November – otherwise known as Movember – is all about men’s health. You’ll see moustaches popping up everywhere as a reminder to talk about something most men don’t think much about until there’s a problem: the prostate.
It’s not the most glamorous topic, but it’s an important one. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that sits just below the bladder and plays a key role in sexual and urinary health.
When it’s healthy, you barely notice it. When it’s not—you definitely do.
One of the most common prostate concerns that men face as they age is benign prostatic hyperplasia – or BPH for short. Here, the prostate grows in size over time and can make simple things (like urination or even sleeping through the night) more complicated that they have to be.
Symptoms include:
- Increased frequency and urgency of urination
- Weak urinary stream
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
For many men, BPH is an inevitable part of growing older. However, through simple changes like staying hydrated, managing stress and adding targeted nutrients, the progression can be slowed significantly.
Another common concern is prostatitis. This essentially translates to “inflammation of the prostate” and is often caused by either acute or chronic infection. However, other causes may include muscle tension, stress or trauma to the area.
Symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower back, groin, or between the testicles and anus
- Burning or discomfort when urinating
- Pain on ejaculation
- A feeling of pelvic fullness
Treatment for prostatitis often depends on the cause – which is why it’s so important to get a full work-up of the case with a naturopathic doctor in order to find what that cause is.
Finally, a blog about prostate concerns would be incomplete without mentioning prostate cancer. Even though this is one of the most common cancers found in men, it can be highly treatable if caught early. The challenge is, however, it can be very difficult to catch prostate cancer in its early stages, as it rarely presents with any symptoms until things have progressed to a more aggressive state.
Once symptoms do show up, they typically include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Changes to strength of flow
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain with urination of ejaculation
After the age of 50 (or even sooner if prostate cancer runs in the family), prostate screening becomes a common part of all general wellness checks. This may include PSA testing or a physical exam.
Moustaches aside – initiatives like Movember are incredibly important. Too often, men simply ignore early signs and symptoms until it’s too late. But the truth is… awareness and early action save lives.
Speaking openly about prostate health with the men in your life not only helps to normalize the conversation, remove the stigma and encourage men to take their health back into their own hands.
Is it time for you or a man in your life to get checked? A naturopathic doctor can help! Book your appointment with Dr. Emile today!
References:
Canadian Urological Association. (2022, September). PSA screening pocket guide: A practical approach to the Canadian Urological Association recommendations on prostate cancer screening and early diagnosis.
https://www.cua.org/sites/default/files/Flipbooks/CPD/PSApocketguideSept22/index.html
Government of Canada. (2025, September 3). Just for you – Men. Health Canada.
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/just-for-you/men.html
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025, February 20). Prostate cancer — Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-2
0353087?utm
Wilson, K. M., & Mucci, L. A. (2019). Diet and lifestyle in prostate cancer. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1210, 1–27.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32656-2_1
Book your discovery call with Dr. Emile today!
Dr. Emile Sabga, ND
Sage Naturopathic Clinic