Jun 01, 2026
You’ve probably heard or read about prostate exams and possibly avoided the conversation altogether. But you should know that prostate health plays an important role in your urinary function, overall wellbeing, and sexual health.1
As men get older, prostate changes can affect urine flow, bladder control, and daily comfort,1 making awareness and regular checkups key.
If you’re a millennial, there’s a certain Blink 182 album cover that may bring back memories, and while you remember that, let it be a reminder to get your prostate checked.
In this guide, we’ll look at how the prostate works, common conditions to be aware of, and simple, practical ways to support better prostate health.
What is the Prostate?
This small, walnut-sized organ is part of your reproductive system.1 Situated just below the bladder and above the penis, it surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.1
What Does My Prostate Do?
Your prostate produces a special fluid that forms part of semen.1 This fluid has nutrients that help your sperm stay healthy and move towards the egg during the reproductive process.1
Because of its position in the body, the prostate also helps control the flow of urine and semen, almost like a valve.1 That’s why, as you get older, changes in your prostate could affect this flow and how well your bladder empties.1,2
Signs of Prostate Problems
When you have prostate issues, you might notice changes during sex or peeing.1 However, different conditions can cause different symptoms, and not all of them are linked to cancer.
Rather than worrying about what it might mean, it’s best to speak to a doctor, who can help you understand what’s happening and guide you on the next steps.1
Some common symptoms include:
- Frequent peeing, especially at night3
- A weak urine stream 3
- Difficulty starting your stream2
- Drips and dribbles 4
- Feeling your bladder isn’t empty after peeing 2
- Sudden urges to use the bathroom, sometimes with bladder leaks 5
- Pain or discomfort in some cases2
Understanding Common Prostate Conditions
Several common prostate conditions can affect how your prostate works and may also affect bladder control. Knowing about these conditions can help you recognize the symptoms and when it’s time to speak to a professional for advice.
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)
As previously mentioned, the prostate can grow larger as men age. This puts pressure on the urethra, making it narrower.1
It becomes more difficult to empty the bladder fully, sometimes causing urinary retention in men.1 Other signs of an enlarged prostate are:
- Sudden urges to pee2
- Bladder leaks or male incontinence5
- A weak urine stream2
- Straining while peeing2
Prostatitis (Inflammation of the Prostate)
Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate.1 It can be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic) and is more common in younger men.1,4
Prostatitis has different symptoms depending on the type you have:
- Bacterial (acute) prostatitis causes fever, chills, painful peeing, frequent peeing, or body aches.2
- Chronic prostatitis causes persistent discomfort in your lower stomach, genitals, lower back, or between the scrotum and anus.2
Sometimes what you’re experiencing could be a urinary tract infection. A visit to your doctor is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and the risk increases with age.4 In its early stages, it may not cause obvious symptoms, which is why regular screenings are so important.4 Signs that you may start noticing are:3
- Difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream
- Frequent urges to pee
- Weak urine stream
- Blood in pee or semen
- Pain while peeing
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
- Needing to pee frequently at night (nocturia)
Easy Ways to Support Prostate Health
While you can’t always prevent prostate issues, a few lifestyle choices may help lower your risk.7
Maintaining a healthy weight, a healthy diet, exercising, and enjoying some sunshine are simple ways to support your prostate health.7, 8 Here’s a closer look.
Get Some Sun
Sunlight helps your skin make vitamin D.8 This is an essential vitamin that, in turn, helps your body absorb calcium, which keeps your bones strong.9 Vitamin D also supports your immune system,9 while exposure to sunlight may even contribute to lowering your risk of prostate cancer.8
To enjoy the sun safely:10
- Wear sunglasses and a hat
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Reapply your sunscreen every two hours
- Spend time outside when the sun is not at full strength (before 10 am, after 4 pm, and in winter. But be careful of snow which reflects the sun’s UV rays)
Swap Your Diet
The Mediterranean Diet is widely recognized as a healthy way of eating and may also help support prostate health.11 It focuses on anti-inflammatory foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats like olive oil, and fish.12
It is also about reducing how much red meat, processed foods, and sugary treats you eat.12
Some examples of easy meals are a grilled fish with roasted vegetables or oatmeal topped with fruit.12
It’s also best to avoid foods and drinks that irritate your bladder, like spicy dishes and coffee.
