Prostate Disease Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The prostate gland is a small organ in the male reproductive system, about the size of a walnut, located at the base of the bladder. The urethra – the thin tube that carries urine and semen out through the penis – runs directly through the prostate.

The prostate produces an alkaline fluid that nourishes sperm. This fluid mixes with sperm and other secretions to form semen (ejaculate), which exits the body through the urethra during ejaculation.

In Grand Rapids, MI, prostate disease is a common concern for men as they age. Local health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health all provide specialized urology and prostate care.

Prostate Growth and Ageing

The Two Main Prostate Growth Spurts

The prostate typically goes through two main growth phases:

  1. Puberty:
    Driven by sex hormones (androgens) made by the testes, the prostate grows to an average adult weight of about 20 grams.

  2. Adulthood (starting in the 30s):
    A second, gradual growth phase begins in a man’s 30s and continues through later life. This growth is why many older men in Grand Rapids develop prostate-related urinary symptoms.

As men age, prostate conditions become more common:

  • Around 25% of men aged 55+ have a prostate condition
  • Around 50% of men by age 70 are affected

Given the aging population in the Grand Rapids metro area, prostate disease is an important local men’s health issue.

Early Prostate Disease Often Has No Symptoms

Many prostate problems start silently. Men in Grand Rapids in their 50s and 60s should talk with their primary care doctor or urologist about:

  • Whether prostate checks are appropriate
  • How often to be checked
  • The risks and benefits of screening tests, such as the PSA blood test

You may need earlier evaluation if you:

  • Have a family history of prostate cancer or prostate disease
  • Are African American (higher risk of prostate cancer)
  • Have concerning urinary or pelvic symptoms at a younger age

Local clinics in Grand Rapids, including those affiliated with Corewell Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids, offer prostate screening and urology consultations. The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can also provide guidance on where to get screening and follow-up care.

Main Types of Prostate Disease

The three most common prostate conditions are:

  1. Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)
  2. Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate
    – Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
  3. Prostate cancer

A man may experience one or more of these conditions over his lifetime.

Prostatitis (Inflammation of the Prostate)

Prostatitis can affect men of any age, but it is more common between ages 30 and 50. In a city like Grand Rapids, where many men work physically demanding jobs or sit for long periods (office, manufacturing, driving), pelvic discomfort and urinary symptoms are frequent reasons to see a doctor.

Types of Prostatitis

  • Bacterial prostatitis (acute or chronic):

    • Caused by a bacterial infection
    • Often responds well to antibiotics that penetrate the prostate

  • Non-bacterial prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS):

    • The most common form
    • Prostate and pelvic area are inflamed or painful, but no bacteria are found
    • Exact cause is often unknown

Possible Contributing Factors to CPPS

The cause of CPPS is usually multifactorial and may include:

  • Past bacterial prostatitis infection
  • Chronic anxiety or stress (which can be higher during long Michigan winters)
  • Irritation from certain chemicals (e.g., in personal care products or detergents)
  • Nerve problems affecting the lower urinary tract
  • Problems with pelvic floor muscles (tight or weak muscles)
  • History of sexual trauma or abuse

Symptoms of Prostatitis

Symptoms vary widely, but may include:

  • Pain or discomfort in the:
    • Lower abdomen
    • Perineum (area between scrotum and anus)
    • Lower back or pelvic area
  • Painful urination or ejaculation
  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • Weak urine stream or difficulty starting urination

There is no single test to diagnose CPPS. Your Grand Rapids doctor or urologist will often:

  • Take a detailed history and do a physical exam
  • Rule out urinary tract infection and other causes
  • Possibly order imaging or specialized tests

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

What Is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that becomes more common as men age. It is not life-threatening, but it can significantly affect quality of life.

Because the prostate surrounds the top of the urethra, enlargement can:

  • Narrow the urethra
  • Put pressure on the base of the bladder
  • Lead to obstruction (blockage) in urine flow

Cold Michigan winters can sometimes make urinary symptoms more noticeable, as men may drink less water, consume more caffeine, or be less active, which can all affect bladder function.

