early, treatment is often more effective, and outcomes are generally better.
Talk to your doctor about screening based on your risk factors.
Speaking of which…
Who Is Most at Risk for Prostate Problems?
Any man can develop prostate problems, but certain factors increase the likelihood of things. Here are some factors you need to think about:
Age
This is the biggest risk. The older a man, the higher the risk.
An enlarged prostate becomes more common as guys get older, with many beginning to notice changes after age 50. That’s why screening becomes more and more important over time.
Family History
Do you have a father or a brother with a prostate condition? Having a close relative with prostate issues can increase risk. A father or brother with the disease, especially if he was diagnosed at a younger age, increases one’s own risk. This could also mean that you should be screened earlier and more frequently.
Just as in breast and ovarian cancers, family history is an important factor for prostate cancer risk.
Race and Ethnicity
Prostate cancer rates vary among different populations. According to Prostate Cancer Research, 1 in 4 blacks will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, while it's 1 in 8 for whites. Asians have the lowest rates.
Still, Filipinos should not be complacent because, as mentioned previously, prostate cancer is the 3rd most common type of cancer in men.
Lifestyle and Overall Health
In addition to genetics, age, and race, the kind of life you live will impact the chances of developing issues.
And when it comes to lifestyle red flags, these are the biggest:
Being overweight or obese
Lack of regular physical activity
Smoking
Diets low in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods
But let’s be very clear: These do not directly cause prostate problems…but they are known to increase your risk. And knowing your risk helps you make decisions before problems appear.
How To Keep Your Prostate Healthy
On the other hand, certain habits and practices support prostate health. And what’s good for your health in general is also good for your prostate. While there’s no foolproof way to guard against any issues, these certainly decrease your risk:
1. Staying Active
Physical activity benefits circulation, hormone balance, and weight management. Studies have linked regular exercise with reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Simple activities count: Walking, cycling, swimming, strength training, or any routine that keeps you moving can make a difference. So yes, cleaning the house is good for your health in more ways than one.
2. Eating a Balanced Diet
This is a constant refrain in any health advice, but only because it’s true. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy sources of protein provides nutrients that support not just the prostate but the body as a whole.
Foods often associated with better overall health include:
Vegetables, especially leafy greens
Tomatoes, which contain lycopene, a compound being studied for its role in prostate health
Fish and other sources of healthy fats
Nuts and seeds
No single food can protect against prostate disease, but your diet and eating patterns matter.
3. Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Excess body weight, especially around the waist, is linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer. Obesity has been linked to many hormonal changes associated with prostate cancer development and progression. So maintaining a healthy weight can support hormone balance and reduce strain on the body.
4. Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking affects nearly every part of the body and is linked to a higher risk of many diseases. It’s no surprise that smoking doesn’t do your prostate any good. It’s been tied to more aggressive prostate cancer. The same is true for alcohol. So limiting alcohol intake promotes better overall health…your prostate included.
5. Getting Regular Checkups
Guys think about the prostate only when problems start trickling in, not when things are peachy. Making checkups a habit gives you the best chance to catch issues early and affords you the best outcomes for the least invasive treatments.
Many prostate problems are manageable, especially when they are identified early. The challenge is not to be complacent even when there are no symptoms.
Understand your risk factors, and pay attention to changes in urination, and your prostate will serve you well in the decades ahead.
BloodWorks Lab is your one-stop shop for all your blood test needs. We offer check-up packages that help monitor your risk against various diseases and conditions.
Book your appointment today.
Our branches are in Alabang, Katipunan, and Cebu.