The main risk factors associated with the development of prostate cancer are:

• Genetic predisposition: Having a family history of prostate cancer (father, brothers) increases the risk.PMC

• Age: The risk increases significantly after age 60.

• Ethnicity: African American men are at higher risk, with studies showing they are about twice as likely to develop and die from prostate cancer compared to white men.

Kidney stones are typically caused by multiple factors. The primary cause is chronic dehydration, which concentrates minerals in the urine. Other contributing factors include high intake of red meat, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, bariatric surgery, elevated uric acid levels (gout, hyperuricemia), hormonal imbalances (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism), urinary composition disorders (hypocitraturia), and genetic predispositions. Verywell Health

Prostate issues can affect men across various age groups.

• Younger men: It's important to engage in responsible sexual activity, use condoms, and have annual urological evaluations starting at the onset of sexual activity.

• Older men: Maintaining healthy habits such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and optimal weight can significantly reduce the risk of prostate enlargement. While there's no guaranteed method to prevent prostate cancer, early detection is crucial for effective treatment.

Hematuria (blood in the urine) is never normal and warrants prompt medical

evaluation. Common causes include:

• Urinary tract infectionsHarvard Health

• Kidney or urinary tract stonesUCSF Department of Urology

• Tumors in the urinary tract (kidney, bladder, prostate)

• Trauma or injury to the back or genital areabrownhealth.org

• Congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition, particularly in men over 40, but it can also affect younger men. Primary causes include conditions that impair cardiovascular health:

• Smoking.

• Obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

• High cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Other contributing factors:

• Psychological causes (anxiety, depression, stress).

• Hormonal imbalances (testosterone deficiency, thyroid disorders).

• Trauma (spinal cord injuries, genital injuries).

Occasionally waking up once or twice at night to urinate can be normal. However, frequent nocturnal urination (two or more times per night) is not normal and should be evaluated by a specialist. Causes can be urological or non-urological:

• Urological causes: Prostate enlargement, urethral stricture (scarring in the urinary tract), urinary tract infections, overactive bladder.

• Non-urological causes: Excessive fluid intake at night, use of diuretics (medications, caffeine, alcohol), heart conditions (heart failure).

The most common cause of a burning sensation during urination is a urinary tract infection. However, other more serious conditions can also cause this symptom:

• Bladder cancer.

• Urinary tract stones.

• Sexually transmitted infections.