Symptoms of BPH (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms)

Common symptoms include:

  • Trouble starting the flow of urine
  • Weak or intermittent urine stream
  • Feeling that the bladder is not fully emptied
  • Dribbling at the end of urination
  • Urge to urinate often, especially at night (nocturia)
  • Sudden, strong urge to urinate

Acute and Chronic Urinary Retention

BPH can cause urine to remain in the bladder when it should be released:

  • Acute urinary retention:

    • Sudden inability to pass urine
    • Very painful and requires emergency care
    • Usually relieved temporarily by inserting a catheter (thin tube) to drain the bladder
    • If this happens, go immediately to an emergency department such as:
      • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital
      • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
      • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health

  • Chronic urinary retention:

    • Gradual, ongoing difficulty emptying the bladder
    • May be painless but dangerous
    • Can cause a large, overfilled bladder and, in rare cases, high bladder pressures that damage the kidneys

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men. Each year, thousands of men in Michigan are diagnosed, and many are treated at Grand Rapids centers such as:

  • Helen DeVos / Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion (Corewell Health)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Cancer Center
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health Cancer Center

How Prostate Cancer Develops

  • In early stages, cancer cells are confined to the prostate gland.
  • More aggressive cancers can quickly enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
  • Cancer cells may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, especially the bones, forming secondary tumors.

Advancing age and family history are key risk factors. Other possible contributors include lifestyle, diet, and genetic factors.

In its earliest stages, prostate cancer may have no symptoms, which is why discussion about screening is important for men in their 50s and 60s, and earlier for higher-risk groups.

Symptoms of Prostate Disease

The symptoms depend on the specific condition, but can include:

  • Urinary symptoms

    • Difficulty starting urination
    • Weak or interrupted urine stream
    • Urinating more often, especially at night
    • Urgent need to urinate
    • Feeling like the bladder does not empty completely
    • Pain or burning with urination

  • Pelvic and sexual symptoms

    • Pain in the pelvis, lower back, or perineum
    • Painful ejaculation
    • Erectile difficulties (sometimes associated, but not always directly caused by prostate disease)

  • Blood in urine or semen

    • Blood in the urine (hematuria)
    • Blood coming from the urethra independent of urination
    • Blood in semen

Blood in the Urine

Blood in the urine is often due to causes not related to the prostate, such as bladder or kidney issues. However, it always requires medical evaluation.

If you see blood in your urine:

  • Contact your primary care provider or a urologist in Grand Rapids promptly
  • If bleeding is heavy or you cannot urinate, seek emergency care

How Prostate Disease Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Prostate disease is usually diagnosed using a combination of:

Clinical Examination

  • Physical exam, including:
    • Digital rectal examination (DRE):
      The doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the size, shape, and consistency of the prostate.

Laboratory and Imaging Tests

  • PSA blood test (Prostate Specific Antigen):

    • Measures a protein produced by prostate cells
    • Can be elevated in prostate cancer, BPH, and prostatitis
    • Discuss the benefits and limitations of PSA testing with your doctor

  • Mid-stream urine (MSU) test:

    • Checks for infection or blood in the urine

  • Ultrasound scans and urinary flow studies:

    • Evaluate bladder emptying and urine flow
    • May include transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) of the prostate

  • Prostate biopsy:

    • Small samples of prostate tissue are taken (usually via a needle) and examined under a microscope to check for cancer

Many of these tests are available through hospital systems in Grand Rapids, including Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Treatment Options for Prostate Disease

Treatment depends on the specific condition, its severity, your age, other health issues, and your personal preferences. In Grand Rapids, prostate care is often managed by a team including urologists, oncologists, primary care physicians, and specialized nurses.

