Men’s Health
Men's Health

Prostate Health

The prostate is a small gland that causes big problems for many South African men — from urinary troubles and enlargement to inflammation and cancer. This section is your starting point: understand what the prostate does, learn the warning signs, know when to get screened, and find out when to see a urologist so you can act early rather than late.

Overview PSA Screening BPH Symptoms Prostate Cancer Urinary Health When to See a Doctor

Start Here: Your Prostate Health Pathway

Most men’s prostate journey follows a familiar path — from understanding what’s normal, to noticing symptoms, to getting tested and, if needed, treated. The sections below walk you through that journey in order. If you’re new to the topic, start with PSA Screening and Urinary Health to understand the basics and your risk. If you already have a concern or diagnosis, jump straight to BPH or Prostate Cancer for detailed guidance. And if you’re unsure where you fit, When to See a Doctor will help you decide your next step.

PSA Screening

PSA Screening

Who needs a PSA test, how often, and what the results mean.
BPH Symptoms

BPH Symptoms

Benign prostatic hyperplasia — causes, symptoms and treatment options.
Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Diagnosis, staging, treatment and survival rates in South Africa.
Urinary Health

Urinary Health

Managing urinary symptoms linked to prostate conditions.
When to See a Doctor

When to See a Doctor

Warning signs that require prompt medical attention.

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Prostate Health for South African Men

Prostate health is one of the most overlooked areas of men’s healthcare in South Africa — partly because the prostate is something most men know little about, and partly because urinary and sexual symptoms still carry unnecessary stigma. The result is that too many men wait until symptoms are severe before seeking help, when earlier action could have prevented complications, preserved quality of life and, in the case of cancer, saved lives.

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. Its main job is to produce fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Because it wraps around the urethra, any swelling or growth can press on it — which is why so many prostate problems show up first as urinary symptoms. The prostate naturally grows as men age, which is why prostate issues become more common over time.

Three conditions cause most prostate problems: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement common after 50; prostatitis, inflammation or infection that can affect men of any age; and prostate cancer, the most common cancer in South African men. The good news is that all three are manageable — and prostate cancer, when caught early through screening, is highly treatable. Men of African descent and those with a family history are at higher risk and should consider screening from 40–45.

The single most important step is the first one: knowing your prostate, understanding your risk, and making screening part of your routine health — just like checking your blood pressure. Use the pathway above to find the area most relevant to you, and don’t let embarrassment or uncertainty keep you from acting early.