What Common Prostate Conditions Affect Urinary Flow?

The prostate gland surrounds the urethra — the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. When the prostate enlarges or becomes inflamed, it can compress the urethra and cause urinary problems. The most common prostate conditions affecting urinary flow are:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that usually occurs in older men. As the gland grows, it squeezes the urethra, leading to symptoms like frequent urination, weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, and feeling of incomplete emptying.
• Prostatitis: This refers to inflammation of the prostate gland, which can be bacterial or non-bacterial. It often causes painful urination, pelvic pain, and sometimes fever. Chronic prostatitis can cause long-term urinary discomfort.
• Prostate Cancer: A malignant growth in the prostate that may initially show similar symptoms as BPH. In advanced stages, it can cause obstruction of urinary flow, blood in urine, and pain in the lower back or pelvis.

These conditions disrupt the normal passage of urine due to pressure on the urethra or inflammation, making early detection and treatment important for maintaining urinary health.