Chidi, a 52-year-old teacher in Enugu, started waking up three or four times every night to use the bathroom. At first he put it down to drinking too much water. But when he began struggling to start urinating, and sometimes leaking on the way, he knew something was wrong.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Prostate problems affect a huge number of Nigerian men, especially after the age of 40. And because the prostate sits just below the bladder, any change in the gland directly affects how your bladder works.
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its main job is to produce fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. But because it wraps around the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body), any enlargement can squeeze the urethra and disrupt normal urination.
Studies show that up to 25% of adult Nigerian men have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. That figure rises sharply after age 50, with some research suggesting over 50% of Nigerian men over 60 experience prostate-related urinary symptoms (Source: African Journal of Urology, 2024).
When the prostate enlarges, it presses against the bladder and narrows the urethra. The bladder has to work harder to push urine out. Over time, the bladder wall becomes thicker and weaker, leading to a range of symptoms:
These symptoms do not just affect physical health. They impact sleep, work, relationships, and confidence. Many Nigerian men quietly endure these signs for years before seeking help.
The earlier you catch prostate changes, the better your options. Here are the red flags to watch for:
If you experience any of these, do not dismiss them as just part of getting older. In Nigeria, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with 32.8 cases per 100,000 men and the highest death rate of any cancer in the country (Source: The Lancet Oncology).
Cultural attitudes play a big role. Many Nigerian men see prostate symptoms as a normal part of ageing, or feel too embarrassed to discuss bladder problems. Others fear the digital rectal exam (DRE) or worry about the cost of treatment.
A 2022 study found that Nigerian men have very low awareness of prostate cancer screening, and most are only diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment is harder (Source: IJAAR Publishing). This is why talking openly about prostate health matters so much.
If you are a wife, daughter, or caregiver reading this, you can help. Encourage the men in your life to get checked. A simple blood test (PSA test) and a physical exam can catch problems early. Many general hospitals in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Port Harcourt offer these tests at affordable rates.
While medical treatment is sometimes necessary, there are things you can do every day to support your prostate and bladder:
What you eat makes a real difference. A Nigerian diet rich in tomatoes (stew), leafy greens like ugu and bitter leaf, pumpkin seeds, and oily fish like mackerel provides nutrients that support prostate health. Limit red meat, fried foods, and excessive palm wine or beer — these can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms.
Drink 2 to 3 litres of water during the day, but reduce your intake after 7pm to minimise nighttime trips to the bathroom. Cut back on caffeine (tea, coffee, kolanut) and alcohol, both of which are bladder irritants.
Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder. They are not just for women. To do them: next time you urinate, try to stop the flow midstream. The muscles you use are your pelvic floor muscles. Tighten these muscles for 5 seconds, relax for 5 seconds, and repeat 10 times. Do this three times a day. Within a few weeks you may notice better bladder control (Source: Mayo Clinic).
Excess weight puts extra pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor. Regular walking — even 20 minutes a day around your neighbourhood or compound — can make a significant difference.
If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, it is time to book an appointment. Start with a general practitioner or a urologist at a teaching hospital — facilities like Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Enugu, or Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) in Zaria all have urology departments.
The doctor will likely recommend a PSA blood test and may perform a digital rectal exam. These sound uncomfortable but take only a few minutes and could save your life.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Options include:
The key message is this: prostate problems are treatable, and you do not have to suffer in silence. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
