The prostate is a gland in men that surrounds the urethra. It is also known as the prostate gland. Here you can read about prostate tests. The prostate is controlled by male sex hormones, which lead to stable and slow hormonal growth throughout a man's sexually active years.

Benign prostate enlargement

Many people associate changes in the prostate with prostate cancer, but fortunately benign enlargement of the prostate gland is much more common. Benign prostate enlargement - known in medical terms as benign prostatic hyperplasia - occurs in more than half of all men over the age of 60. The symptoms can be very subtle, and only about half of men with benign prostate enlargement experience any symptoms at all.

When symptoms do occur, they often include difficulty urinating or a feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely. The urine stream may also be weak and can sometimes stop completely during urination. Some people need to urinate many times during the day and get up at night to urinate, which can significantly disturb sleep.

Treatment of benign prostate problems

Around half of those with benign prostate problems need treatment. An examination is nevertheless always appropriate because benign and malignant prostate conditions can exist side by side. A good first step can be one of our reliable prostate tests, followed by prompt medical care if the test shows an abnormal result. Effective treatments include medicines in the alpha-blocker group, which relax the muscles around the prostate gland and urethra.

Phytosterols may also be used as a supplement for an enlarged prostate. They can inhibit and slow prostate growth. If the urethra becomes completely blocked, surgery may be necessary.

Malignant prostate enlargement (prostate cancer)

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men in Sweden. Unlike benign prostate enlargement, malignant disease may cause clearer symptoms, including:

• Blood in the urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Bone pain (if the cancer has spread)

Prostate cancer is often influenced by hereditary factors. Lifestyle factors may also play a role, although researchers disagree about how and to what extent. Around 10,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in Sweden. The disease is very uncommon before the age of 50, and most patients are in their 70s when it develops. The prognosis varies depending on the patient's age and whether the disease has spread.

Examinations and treatment

If your prostate test shows elevated PSA, or if you suspect prostate cancer yourself, you should contact healthcare services promptly. During the examination, the physician checks for possible tumors around the prostate. If the test shows elevated values, the physician may proceed with tissue samples and/or a biopsy. Effective treatments for prostate cancer today include surgery and radiation therapy. Hormonal treatment may also be an option if the tumor grows slowly, if you are older or if you have other life-threatening diseases. It does not cure prostate cancer but may slow its progression and often extend life.

Even if you are completely healthy, it may be sensible to take a PSA test to check that everything appears normal with the prostate. Studies indicate that prostate changes are common in older men and may develop gradually for several years before the first symptoms appear. 

Common questions about the prostate

When should you consider checking your prostate?

• There are differing views on this. Some physicians believe prostate examinations should begin from the age of 40. This is not routinely offered in Swedish healthcare, so patients may need to request testing themselves regardless of age. We recommend beginning testing from around age 45 and then testing once a year, so that possible changes in the prostate can be detected early.

What exactly is the prostate and what does it do?

• A man's prostate surrounds the upper part of the urethra. Its role is to produce a nutrient-rich fluid that mixes with semen and supports sperm during ejaculation. The prostate therefore plays an important role in male reproduction.
  In an adult man, the prostate is approximately the size of a plum (about 3 cm).