Prostate guide: Symptoms, prevention and treatment - everything you need to know.
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The prostate is a small, chestnut-shaped gland that plays a key role in men's health, particularly by producing a fluid that protects sperm. However, as we age, it can become susceptible to conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, making regular check-ups all the more important.
What does the prostate do?
The prostate is a small, chestnut-shaped gland that lies directly below the bladder and plays an essential role in the male reproductive system. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the beginning of the urethra, the channel that transports urine from the bladder to the outside. Although the prostate is relatively small, it has an enormously important function.
The main task of the prostate is to produce a slightly alkaline fluid that makes up around 20-30% of the ejaculate. This fluid contains various substances such as enzymes, zinc and other proteins that protect the sperm and help them to move better. Without this fluid, the sperm would be less mobile and could not reach the egg as easily, which would impair male fertility.
In addition, the prostate plays a role in controlling the flow of urine as it surrounds the urethra. This position makes the prostate an important organ for both the reproductive system and the urinary system.
The main task of the prostate is to produce a slightly alkaline fluid that makes up around 20-30% of the ejaculate. This fluid contains various substances such as enzymes, zinc and other proteins that protect the sperm and help them to move better. Without this fluid, the sperm would be less mobile and could not reach the egg as easily, which would impair male fertility.
In addition, the prostate plays a role in controlling the flow of urine as it surrounds the urethra. This position makes the prostate an important organ for both the reproductive system and the urinary system.
Prostate functions at a glance
- Production of prostatic fluid The prostate produces a slightly alkaline fluid that helps sperm to survive in the acidic environment of the vagina and increases their motility. This fluid contains enzymes, zinc and proteins that are crucial for the sperm's DNA stability and its journey to the egg.
- Sperm protection and motility The alkaline nature of prostatic fluid neutralises the acidic environment in the vagina, which prolongs the life of sperm and improves their motility. This is particularly important for the fertilisation of the egg.
- Ejaculation and urethral control During ejaculation, the prostate contracts and releases the fluid into the urethra. There it mixes with the sperm and secretions from the seminal vesicles to form semen. At the same time, the prostate controls the flow of urine by partially closing the urethra to ensure that no urine is released during ejaculation.
- Influence on urine flow As the prostate surrounds the urethra, an enlarged prostate can impede the flow of urine. This often leads to a weak urine stream, frequent urination, especially at night, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
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See FAQProstate problems and symptoms
Many men experience discomfort with the prostate gland at some point in their lives. About 50% of men over 50 develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and in men over 80, this figure rises to 90%. Prostate inflammation (prostatitis) affects about 10-15% of men at some point in their lives. These symptoms can have various causes, including inflammation, enlargement or other diseases that cause different symptoms.
What does prostate pain feel like?
Prostate problems can cause a variety of different types of pain, most often felt in the pelvic area. Some of the most common signs of prostate pain include:
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain: This is often dull or aching and may radiate to the lower back or groin.
- Painful urination: a burning sensation or pain when urinating can indicate an inflammation or infection of the prostate.
- Painful ejaculation: in some cases, men may feel pain during or after ejaculation, which can indicate an inflammation of the prostate.
Enlarged prostate: why does the prostate enlarge?
An enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH) is one of the most common prostate diseases in older men. During a man's lifetime, the prostate gland grows continuously, which leads to an enlargement in many men with age.
Reasons for an enlarged prostate include:
Hormonal changes: With increasing age, testosterone levels decrease, while the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increases, leading to an enlargement of the prostate.
Natural aging process: The prostate gland grows over the years and can thereby press on the urethra, causing discomfort.
An enlarged prostate is not always dangerous, but it can lead to unpleasant symptoms that affect quality of life.
Reasons for an enlarged prostate include:
Hormonal changes: With increasing age, testosterone levels decrease, while the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increases, leading to an enlargement of the prostate.
Natural aging process: The prostate gland grows over the years and can thereby press on the urethra, causing discomfort.
An enlarged prostate is not always dangerous, but it can lead to unpleasant symptoms that affect quality of life.
Prostate inflammation (prostatitis)
Prostate inflammation, also known as prostatitis, is a painful condition that can affect both young and older men. There are different forms of prostatitis, including bacterial and chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.
Typical symptoms of prostatitis are:
Typical symptoms of prostatitis are:
Painful urination: a burning or stinging sensation can indicate acute inflammation.
Fever and chills: General symptoms of illness such as fever often occur, especially with bacterial prostatitis.
Frequent urge to urinate: Men with prostatitis often feel an increased urge to urinate, especially at night (nocturia).
Pain in the pelvic area or lower back: These are often persistent and uncomfortable.
Treatment depends on the cause of the inflammation. While bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is more difficult to treat and often requires long-term therapeutic approaches.
Is your prostate healthy?
Have you noticed that your urine flow is getting weaker or that you have to go to the toilet more often at night? These could be signs of benign prostate enlargement (BPH). With the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), you can easily check for yourself how pronounced your symptoms are.
