Some men's prostate gland starts to enlarge at about age 45 because of the presence of more prostate cells, say experts at iHealth.com. Because the urethra (the tube that urine passes through to leave the body) passes through the prostate gland, this enlargement can make it difficult to urinate, empty the bladder completely, or control urine flow. This condition affects at least 14 percent of men in their 40s and 40 percent of men in their 70s.

Related Articles

Top 10 risks to men's health

Men, reduce your risk of cancer

Screenings lower your risks

Guys, know your health stats

Prostate cancer is becoming so common that it's passing lung cancer as the number-one cancer among men. It can have many of the same symptoms as an enlarged prostate but may show no symptoms at all.

Regular doctor's exams are the best way to detect prostate cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer risk increases rapidly after age 50. Being African-American and having a family history of prostate cancer are also risk factors. Others include physical inactivity, and a diet of red meat, fatty foods, and too few fruits and vegetables.

African-American men have a rate of prostate cancer that is one-and-a-half times higher, and they are two to three times more likely to die of the disease, according to PSA Rising, a consumer prostate cancer news source and Website.


Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. According to the National Cancer Institute, when symptoms do occur, they may include the following:

• Frequent urination (especially at night); painful or difficult urination
  
  
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or thighs
  
  
• Blood in the urine or semen
  
  

These symptoms are often due to a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. However, if you experience any of them, report them to your doctor.


The ACS encourages men to discuss the need for a PSA beginning at age 50, or age 45 for African-American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Your best defense is:

• Maintain a healthy weight
  
  
• Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day
  
  
• Don't smoke
  
  
• Avoid drinking excess alcohol
  
  

There's no one type or amount of exercise that's exactly right for everyone. That's why you need to see your doctor to find out what's best for you and at what level you should start, if you're just beginning a program.


Most experts agree that men 50 years and older should talk with their doctor about prostate cancer screenings. The disease can usually be detected through a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and/or a rectal exam. Ask your doctor which test is best for you, and ask questions to learn more about prostate cancer screenings or treatment.

A PSA blood test measures the level of a naturally occurring antigen in the blood. The prostate normally makes this substance at low levels, so a reading of 4 or less is normal. However, because cancer cells produce extra PSA, a higher reading is a call for more testing. An elevated PSA can be an indication of prostate cancer, or a less serious problem such as an enlarged or inflamed prostate.

If you're already being treated for an elevated PSA or have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, continue close follow-up with your doctor. You may also benefit from nutritional counseling, dietary changes or supplements. Talk with your doctor.