The prostate is a small but important gland in the male reproductive system.
The prostate is often overlooked until problems arise. But its size and health can significantly affect both urinary and sexual function, especially as men age.
What is a Normal Prostate Volume?
In healthy adult males, the normal prostate gland measurement is approximately:
- Width: 1.6 inches (4 cm)
- Height: 1.2 inches (3 cm)
- Depth (thickness): 1 inch (2.5 cm)
This results in a prostate that weighs about 0.7 to 1 ounce or 20 to 30 grams. The total prostate volume is 20 to 30 cubic centimeters (cc). For comparison, that's about the size of a walnut.
Its size allows the prostate to carry out its primary function, which is to produce seminal fluid that nourishes sperm and supports ejaculation.
Dimensions of Prostate Gland – Do They Change Over Time?
The prostate doesn't stay the same size throughout life. It goes through two natural growth phases:
- During puberty, the gland doubles in size as hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) rise.
- After age 25, the prostate begins a second, slower growth phase that continues throughout adulthood.
By middle age and beyond, this gradual growth may result in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or non-cancerous prostate enlargement.
What Counts as an Enlarged Prostate?
An enlarged prostate typically means the gland has grown beyond the normal prostate size and is over 30 cc in volume. In some men, the prostate may reach 40 to 100 cc or more, especially in severe cases of BPH.
The increase in volume can compress the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The result is a slowing or blocking of urine flow.
Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement
As the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra and lead to lower urinary tract symptoms, which may include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Trouble starting urination
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Urgent need to urinate
- Dribbling after urination
- Feeling like your bladder isn't fully empty
Not every man with an enlarged prostate experiences symptoms, but when they do occur, they can range from mild to extremely disruptive. And, in severe cases, BPH can cause urinary retention, where you cannot urinate at all. Urinary retention requires immediate medical attention.
What Causes Prostate Enlargement?
The exact cause of benign prostate growth isn't fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute:
- Aging. BPH becomes more common with age. About 50% of men over 50 and up to 80% of men over 70 have some prostate enlargement.
- Hormonal changes. A lifelong balance between testosterone and DHT seems to influence prostate growth.
- Genetics. Men with a family history of BPH are more likely to develop it.
- Lifestyle factors. Having extra body weight, a lack of physical activity, and a poor diet may increase the risk.
- Diabetes and heart disease. These conditions are associated with a higher risk of BPH.
Conditions Related to Prostate Enlargement
While BPH is not cancer, it shares similar urinary symptoms with other prostate conditions, including:
- Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate, which can be acute or chronic.
- Prostate cancer, which is often silent in its early stages, may cause urinary issues as it progresses.
That's why evaluating prostate size and health is so important, especially if you notice new or worsening urinary symptoms.
How Is Prostate Size Measured?
To evaluate prostate volume, a urologist may use:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE). A quick exam to assess the size and texture of the prostate.
- Ultrasound. Produces images of the prostate to measure its exact dimensions and calculate its volume.
- MRI. In some cases, MRI may provide detailed views of the prostate, especially if cancer is a concern.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. While not a size measurement, elevated PSA levels can signal prostate enlargement, inflammation, or cancer.
When to See a Urologist
If you're over age 50, or younger with risk factors or urinary symptoms, it's smart to have your prostate health evaluated. A urologist specializes in diagnosing and managing:
- Enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Prostate cancer
- Prostatitis
- Other urinary tract disorders
Early evaluation helps determine whether symptoms are due to normal prostate gland growth, enlargement, or something more serious.
Find out if your prostate is a normal size - schedule an appointment today!