Anatomy Education
Supportive materials for talking about what the prostate is, why it's important, and common conditions that affect it.
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Prostate Function
Reproductive function: the prostate secretes prostate specific antigen (PSA), which is essential to the viability and delivery of sperm during the reproductive process. Muscles within the prostate gland contract during ejaculation to push the semen through the urethra.
Urinary regulation: The gland surrounds the upper part of the urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder), which means its size and health directly affect urine flow.
Prostate health can directly impact quality of life.
Urinary regulation: The gland surrounds the upper part of the urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder), which means its size and health directly affect urine flow.
Prostate health can directly impact quality of life.
Other Prostate Conditions
Prostatitis: An inflammation of the prostate that may be caused by an infection. It's the most common prostate problem for men under 50—so common that about half of adult men will be treated for it in their lifetime. Prostatitis is not considered a serious disease, but it can be painful and inconvenient. Treatment options include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and sometimes surgery.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: BPH -- or benign prostatic hyperplasia -- is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. It is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate and is the most common prostate health problem among men. In rare cases, untreated BPH can lead to an inability to urinate, incontinence, bladder stones, kidney infections, and damage to the bladder, kidneys and urethra. Treatments can include medications, surgical procedures, and lifestyle modifications.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: BPH -- or benign prostatic hyperplasia -- is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. It is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate and is the most common prostate health problem among men. In rare cases, untreated BPH can lead to an inability to urinate, incontinence, bladder stones, kidney infections, and damage to the bladder, kidneys and urethra. Treatments can include medications, surgical procedures, and lifestyle modifications.
PSA |
DRE |