The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland in men that sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. With age, prostate problems become one of the most common reasons to see a urologist. This page is a short guide to where the prostate is, what it does, its three main diseases and when to see a doctor, with links to a detailed guide for each condition.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Samir Ahmed Al-Samarrai, consultant urologist. Last reviewed:
Where is the prostate and what does it do?
- Location: just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, with the urethra running through it. This is why a doctor may examine it with a finger through the rectum, and why it shows on abdominal or rectal ultrasound.
- Size: about 20 to 25 ml in a young adult, and it grows in many men after 40.
- Function: it produces part of the seminal fluid that helps sperm move, including PSA, which can be measured in the blood.
The main prostate diseases
| Condition | Who it usually affects | Main symptoms | Detailed guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benign prostatic enlargement (BPH) | Men over 50, more common with age | Weak stream, getting up at night to pass urine, feeling the bladder is not empty | Enlarged prostate |
| Prostatitis | Any age, common in young and middle-aged men | Pelvic or perineal pain, burning urination, fever in acute infection | Prostatitis |
| Prostate cancer | More common after 50 and with a family history | Often no symptoms early on; found by testing | Prostate cancer |
Benign enlargement is not cancer and does not turn into cancer, but both conditions can occur in the same man.
When should you see a doctor?
- A weak stream, difficulty starting or an interrupted flow. Read about difficulty urinating.
- Passing urine often, or waking more than once at night to pass urine. Read about frequent urination and nocturia.
- Blood in the urine or semen. Read about blood in urine.
- Ongoing pain in the pelvis, perineum or on ejaculation.
- Men aged 50 or over, or 45 with a family history of prostate cancer, who want to know whether early testing suits them.
Go to the emergency department if you cannot pass urine at all and have lower abdominal pain, or if you have fever and shivering with painful urination.
How is the prostate checked?
- PSA blood test: it rises with enlargement, inflammation and cancer, so the doctor interprets it with age, prostate size and examination. Read our PSA test guide.
- Digital rectal examination: to judge the size and feel of the prostate.
- Urine test: to look for infection or blood.
- Ultrasound: to measure prostate size and the urine left after voiding. Read about urinary tract ultrasound.
- Urine flow test, and MRI when cancer is suspected.
Detailed guides
Frequently asked questions
Where is the prostate?
The prostate sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and surrounds the first part of the urethra. This is why enlargement or inflammation affects urination.
What does the prostate do?
It produces part of the seminal fluid that helps sperm move and survive, including the protein PSA that is measured in the prostate blood test.
Do women have a prostate?
No, the prostate is a male organ. Women have small glands next to the urethral opening called Skene’s glands, which some call the “female prostate” because they share some features.
What are the most common prostate diseases?
Three main conditions: benign prostatic enlargement with age, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. Each has different symptoms, tests and treatment.
When is a prostate symptom an emergency?
Being completely unable to pass urine with pain and swelling in the lower abdomen, or fever and shivering with painful, burning urination. These need emergency care the same day.
Sources
Book a consultation
Prof. Al-Samarrai and Dr. Amer Mousa assess prostate conditions at Prof. Al-Samarrai Medical Center, Dubai Healthcare City, and discuss the options that suit your case. Medical consultations are confidential.
This information is for health education and does not replace a medical examination. See our medical content policy.