The prostate is a small gland that is part of the reproductive system. Understanding where it is, what it does and the problems that can affect it can help you make informed decisions about your health.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is usually about the size and shape of a walnut, although it tends to grow larger with age. It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
The prostate helps to produce the fluid that forms part of semen.
Because the urethra passes through the prostate, an enlarged prostate can press on it and cause changes in the way you urinate.
Read NHS information about the prostate and prostate cancer.
Common prostate problems
The three most common prostate problems are an enlarged prostate, prostatitis and prostate cancer.
Enlarged prostate
An enlarged prostate is a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate. You may hear it called benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It becomes more common as people get older.
An enlarged prostate can press on the urethra and cause urinary symptoms such as a weak flow, difficulty starting to urinate, needing to urinate more often or feeling that the bladder has not emptied fully.
Read NHS information about an enlarged prostate.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis means inflammation of the prostate. There are different types, and the condition is not always caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms can include pain or difficulty when urinating, needing to urinate more often, pelvic or genital pain, and pain when ejaculating.
Read NHS information about prostatitis.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. Some prostate cancers grow very slowly and may never cause problems, while others can grow more quickly and may spread to other parts of the body.
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, so it is important to understand your individual risk as well as being aware of changes in your health.
If you are concerned about prostate cancer, see our Risks, Symptoms and Tests Available pages.
When should I speak to my GP?
Speak to your GP if you notice new or changing urinary symptoms, have symptoms that concern you, or are worried about your risk of prostate cancer. You can also speak to your GP about prostate cancer risk even if you do not have symptoms.
Read more about the prostate at Prostate Cancer UK.
This information is intended to help you understand the prostate and common prostate problems and does not replace advice from your GP, urologist or specialist cancer team.