Prostatitis Treatment

Depending on the type:

  • Bacterial prostatitis:

    • Antibiotic medications (often for several weeks)
    • Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
    • Increased fluid intake
    • Sometimes alpha-blockers to relax muscle tone in the prostate and bladder neck

  • Non-bacterial prostatitis / CPPS:

    • May include:
      • Medications for pain and inflammation
      • Alpha-blockers
      • Pelvic floor physical therapy (available through many Grand Rapids rehab clinics)
      • Stress management, counseling, or treatment for anxiety
      • Lifestyle changes (regular exercise, avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol)
      • Warm baths or heat therapy

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) Treatment

  • Medications:

    • Alpha-blockers to relax the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck
    • 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors to shrink the prostate over time
    • Combination therapy in some cases

  • Minimally invasive procedures and surgery:

    • Procedures that remove or shrink part of the prostate to open the urethral channel (for example, TURP or newer minimally invasive options)
    • Aim is to create a permanently widened channel through the prostate

These treatments are commonly performed in Grand Rapids hospitals and outpatient surgery centers.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

Treatment is tailored to each individual, considering:

  • Stage and grade (aggressiveness) of the cancer
  • PSA level and biopsy results
  • Age and overall health
  • Personal preferences and quality-of-life considerations

Management Approaches for Prostate Cancer

  • Active surveillance / watchful waiting:

    • Regular monitoring with PSA tests, DRE, and possibly repeat biopsies
    • Appropriate for some low-risk, slow-growing cancers

  • Surgery (prostatectomy):

    • Removal of the prostate gland
    • May be done with open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted techniques (available at major Grand Rapids centers)

  • Radiation therapy:

    • External beam radiation
    • Brachytherapy (internal radiation seeds)

  • Ablative treatments:

    • High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
    • Other focal therapies (such as NanoKnife® in select centers)

  • Hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy):

    • Reduces levels or blocks the action of male hormones that can fuel prostate cancer growth

  • Chemotherapy and newer systemic treatments:

    • For advanced or metastatic disease
    • May include immunotherapy or targeted therapies in certain cases

Many of these treatments are available through Grand Rapids cancer centers with multidisciplinary teams and access to clinical trials.

Living With Prostate Disease in Grand Rapids

Because West Michigan experiences cold, long winters, men may be less active and drink fewer fluids, which can worsen urinary symptoms. Helpful strategies include:

  • Staying physically active year-round (indoor walking tracks, gyms, community centers)
  • Drinking adequate water, even in winter
  • Limiting caffeine and alcohol if they worsen symptoms
  • Keeping up with regular checkups at your Grand Rapids clinic

Support groups and counseling services are also available locally for men coping with prostate cancer or chronic prostatitis.

Local and National Resources

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding Kent County area, you can seek help from:

  • Your GP / primary care doctor
  • Urologists at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for information on local screening programs and referrals

National organizations that provide reliable information and support include:

  • Prostate Cancer Foundation
  • American Cancer Society (Michigan resources)
  • Kidney health and urology organizations (for related urinary and kidney issues)

Key Points About Prostate Disease

  • The prostate undergoes two main growth spurts – during puberty and starting in the 30s.
  • Early stages of prostate disease may have no symptoms, making regular discussions with your doctor important.
  • Prostatitis can affect men of any age, but is more common between 30 and 50 years.
  • In most cases, the exact cause of non-bacterial prostatitis (CPPS) is unknown and may be related to multiple factors, including stress, prior infections, and pelvic floor dysfunction.
  • Non-bacterial prostatitis / CPPS is the most common form of prostatitis and can be more challenging to manage than bacterial prostatitis.
  • Grand Rapids offers comprehensive, high-quality prostate care, from screening and diagnosis to advanced treatment, through its major health systems and public health resources.

If you have urinary or pelvic symptoms, or concerns about prostate cancer, schedule an appointment with a Grand Rapids healthcare provider to discuss evaluation and next steps. Early assessment can lead to better outcomes and more treatment options.