The IPSS self-test can help you to recognise the severity of your symptoms and decide whether it is time to see a doctor. Take a few minutes to do the test – it's an important step for your health. The earlier you recognise possible signs, the better you can react.
Take the free self-test nowThe IPSS self-test can help you to recognise the severity of your symptoms and decide whether it is time to see a doctor. Take a few minutes to do the test – it's an important step for your health. The earlier you recognise possible signs, the better you can react.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that primarily affects older men. Although BPH is not cancerous, it can significantly impact many men's lives through the symptoms it causes.
The most common symptoms of BPH include:
The most common symptoms of BPH include:
Frequent urination, especially at night: This is often one of the first symptoms that men notice, as the enlarged prostate presses on the urethra.
Difficulty starting to urinate: Men with BPH often report that they have difficulty starting the flow of urine or that the urine stream is weaker than normal.
Incomplete bladder emptying: After urinating, it may feel as if the bladder is not completely empty, leading to repeated urge to urinate.
BPH is a common condition that is easily treatable in most cases. Both medical and surgical options are available to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Prostate examination
Regular prostate examinations are an important part of men's health, especially after a certain age or when symptoms occur. Check-ups can detect and treat potential problems early on, significantly improving the chances of recovery from serious illnesses such as prostate cancer. In this section, we will explain when it makes sense to have an examination, how it is done, and what options there are for doing the examination yourself.
From what age should a prostate examination be carried out?
Regular prostate exams are recommended for men over a certain age to help detect conditions such as prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) early.
- Note early symptoms: Men under 50 should also consider an examination if they notice symptoms such as frequent urination, pain when urinating or in the pelvic area. These can be signs of prostate problems and should not be ignored.
- Early detection from the comfort of your own home: Many men delay going to the doctor until symptoms become noticeable. To avoid this, early detection can begin at home by regularly monitoring certain parameters. This allows for the early detection of possible changes and avoids unnecessary doctor visits, while still providing a high degree of control over one's own health.
- Prostate cancer screening recommendation: Men aged 50 and over are recommended to have an annual prostate examination. However, men with a family history of the disease should start having check-ups from the age of 45, as the risk is increased in these cases.
How is a prostate examination done?
Prostate examination is an important part of preventive care and can be done in a number of ways:
- Digital rectal examination (DRE): In this exam, the doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to detect changes in size or structure. This may be uncomfortable but not painful and usually takes only a few minutes.
- PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test: A blood test that measures PSA levels can indicate an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. An elevated PSA level does not necessarily mean cancer, but it does indicate that further investigation may be necessary.
- Ultrasound and biopsy: If the DRU or PSA test results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend a transrectal ultrasound or a biopsy of the prostate to make a more accurate diagnosis.
Do the prostate examination yourself
Thanks to modern technology, it is now possible to do part of the prostate exam at home, which offers a convenient alternative to a doctor's visit. Streamcheck allows you to easily monitor your urine flow rate and volume from the comfort of your own home.
- Easy and convenient: With Streamcheck, you can check the condition of your prostate in just a few minutes by regularly measuring your urine flow and entering the data into our user-friendly app. The results are clearly displayed and can be compared with previous measurements.
- Early detection of abnormalities: The app generates detailed reports that help you and your doctor to detect changes early on and take targeted action.
Take control of your health
Prostate care
Prostate care is essential to detect and prevent serious health problems such as prostate cancer or benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) at an early stage. Regular check-ups are important, but lifestyle, nutrition and certain tests can also help to promote prostate health.
What is good for the prostate?
Prostate health depends to a large extent on various lifestyle habits that can help reduce the risk of disease.
Healthy eating
Foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as tomatoes (lycopene), nuts and green leafy vegetables, support prostate health.
Foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as tomatoes (lycopene), nuts and green leafy vegetables, support prostate health.
Avoiding risk factors
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and a diet high in fat and sugar can have a negative impact on prostate health and should be avoided.
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and a diet high in fat and sugar can have a negative impact on prostate health and should be avoided.
Regular exercise
Moderate physical activity, such as daily walking or light weight training, can reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other prostate diseases.
Moderate physical activity, such as daily walking or light weight training, can reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other prostate diseases.
Drink enough
Drinking enough fluids, especially water, can help keep the urinary tract healthy and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. This is especially important because healthy urinary function is closely linked to the prostate.
Drinking enough fluids, especially water, can help keep the urinary tract healthy and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. This is especially important because healthy urinary function is closely linked to the prostate.
The PSA value
The PSA test measures the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood, which is produced by the prostate gland. An elevated PSA level may indicate an enlarged prostate, prostatitis or prostate cancer, but a high PSA level does not necessarily mean that cancer is present.
