Common prostate problems men should watch out for

Prostate is one of the most integral parts of the male reproductive system, which is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is small, almost similar to the size of a walnut, and goes around the urethra, the tube that helps urine pass from the bladder.

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Prostatitis refers to the inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause painful and discomforting symptoms, including difficult urination and pelvic pain. While some cases of prostatitis are caused by a bacterial infection, others can be due to a nervous system or immune system dysfunction.

There are different types of prostatitis.

Acute bacterial prostatitis

Chronic bacterial prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis

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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. While it is unclear what causes this condition, according to the Mayo Clinic, it might be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as you grow older.

Aging, a family history of prostate problems, diabetes, heart diseases and lifestyle can all increase one's risk of prostate BPH. Health problems such as UTI, inflamed prostate, narrowing of the urethra, bladder, kidney stones and prostate or bladder cancer can also make one prone to the condition, as per the Mayo Clinic.

Prostate cancer is the cancer of the prostate gland. It occurs when the cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably and form a mass, also called a tumor. During the early stages prostate cancer does not cause any noticeable symptoms, however, over time, it can lead to complications that can disrupt quality of life. It is also one of the most common cancers in men.

Prostate problems may be asymptomatic, but in case it does show symptoms, they can be easily mistaken. Some of the common symptoms that the three conditions share and should urge you to get examined are as follows:

- Trouble urinating

- A burning sensation or pain when passing urine

- Weak or slow urine stream

- Feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied

- Blood in the urine or semen

- Painful ejaculation

If you experience any of the symptoms below, get yourself tested immediately and consult a doctor or a urologist.

Your doctor may advise getting a digital rectal exam (DRE), wherein the doctor feels your prostate for 10-15 seconds, or they can ask you to get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test that helps detect prostate cancer in men aged 50 and older. In case your doctor suspects cancer, prostate biopsy can be recommended to confirm your diagnosis.