November is Movember, the month when men grow a moustache to get people talking about men’s health. Prostate health is a topic many men in Kampar would rather not raise, yet questions such as “apa itu prostat” (what is the prostate), “prostat bengkak” (swollen prostate) and “sakit prostat” (prostate pain) are often searched in Malaysia.
This article explains in plain language what the prostate does, why it tends to grow with age, how prostatitis differs from an enlarged prostate, common myths, and everyday habits that support prostate and bladder health. Prostate cancer is a different condition and is covered separately in this month’s Movember articles.
Apa Itu Prostat? (What Is the Prostate?)
The prostate is a small gland found only in men, often described as about the size of a walnut. It sits just below the bladder, and the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, passes through the middle of it.
Its main job is to make part of the fluid in semen, which helps to nourish and protect sperm. Because it wraps around the urethra, changes in the prostate can affect how a man passes urine, which is why prostate questions so often come up alongside questions about the bladder.
Kenapa Prostat Membesar? (Why Does the Prostate Enlarge?)
For most men, the prostate slowly grows larger from middle age onwards. Doctors call this benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and in everyday Malay it is usually called “prostat bengkak” or “prostat membesar”. The exact reason is not fully understood, but it is thought to be linked to the natural changes in hormone balance as men get older.
The word “benign” matters. BPH is not cancer and does not turn into cancer, although only a doctor can assess what is behind changes in the prostate. It is also very common and becomes more likely with every decade, so men who notice changes after 50 are far from alone.
As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra and bladder. Some men notice nothing, while others find the urine stream becomes weaker, they need to go more often, or they wake at night to pass urine. These changes are not specific to the prostate: diabetes, urine infections, drinking habits, sleep problems and other conditions can look very similar. Only a doctor can assess what is behind them, so it is sensible to mention any new or bothersome change rather than assume it is “just age”.
Sakit Prostat (Prostate Pain): What Is Prostatitis?
Searches for “sakit prostat” (prostate pain) or “apa itu prostatitis” (what is prostatitis) are often about something different from an enlarged prostate. Prostatitis means inflammation of the prostate gland, and unlike BPH it can affect younger men too.
Some cases come on suddenly, are linked to a bacterial infection and can make a man feel generally unwell. Others are longer-lasting, and in many of these no infection is found. Discomfort can be felt in the lower abdomen, groin, lower back or between the scrotum and the back passage, and passing urine may be uncomfortable. These signs overlap with other conditions, so only a doctor can assess the cause.
Prostatitis is not cancer, and worrying about it should not stop a man from speaking to a doctor, who can assess the cause.
Myths and Facts About Penyakit Prostat (Prostate Problems)
Myth: An enlarged prostate means cancer. Fact: BPH is a common non-cancerous change and does not become cancer. The two can, however, exist side by side, so new or changing symptoms are worth discussing with a doctor.
Myth: Getting up at night to pass urine is just part of ageing and not worth mentioning. Fact: It is common, but it has many possible causes, including diabetes and sleep problems. It is worth raising with a doctor.
Myth: Drinking less water all day will protect the prostate. Fact: Cutting back on water does not protect the prostate. In Malaysia’s heat, staying well hydrated through the day matters for the kidneys, the bladder and general health.
Everyday Habits That Support Prostate and Bladder Health
No single habit stops the prostate from growing with age, but healthy living supports the bladder, the heart and overall wellbeing.
- Keeping a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight, especially around the waist, has been linked with more urinary symptoms in men.
- Staying active. Regular movement, such as a brisk walk on most days, supports weight, blood sugar and heart health.
- Being aware of evening caffeine and alcohol. Coffee, strong tea and alcohol can make the bladder more active, so late-evening drinks may affect sleep for some men.
- Eating plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains, and not smoking. Both support overall health.
- Regular health check-ups. Conditions that affect urination, such as diabetes, can develop quietly. The guide to men’s health screening in Kampar after 40 explains why check-ups matter with age.
When to See a Doctor, and When to Go to Emergency
It is sensible to speak to a doctor if urinary changes are new, worsening, disturbing sleep or daily life, or simply causing worry. A GP may assess the symptoms and general health and may refer to a urologist when specialist input is needed. Urology care, imaging and any surgery are arranged by referral rather than at a general practice clinic.
Some men ask about the PSA blood test. Whether it is suitable is a decision to discuss with a doctor.
Go to the nearest emergency department or call 999 for any of the following:
- Being completely unable to pass urine
- Blood clots in the urine, or blood in the urine together with being unable to pass urine
- Fever with chills together with painful urination
Any blood in the urine is a reason to see a doctor promptly.
For what a local GP clinic looks after day to day, see Klinik Kampar: what a local GP clinic handles, and for more topics, the men’s health section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apa itu prostat bengkak (what is a swollen prostate), and is it cancer?
“Prostat bengkak” usually refers to benign prostatic hyperplasia, the gradual, non-cancerous growth of the prostate that is very common with age. It does not turn into cancer, but because the two can occur together, new or changing urinary symptoms are worth mentioning to a doctor.
Kenapa prostat membesar dengan usia (why does the prostate enlarge with age)?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is thought to be linked to natural changes in hormone balance with ageing. How much it affects daily life varies greatly from man to man.
Apa itu prostatitis (what is prostatitis)?
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. It can affect younger men too and it is not cancer. A doctor needs to assess the cause.
Is sakit prostat (prostate pain) an emergency?
It depends on the signs. Being unable to pass urine, blood clots in the urine, or fever with chills and painful urination are reasons to go to the nearest emergency department or call 999. Any blood in the urine is a reason to see a doctor promptly, and any other prostate pain or discomfort is worth discussing with a doctor, as only a doctor can assess the cause.
Should every man over 50 ask for a PSA test?
Not automatically. The PSA test has benefits and limitations, and whether it suits a particular man depends on his circumstances. It is a decision to discuss with a doctor.
For further information, you are welcome to call 012-551 0173 or walk in during opening hours.