Prostate health for men over 40
The prostate is a small gland below the bladder. It tends to grow with age, and prostate problems are among the most common health issues for men over 40. Most are not cancer, and most are treatable.
Common prostate problems
- Enlarged prostate (BPH): very common with age. It can squeeze the urethra and cause bathroom problems. It is not cancer.
- Prostatitis: swelling or infection of the prostate, which can cause pain and urinary symptoms.
- Prostate cancer: one of the most common cancers in men. Many cases grow slowly, and early stages often have no symptoms.
Symptoms worth checking
- Needing to urinate often, especially at night
- A weak or interrupted stream, or trouble starting
- Feeling like your bladder isn’t empty
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away
Get checked promptly if you can’t urinate at all, or if you have fever with urinary pain.
Ready for next steps? Read how to find ED care in New Orleans and Metairie, including what a good first visit looks like and the questions worth asking.
Not sure where to start? We list trusted places to get checked in Louisiana, from community health centers to men’s health clinics. See where to get care.
Should you get a PSA test?
A PSA blood test can help find prostate cancer early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests that men aged 55 to 69 make an individual decision with their provider about PSA screening, weighing benefits and possible harms. Black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk, so talk about screening earlier.
Prostate health and ED
Treatments for prostate cancer, and some medicines for an enlarged prostate, can affect erections. If that happens, there are good options to help. Read about ED after prostate treatment or see ED treatment options.
Sources
Where to get care
Any of these is a good next step. Pick the one that fits you.
- Aspire Health and Wellness†. A men’s health clinic in Metairie specializing in erectile dysfunction and weight loss, with free private visits and a range of treatment options. Visit aspireneworleans.com.
- Your primary care doctor. A good first stop. They can check your heart, blood sugar, and hormone levels.
- A urologist. A doctor who specializes in men’s urologic and sexual health.
- A community health center. Fees are based on income, with or without insurance. Find a community health center.
- Louisiana Medicaid. If you qualify, it covers doctor visits and prescriptions. See if you qualify.
- Veterans. Southeast Louisiana VA Health Care offers men’s health care for enrolled veterans.
† Affiliated with Aspire Community Care. We’re a nonprofit and don’t provide medical care; choose any provider that fits you.
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