Written by the CenterWell content team
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Written by the CenterWell content team
Prostate health is a topic many men begin to think more about over time, especially as everyday changes become more noticeable. Things like disrupted sleep, changes in comfort or new bathroom habits can affect how you feel day to day and it’s not always clear what’s normal. The good news is that a lot of prostate‑related concerns are common and manageable with the right care. Understanding what to watch for and when to talk with a healthcare provider can help you feel more confident about the future.
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder. As it changes with age, it can press on the bladder and affect how you urinate. This may lead to symptoms like waking up often at night or having trouble emptying your bladder fully.
Prostate growth is a natural part of getting older. And while these changes are common, they can affect daily life. Poor sleep, low energy or added stress can follow when symptoms aren’t being managed.
Many seniors also feel rushed during routine checkups or are unsure how to bring up these concerns. Still, talking about prostate health is important. With the right care and enough time to talk, you can feel more comfortable and confident about your health.
One of the most common conditions is an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is not cancer. It simply means the prostate has grown bigger. It affects 70% of men between 60–69 and 80% of men over 70.¹ Symptoms may include a weak urine stream, trouble starting or feeling like the bladder is not empty.
Another condition is prostatitis, which means the prostate is irritated or swollen. This can cause pain or discomfort, especially in cases of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. It may happen more often in older adults, especially those with other health conditions.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, especially after age 65. A 2026 projection from the American Cancer Society® estimates 333,830 new cases within the calendar year.² And while hearing the word “cancer” can be extremely scary, early detection can help guide the right care plan.
A common test for prostate health is the PSA test. It measures the level of prostate‑specific antigen, a protein found in the blood. A higher PSA level does not always mean cancer. It can also be caused by an enlarged prostate or an infection.
PSA levels often change with age. For men ages 60–69, a PSA level up to about 4.5 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) may be normal. For men over 70, levels up to 6.5 ng/mL can be normal.³ That’s why healthcare providers look at PSA results over time and consider your age and overall health, not just 1 number.
For men ages 55–69, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends deciding about PSA testing together with your healthcare provider after talking through the benefits and risks. After age 70, routine testing is not always recommended unless there are special health concerns. In some cases, healthcare providers may also look at how quickly PSA levels change or how PSA relates to prostate size to better understand what’s going on.
Taking care of your body can support prostate health. A balanced, Mediterranean‑style diet with fruits, vegetables and healthy fats may help. Foods like tomatoes and watermelon contain lycopene, and leafy or cruciferous vegetables like spinach and broccoli are good choices.
Limiting red and processed meat is also important. Cooking meat at very high temperatures can create substances linked to more aggressive prostate cancer, so choosing lean proteins and gentler cooking methods can help.
Staying active supports overall health. Experts recommend about 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as walking. Men with strong heart health have been shown to lower their risk of dying from prostate cancer by up to 50%.¹
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol to 1 drink per day can also make a difference. Small changes over long periods of time can have a big impact on your health.
Some symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. If you are unable to urinate at all, this needs immediate care. You should also reach out to your healthcare provider if you notice blood in your urine or semen, feel sudden pain in the lower body or experience new and concerning symptoms.
Getting help early can prevent bigger problems later.
At CenterWell, care is built around you. Our senior‑focused primary care model is designed for older adults, with 50% more time during visits so you never feel rushed—especially when discussing sensitive topics like prostate health or sexual health.
Your care team works together to support your whole health. Primary care physicians, nurses and support staff stay connected to help manage prostate concerns alongside other conditions, medications or changes in health. If you need help with medication management or support at home, CenterWell’s integrated pharmacy and home health services can help you stay independent and on track.
When you’re ready to get started,
