The prostate may be small, but this walnut-sized gland plays a big role in men’s health. Located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, the prostate plays a key role in reproduction: It helps produce seminal fluid, which nourishes, protects and transports sperm. Focusing on prostate health becomes increasingly important as men age.

Understanding prostate health issues

Prostate-related conditions are very common. Knowing what to watch for can lead to earlier detection, more effective treatment and better overall wellbeing.

• Prostate cancer: According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. While some forms are slow-growing and may not require immediate treatment, others can be aggressive and life-threatening. You may be more likely to develop prostate cancer if you are older than the age of 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer. African American men are also at higher risk than men of other races.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Also known as enlarged prostate, this condition can lead to uncomfortable urinary symptoms like frequent urination and weak urine flow. It affects nearly half of men ages 51–60, and certain health conditions like obesity, heart disease, problems with blood circulation and type 2 diabetes are risk factors for BPH.
• Prostatitis: This inflammation of the prostate can be caused by infection or other factors and leads to pelvic pain, urinary issues and sexual dysfunction. Research indicates that it is the most common urinary tract problem for men younger than 50, and the third-most common urinary tract problem for men older than 50.

The most common symptoms of prostate problems include an increased need to urinate, leaking or dribbling urine, blood in your urine or semen, painful ejaculation, or needing to rush to the bathroom but only going a little.

Current guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend that men aged 55–69, who do not have symptoms or a previous diagnosis of prostate cancer, talk with their doctor about prostate cancer screening. The USPSTF recommends only prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening—a blood test that measures the level of a protein produced by prostate cells. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate inflammation, enlargement or cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, screening should begin earlier for men at higher risk: at age 40 for men with more than one first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age, and at age 45 for men who are African American or who have one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age.

Finding the right care for prostate health

While regular screenings and awareness are key to prevention and early detection, it’s equally important to know where to turn if you’re experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with a prostate condition. Whether you’re managing prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate or prostatitis, working with a specialist—typically a urologist—can help ensure you receive the right care tailored to your needs. Urologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including the prostate.

If you’re noticing persistent symptoms, such as frequent or painful urination, blood in the urine, difficulty emptying the bladder or ongoing pelvic discomfort, it may be time to seek expert advice and evaluation. Likewise, if you’ve already been diagnosed with a prostate condition, a urologist can guide you through your treatment options, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, minimally invasive procedures or surgery, depending on the condition and its severity. Early connection with specialty care not only improves outcomes but can also provide reassurance and clarity during what may feel like an uncertain time.

MediFind’s Find a Doctor tool helps you find a urologist in your area with experience treating prostate-related conditions. Our Find a Doctor tool uses objective medical data about each doctor to help you easily compare physicians based on the following criteria:

• Their experience treating patients with your condition
• Their research contributions and publications related to the condition
• Referrals from other specialists
• Connections with other experts treating the same condition

Based on these criteria, providers are assigned a level of expertise (elite, distinguished, advanced or experienced) for each specific health condition they treat, so it is easy to know at a glance which doctors are the best for that condition.

Finding expert care for prostate-related conditions doesn’t have to be stressful. Check out our Find a Doctor tool and search by your location to find a urologist near you. Try it here.