As men turn 50, prostate health becomes an important consideration. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that sits just below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. It also helps produce part of the fluid in semen.

As men age, changes in urinary or sexual function can start to appear. It's tempting to write these off as part of getting older, but that's not always the right approach. Many changes are easily manageable, whilst others can be a sign of an underlying condition.

Why Prostate Health Matters After 50

Age is one of the biggest risk factors for prostate problems. As men grow older, the prostate naturally tends to enlarge, making prostate conditions more likely to develop. Prostate cancer in particular becomes more common with age and is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men in the UK.

Three main prostate conditions tend to affect older men:

• Benign prostate enlargement (BPE/BPH): a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that becomes more common with age.

• Prostatitis: inflammation of the prostate, which can be caused by infection or other factors and can occur at various ages.

• Prostate cancer: the abnormal growth of cells within the prostate gland.

An enlarged prostate is different from prostate cancer. Many men develop an enlarged prostate as they age without ever developing cancer, although the two conditions can sometimes share similar symptoms.

Common Signs of Prostate Problems

Prostate issues can affect both urinary and sexual function. Symptoms to be aware of include:

• Needing to urinate more frequently

• Getting up several times during the night to urinate

• Difficulty starting urination

• A weak or interrupted urine stream

• A feeling that the bladder hasn't fully emptied

• A sudden or urgent need to urinate

• Dribbling after urination

• Blood in the urine

• Erectile difficulties 

These symptoms can stem from several different causes, including an enlarged prostate or an infection, and don't automatically point to prostate cancer. That said, they shouldn't be ignored.

When Should You Speak to a Doctor?

If you notice persistent or worsening urinary symptoms, arrange an appointment with a GP rather than waiting to see if things improve on their own. Some signs deserve prompt attention rather than a "wait and see" approach. Blood in the urine, for example, or any significant or sudden change in your usual urinary pattern should always be properly assessed rather than monitored at home.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Age is an important factor in prostate cancer risk, but it isn't the only one. Other factors that can increase an individual's risk include:

• Being over the age of 50

• Having a father or brother who has had prostate cancer

• Carrying certain inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA2

• Being of Black African or Black Caribbean ethnicity

Men who fall into one or more of these higher-risk groups may benefit from discussing prostate testing with a healthcare professional earlier than age 50. Age alone isn't enough to go on. Your personal risk factors matter too.

What Is a PSA Test?

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. A PSA test measures the level of this protein in the blood.

A raised PSA level can sometimes indicate prostate cancer, but it isn't a definitive diagnosis. It can also be a sign of other, non-cancerous causes, including an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, or even recent physical activity. PSA results are usually read alongside other information, such as your symptoms, medical history, and any examination findings, rather than on their own.

Is a PSA Test the Same as Prostate Cancer Screening?

There currently isn't a national prostate cancer screening programme in the UK, so PSA testing isn't routinely offered to all men in a particular age group.

Instead, men can speak with a healthcare professional about the potential benefits and limitations of PSA testing on an individual basis. Factors such as age, symptoms, and personal risk factors all feed into whether testing is appropriate. Not every man over 50 necessarily needs an annual PSA test.

What Happens During a Prostate Health Assessment?

If you raise concerns about your prostate health with a healthcare professional, your assessment may include:

• A discussion of your symptoms and medical history

• A review of your family history and individual risk factors

• A PSA blood test

• Urine testing

• A prostate examination, where clinically appropriate

• Further investigation or referral if your symptoms or test results suggest this is needed

A PSA test is only one part of a broader picture. If there's any cause for concern, your healthcare professional may recommend further investigation to understand what's going on.

How Can You Look After Your Prostate and General Health?

General health and prostate health are intricately linked, and looking after your overall wellbeing is one of the most useful things you can do as you get older. This includes:

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Staying physically active

• Eating a balanced diet

• Not smoking

• Moderating alcohol consumption

• Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol within healthy ranges

• Attending routine health checks

• Speaking to a healthcare professional about any persistent symptoms

Be cautious of claims that specific foods, supplements, or lifestyle changes can prevent prostate cancer, as the evidence isn't clear-cut. A healthy lifestyle supports your overall wellbeing, but it isn't a guarantee against prostate problems.

Where Can You Get Prostate Screening in Leeds?

At Whitehall Clinic, our men's health services are designed to give men a straightforward route to discussing prostate health concerns with an experienced clinician. Depending on your needs, this may include men's health consultations, prostate health management, urology services, private GP appointments, and health screening or blood testing.

If you're looking for prostate screening in Leeds, speaking with a clinician who can take your individual symptoms and risk factors into account gives you a much clearer picture than testing alone. You can find out more about our prostate and men's health services.

 Consider a Wider Men's Health Check

Prostate health is an important part of looking after yourself after 50, but it's only one piece of the picture. Considering your broader health alongside any prostate concerns can give you a fuller understanding of your overall wellbeing.

Depending on the services available, a wider men's health assessment might cover areas such as:

• Blood pressure

• Cholesterol

• Cardiovascular health

• Weight and lifestyle

• Diabetes risk

• Sexual health

• Hormonal health, where appropriate

• Prostate health

A broader health assessment gives you the opportunity to raise several aspects of your health in one conversation with a healthcare professional, rather than addressing each concern separately.

If you're considering a men's health check in Leeds, you can find out more about our comprehensive health screening services.

Act If You're Concerned About Your Prostate

As men age, prostate concerns become more common, but that doesn't mean symptoms should simply be dismissed as part of getting older. Having symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer, but understanding your individual risk factors and discussing any concerns with a healthcare professional puts you in a better position.

PSA testing isn't appropriate for all men; it depends on personal circumstances, so it's a good idea to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional. It's also worth taking care of your general health and attending routine health checks to support your overall wellbeing.

If you're a man in Leeds who is concerned about your prostate health or would like to explore a broader men's health check, book an appointment at the Whitehall Clinic.