Overview

The prostate is a relatively small gland that plays a very large role in male reproductive health and urinary function. As men age, it’s common for the prostate to undergo changes that can affect urination, comfort and quality of life. We help men manage prostate conditions — like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer and prostatitis — with advanced care and lasting support.

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Common prostate disorders

Common prostate conditions include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis and — in some cases — prostate cancer. This page highlights two of the most common noncancerous disorders.

Understanding benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to the growth that occurs in the prostate in almost all aging men. The prostate surrounds the urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. As the prostate gets bigger, it may squeeze or partly block the urethra, causing urinary problems.

BPH is a common part of aging, caused by inflammatory, hormone and cell growth changes. Genetics may also play a role, and is being explored by our urologists and scientists.

  • Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
  • Frequent or urgent urination, especially at night
  • Weak urine stream
  • Feeling like the bladder isn’t fully empty
  • Rarely, blockage or urinary retention
  • Watchful waiting and lifestyle changes
  • Conservative therapies, such as PTNS (percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation) and pelvic floor physical therapy
  • Medications, including:
    • Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin)
    • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride)
    • Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (e.g., tadalafil)
  • Minimally invasive therapies, such as:
    • iTind
    • Urolift
    • Rezum
  • Transurethral surgery, such as:  
    • Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP)
    • Greenlight laser photovaporization of prostate (PVP)
    • Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP)
    • Aquablation® therapy
  • Other surgical options, including:
    • Robotic or open simple prostatectomy
    • Prostate artery embolization (PAE)

Understanding prostatitis

Prostatitis is a condition that refers to inflammation or irritation of the prostate gland. The causes of prostatitis can vary, and sometimes, the exact reason is never found. 

In some cases, prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria can enter the prostate through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body), often after a urinary tract infection, sexual activity or sometimes from using a catheter. This type of prostatitis is called bacterial prostatitis and is usually treated with antibiotics. 

However, not all prostatitis is due to infection. Many men experience prostatitis-like symptoms — such as pelvic pain, difficulty urinating or discomfort during or after urination or sexual activity — even when no bacteria are present. In these cases, symptoms may actually come from tension, spasms or poor coordination of the pelvic floor muscles (the muscles that support the bladder and other pelvic organs). This type is sometimes called chronic pelvic pain syndrome or non-bacterial prostatitis. 

Sometimes, there is no clear cause at all. Stress, previous infections or even certain lifestyle factors may also play a role.

  • Pain when urinating or ejaculating
  • Frequent or urgent urination
  • Difficulty starting a urine stream
  • Feeling like the bladder isn't empty
  • Fever and chills (with acute prostatitis)
  • Antibiotics for bacterial cases
  • Alpha-blockers, anti-inflammatories and medicines to reduce prostate growth
  • Self-care, such as warm baths, hydration, pain relievers and stress management
  • Pelvic floor physical therapy  
  • Anesthesia / pain consultation for nerve blocks
  • Surgery, in rare cases, for recurrent infections or blockages 

Diagnosing prostate disorders

Diagnosis begins with a discussion of your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical exam and digital rectal exam to assess the prostate. Additional tests may include:

Urine tests
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) or Prostate Health Index (PHI) blood test
Ultrasound or MRI
Uroflowmetry (noninvasive test that examines urine strength) or post-void residual testing
Male patient speaking to doctor
Ongoing monitoring and care

Some prostate conditions, such as mild BPH or non-bacterial prostatitis, may not require immediate treatment.

We monitor symptoms over time and adjust care as needed, with regular check-ins and access to advanced imaging, labs and follow-up procedures across our system.

Why Endeavor Health?

We bring together expert providers, advanced technologies and collaborative care to support every aspect of your prostate health. Whether you need monitoring, medication or minimally invasive treatment, our team is here to guide you — close to home.

Our board-certified urologists bring deep expertise in diagnosing and managing BPH, prostatitis and other urologic conditions.

We work alongside primary care, radiology, interventional specialists and more to offer complete, streamlined care.

Endeavor Health is a teaching system, helping train the next generation of physicians through clinical excellence and academic collaboration.

In addition to medical and surgical care, you have access to support services like integrative medicine, psychology, survivorship planning and personalized health counseling.

Get screened for prostate and bladder conditions

Talk to a specialist about screenings like PSA testing, urinalysis and imaging studies. Early detection can make a difference.

Schedule a screening
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Clinical trials & research

Endeavor Health leads and is involved in clinical trials exploring new treatments for benign prostate conditions. Talk with your urologist to learn if you may be a candidate.

Learn more about clinical trials