Support Bladder Control with Simple Exercises
Pelvic floor exercises are often associated with women, so many men don’t know about them or that they can also benefit. These simple muscle-strengthening exercises can make a difference to bladder control and help reduce leaks, especially if you’re experiencing prostate-related symptoms.
It’s important to remember that while these tips can help support your health, they don’t replace advice from your doctor.
Can You Live Without a Prostate?
Sometimes your doctor might suggest a prostatectomy, a surgery to remove the prostate, often because of prostate cancer.13
Some changes you might notice after surgery include:13
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection
- Bladder leaks
- Dry orgasms
- Trouble peeing
Prostate removal is daunting, but with care and support, you can continue to live a full, active life.13 You may not be able to father a child, but intimacy and enjoyment are still very much possible.1,13
Early Detection: A Smart Step for Prostate Health
Now you know what symptoms to look out for, and the lifestyle changes you can make to improve your prostate health and overall wellbeing.
Remember to book regular check-ups with your doctor, and if you’re experiencing some drips and dribbles, TENA’s range of products, designed specifically for the male anatomy will help keep you dry, comfortable, and confident.
FAQs
What should I know about the prostate?
The prostate is a small gland that surrounds your urethra and is part of your reproductive system.1 As you age, it can grow larger, which may affect how your urine flows, so it’s important to go for regular check-ups.1,2
What are the first signs of a prostate problem?
Early signs may include changes in how you pee.3 You might notice needing to go more frequently, especially at night, difficulty starting your urine stream, or a weaker urine stream.3
How can I tell if I have a swollen prostate?
If your prostate is swollen, you might notice urinary symptoms such as a weak stream or frequent urges to pee.2
What are common prostate health issues?
Some common prostate conditions include:1
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - a non-cancerous enlargement
- Prostatitis – inflammation of the prostate
- Prostate cancer, a common form of cancer
How do you keep your prostate healthy?
Try to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats,11stay physically active,7 and remember to go to your routine check-ups.3
References
1. Newman T. Prostate: Functions, diseases, and tests [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2023. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319859
2. McMillian M. What Is the Prostate? What’s Normal as You Age? [Internet]. WebMD. 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/men/prostate-enlargement-bph/what-is-the-prostate
3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prostatitis: Inflammation of the Prostate [Internet]. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 2014. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostatitis-inflammation-prostate
4. Brazier Y. Prostate cancer: Symptoms, treatment, and causes [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2021. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150086#symptoms
5. Harvard Health Publishing. An enlarged prostate gland and incontinence [Internet]. Harvard Health. 2019. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/an-enlarged-prostate-gland-and-incontinence
6. CDC. Prostate Cancer Risk Factors [Internet]. Prostate Cancer. 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/prostate-cancer/risk-factors/index.html
7. Harvard Health [Internet]. www.health.harvard.edu. 2022. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/prostate-health
8. Yoon JG, Kim HB. Association between sunlight exposure and risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Public Health. 2021 May 9;
9. Hasan N, Kaakour D, Yazdanpanah O, Gibson S, Lee BJ, Khaleghi B, et al. Vitamin D deficiency in prostate cancer: Prevalence in a sun-rich climate and the influence of androgen deprivation therapy. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2025 Jun;43(16_suppl).
10. FDA. Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses. FDA [Internet]. 2019 May 7; Available from: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-stay-safe-sun-sunscreen-sunglasses
11. Poulson B. Enlarged Prostate Diet: What to Eat with BPH [Internet]. Vol. 94, VeryWell Health. 2025 [cited 2026 Apr 1]. p. e1260. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/enlarged-prostate-diet-8669322#toc-dietary-restrictions-and-modifications
12. Restivo J. Guide to the Mediterranean diet - Harvard Health [Internet]. Harvard Health. 2023. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/guide-to-the-mediterranean-diet
13. Problems after prostate cancer surgery [Internet]. Cancerresearchuk.org. 2025. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment/surgery/problems-after-prostate-surgery
