Types of non-cancerous prostate problems:

There are clinical conditions of the prostate gland that are not cancer, including the following:
prostatism - any condition of the prostate that causes interference with the flow of urine from the bladder.
prostatitis - an inflamed condition of the prostate gland that may be accompanied by discomfort, pain, frequent or infrequent urination, and, sometimes, fever.
prostatalgia - pain in the prostate gland.
benign prostatic hyperplasia (Also called BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy.) - a specific term that defines the condition of an enlarged prostate. BPH is the most common non-cancerous prostate problem. It can cause discomfort and problems urinating. Although it is not cancer, BPH symptoms are often similar to those of prostate cancer.
impotence (Also called erectile dysfunction.) - the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
urinary incontinence - the loss of bladder control.
These problems are quite common and may happen to men of all ages.
Procedures used to evaluate prostate problems:
In addition to an annual physical examination that includes blood, urine, and possibly other laboratory tests, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society suggest consulting your physician about these recommendations for the evaluation of the prostate gland:
DRE (digital rectal examinations)As recommended by your physician, DREs are usually conducted annually for men over the age of 50. Men in high-risk groups, such as African-Americans, or those with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should consult their physicians about being tested at a younger age.
PSA (prostate-specific antigen)As recommended by your physician, a PSA test is usually conducted annually for men over the age of 50. Men in high-risk groups, such as African-Americans, or those with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should consult their physicians about being tested at a younger age.