Men under the age of 50 usually have a PSA level below 2.5 ng/ml, while older men may have slightly higher normal levels. Further testing is usually recommended for PSA levels above 4 ng/ml. The PSA level is an early indicator of prostate problems. The PSA test is one of the most effective methods for detecting prostate cancer early, especially in men over 50.
Men under the age of 50 usually have a PSA level below 2.5 ng/ml, while older men may have slightly higher normal levels. Further testing is usually recommended for PSA levels above 4 ng/ml. The PSA level is an early indicator of prostate problems. The PSA test is one of the most effective methods for detecting prostate cancer early, especially in men over 50.
Preventing prostate problems
Prostate health can be actively supported by preventive measures. In addition to regular check-ups and early detection, there are some lifestyle habits and behaviours that help prevent prostate problems.
Regular prostate examinations: In particular, men aged 50 and over should have an annual check-up to detect any changes at an early stage.
Fluid intake: Drinking enough fluids helps keep the urinary tract healthy and prevent infections.
Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle: Sitting for long periods, especially without moving, can put strain on the pelvic area and increase the risk of prostate problems.
Prostate-Urine test
A prostate urine test is a simple way to detect prostate problems. This test can provide early indications of infections, inflammations or an enlarged prostate and is often used to supplement other examinations such as the PSA test.
- Important markers: The urine test can measure values such as glucose, proteins, leukocytes and blood, which can indicate various health problems.
- Easy to do at home: With devices such as Streamcheck, the prostate urine test can be done in the comfort of your own home, allowing for regular monitoring of the prostate.
- Sample collection: The patient provides a urine sample, which is then analysed. For home tests, the urine is passed into a special device or test strip.
- Analysing markers: Various markers in the urine, such as leukocytes (white blood cells), nitrite, glucose, proteins or blood, are measured. These substances can indicate infections, inflammations or problems with the prostate.
- Interpreting the results: Doctors or the test app can use the values obtained to detect abnormalities. For example, high leukocyte levels can indicate inflammation, while the presence of blood can indicate a prostate disease or infection.
Prostate surgery
Prostate surgery may be necessary for a number of different prostate conditions, including prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate (BPH) that does not respond to other treatments. Depending on the type of disease and the patient's health, there are different surgical methods that can be considered. Common procedures include radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland for cancer) or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which is used to treat benign prostate enlargement.
The choice of surgical method depends on the severity of the disease, the age and general health factors of the patient. For prostate cancer, a radical prostatectomy may be the best option to remove the tumour completely. For BPH, when medication is not having a sufficient effect, TURP is often used to shrink the prostate and improve urine flow.
The choice of surgical method depends on the severity of the disease, the age and general health factors of the patient. For prostate cancer, a radical prostatectomy may be the best option to remove the tumour completely. For BPH, when medication is not having a sufficient effect, TURP is often used to shrink the prostate and improve urine flow.
Prostate surgery – how long will you be off work?
The recovery time after prostate surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and the patient's state of health. A longer recovery time is to be expected after a radical prostatectomy. In most cases, patients can expect limited activity for about 4-6 weeks, with the first 1-2 weeks being particularly important to avoid complications. During this time, it is recommended to avoid physical exertion such as heavy lifting or intense exercise.
After a TURP, which is often less invasive, the recovery time is usually 2-4 weeks. Patients can start to resume light activities after a few days, but should also avoid heavy physical exertion and sports activities for a few weeks.
It is important to follow the doctor's instructions and attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure that no complications arise and that healing proceeds optimally.
After a TURP, which is often less invasive, the recovery time is usually 2-4 weeks. Patients can start to resume light activities after a few days, but should also avoid heavy physical exertion and sports activities for a few weeks.
It is important to follow the doctor's instructions and attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure that no complications arise and that healing proceeds optimally.
When should prostate surgery be considered?
Prostate surgery is usually considered when other treatments are no longer effective or when the symptoms severely impact daily life. For prostate cancer, surgery is often the best option for complete removal of the tumour, especially if the cancer is detected early and is confined to the prostate gland. For benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), surgery may be recommended if medication or minimally invasive procedures do not provide adequate relief of symptoms. This is often the case if there is significant obstruction of the urine flow or recurrent urinary tract infections.
The most important information about the prostate at a glance
From what age should a prostate examination be carried out?
Men should have a regular prostate examination from the age of 50. If there is a family history of the disease, it is recommended that men start having check-ups from the age of 45.
What are the common symptoms of prostate problems?
Common symptoms include frequent urination, especially at night, a weak urine stream or the feeling of not being able to completely empty the bladder. A doctor should also be consulted if there is pain in the pelvic area or problems with urinating.
What is the PSA test and why is it important?
The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. An elevated PSA level can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate problems, which is why the test is an important preventive measure.
How long does recovery take after prostate surgery?
The recovery time depends on the type of surgery. For a radical prostatectomy, the recovery time can be 4-6 weeks, while 2-4 weeks is usually sufficient after a TURP operation.