Prostate
Specialty of Urology
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a gland of the male urinary and reproductive system a little larger than a walnut. It is located between the bladder and the penis, behind the intestine, with the urethra running through it.
What does the prostate do?
The main function of the prostate is to produce prostatic fluid, which is then secreted into the urethra. The prostatic fluid is part of semen along with seminal vesicle fluid and spermatozoa. Prostatic fluid contains the necessary elements to extend the lifespan of sperm. The muscles of the prostate help to create the force needed to expel semen during ejaculation.
The prostate is also responsible for controlling the urine stream via muscle contraction around the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder to the penis. It is therefore able to decrease or interrupt the urine stream.
What conditions can affect the prostate?
Men can be affected by several conditions of the prostate:
- Prostatitis – inflammation of the prostate. This can be caused by infection.
- Benign prostate enlargement/benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – growth of the prostate with age can affect urination and cause other symptoms.
- Prostate cancer – the most common cancer in men, but also very treatable, with a high survival rate.
Prostatitis usually affects younger men, while other conditions are more common in adults and in the elderly.
How can such conditions be treated?
Treatment will vary according to the specific condition:
- Prostatitis may be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, and the patient may have to follow a specific diet (focusing on making sure they get enough nutrients and liquids).
- Benign prostate enlargement may be treated with α1-blockers, which relax the muscles around the urethra and 5α-reductase inhibitors, which will inhibit the transformation of testosterone. If medication is ineffective, there are also surgical options.
- Prostate cancer may be treated in a number of different ways, depending on the nature of the cancer and the patient’s choice. Some may choose to wait and observe to see if the cancer is growing. Others may opt for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, prostate brachytherapy, hormone therapy or surgery to remove part or all of the prostate (prostatectomy). The doctor might also recommend a combination of these treatments to ensure the cancer is eradicated.
Which doctor should I see?
You should see a specialised urologist.
Articles related to
Detecting prostate cancer: mpMRI scan
By Professor Richard Hindley
2019-02-21
Prostate cancer is a big worry for many men as they get older, and when urinary symptoms start, it is best to get checked out by a doctor, even if just to be on the safe side. There are a number of different tests and scans to check for signs of prostate cancer. Multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) scans are an advanced form of MRI scanning which produces more detailed images than standard MRIs. Leading urologist Professor Richard Hindley explains. See more
Diagnosing prostate cancer: tests and surveillance
By Mr Simon Bott
2019-02-21
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men - in fact it is thought most men will develop it if they live long enough. How can doctors diagnose prostate cancer? Expert urologist Mr Simon Bott is here with the answers. See more
UroLift – a new, simple way of treating an enlarged prostate
By Mr Rajesh Kavia
2019-02-21
Leading urological surgeon Mr Rajesh Kavia explains about the UroLift procedure, a new, minimally invasive way of treating an enlarged prostate. See more
What is Aquablation of the prostate using the AquaBeam system?
By Mr Neil Barber
2019-02-20
Benign prostate enlargement is a common problem experienced by men as they age. The good news is that benign prostate enlargement is very treatable. Mr Neil Barber, a top urologist, describes the Aquablation and AquaBeam approach which offers a less invasive means of treating this condition. See more
Experts in
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Mr Sarb Sandhu
UrologyExpert in:
- Bladder cancer
- Vasovasostomy (vasectomy reversal)
- Vasectomy
- Prostate cancer
- Prostate
- Bladder problems
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Mr Andrew Ballaro
UrologyExpert in:
- Adult circumcision
- Benign prostate enlargement
- Laser lithotripsy
- Prostate
- Kidney stones
- Holmium laser
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Mr Rajesh Kavia
UrologyExpert in:
- Urinary incontinence
- Prostate
- Bladder problems
- Urinary tract infection
- Paediatric urology
- Urinary incontinence in women
Related clinics
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