September is Prostate Health Month: What Every Man Should Know

Your prostate might not get much attention until it starts causing trouble. The problem is, this often-overlooked gland plays a big role in men’s overall health, especially as you age. Common prostate problems can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, and prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in U.S. men. So whether you’re approaching 50 or you’re well past it, understanding your prostate health is a key part of living well into your golden years.

September is Prostate Health Month, so it’s the perfect time to have that conversation many men tend to put off. Read on as we answer some of the most common questions about prostate problems, prevention, and how intermittent catheters can help with certain urinary symptoms.

What Is the Prostate and Why Is It Important?

The prostate is a small gland that’s part of the male reproductive system. It sits just below your bladder and surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body). Its main role is to produce fluid for semen, and it’s completely normal for your prostate to grow as you age. But in many cases the prostate grows too much or changes shape, leading to urinary problems and other, more serious issues.

What Are the First Signs of Prostate Problems?

You may have a prostate problem if you experience:

A weak or slow urine stream
Trouble starting or stopping urination
Frequent nighttime bathroom trips
Feeling like your bladder isn’t fully empty
Sudden urges to urinate

What Are the Most Common Prostate Problems?

Men can face three main prostate issues, each with different causes and treatments:

Enlarged Prostate, or Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), is the most common non-cancerous prostate problem. BPH occurs when there’s an overgrowth of prostate tissue that presses on your urethra, making it hard to urinate. BPH affects most men over age 60 but is rare in men under 40.
Prostate Inflammation, or Prostatitis, refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation in your prostate gland. An inflamed prostate can cause urinary retention by pressing on the urethra and blocking the flow of urine. Prostatitis can be caused by bacterial infections or other factors, and symptoms often overlap with BPH but may include pelvic pain and discomfort.
Prostate Cancer is the most common type of cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) diagnosed in men in the United States. It’s also the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, after lung cancer. The good news? Most prostate cancers grow slowly, and when detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 97.5%.

When Should You Start Getting Screened for Prostate Cancer?

The American Cancer Society recommends men discuss prostate cancer screening with their healthcare provider starting at:

Age 50 for men at average risk.
Age 45 for men at high risk (African American men or those with a close relative diagnosed before age 65).
Age 40 for men with multiple family members diagnosed early.

Screenings may include a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and sometimes a digital rectal exam (DRE).

Can You Prevent Prostate Problems?

While you can’t change your age or family history, healthy habits can help lower your risk:

Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Stay physically active.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Limit red and processed meats.
Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol.

When Can Intermittent Catheters Help?

Here’s something many men don’t realize: when an enlarged prostate makes it difficult to empty your bladder completely, intermittent catheters can be a game-changer. Using an intermittent catheter to regularly and fully empty the bladder may help avoid urinary retention symptoms or complications. Self-catheterization can provide many men who have an enlarged prostate with the control they want over their bladder symptoms.

Intermittent catheterization might be recommended if you’re experiencing:

Incomplete bladder emptying due to BPH
Urinary retention after prostate surgery
Difficulty managing BPH symptoms with medication alone

Self-intermittent catheterization is the insertion and removal of a catheter throughout the day in order to help empty the bladder completely. This technique can be either a short-term or long-term solution, depending on your medical condition.

Why America’s Best Care Plus Makes a Difference

If your healthcare provider recommends intermittent catheters as part of your prostate health management, you want a reliable partner who understands your needs. America’s Best Care Plus specializes in delivering the intermittent catheter supplies you need right to your door, working directly with your doctor and insurance company to make the process as smooth as possible.

Ready to learn more about how America’s Best Care Plus can support your intermittent catheter needs? Contact our care team today to discuss your options and get the personalized support you deserve.